As the summer sun warms up, there's nothing quite like enjoying fresh seafood. But warm weather can make storing seafood a bit tricky. Don't worry – with a few simple tips, you can keep your catch fresh and delicious.
- Get It Cold Fast
As soon as you get your seafood, make sure to chill it quickly. If you’re fishing, bring a cooler with ice to store your catch right away. If you’re buying from a market, ask for ice to keep your seafood cold until you get home or, keep a cooler box in the boot of your car.
- Use Ice Packs
When storing seafood in your fridge, place it on a bed of ice packs. The ice packs will help maintain a cold temperature, keeping your seafood fresh because the temperature will remain even when the fridge door is opened and closed repeatedly, fluctuating the temperature.
- Keep It Dry
Moisture can cause seafood to spoil faster. Place a layer of paper towels under and over the seafood to absorb any excess moisture. Change the paper towels daily to keep everything dry.
- Store in the Coldest Part of the Fridge
Your fridge has warmer and colder spots. Store your seafood in the coldest part, usually at the back, close to the freezer compartment. This helps maintain a steady, low temperature.
- Use Airtight Containers
Store your seafood in airtight containers to keep it fresh longer and prevent any fishy smells from spreading in your fridge. If you’re using a plastic bag, make sure it’s sealed tightly.
- Freeze for Longer Storage
If you’re not planning to eat the seafood within a couple of days, freeze it. Place the seafood in a plastic bag, remove as much air as possible, and seal it tightly. Label the bag with the date so you know how long it’s been frozen.
- Thaw Properly
When you’re ready to use frozen seafood, thaw it in the fridge overnight. If you need to thaw it quickly, place the seafood in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water. Never thaw seafood at room temperature, as it can spoil quickly.
- Check for Freshness
Before cooking, always check your seafood for freshness. Fresh seafood should smell like the ocean – clean and slightly salty. If it smells sour or overly fishy, it’s best to throw it out.
- Use Ice for Serving
When serving seafood, especially outdoors, keep it on a bed of ice to maintain freshness. Use shallow containers with drainage holes filled with ice, and place your seafood on top. Replace the ice as it melts to keep everything cold. Never let your seafood rest direct in contact with water.
- Plan Ahead
If you know it’s going to be a hot day, plan your seafood meals accordingly. Try to buy or catch seafood in the morning when it’s cooler, and have everything ready to keep it cold as soon as you get home.
Keeping seafood fresh in warm weather is all about quick action and proper storage. Follow these simple tips, and you’ll enjoy fresh, tasty seafood all summer long. Happy eating and tight lines!