The Best Way to Keep Shellfish Fresh
New Englanders are fortunate to have the best shellfish in the world. Still, you need to know the best way to keep shellfish fresh because they have a short shelf life. We have tips for you below. And, of course, City Fish Market is a trusted seafood market for shellfish and a preferred supplier for restaurants and hotels in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.
Mussels, Oysters, and Clams
Shellfish are favorite appetizers and worth the effort to ensure optimal freshness and safe enjoyment when it’s time to eat. Oysters, clams, and mussels have slightly different instructions for preserving them. So, let’s take a look at the best way to keep shellfish fresh before eating them.
Shucked and Unshucked Oysters
Oysters can only be kept fresh if they are still alive. If the organs and liquor, or “oyster juice,” have been exposed to air, they are dead oysters that can be preserved for a few more hours before they are eaten. Unshucked oysters, if properly stored, can keep fresh for up to two weeks if they were recently harvested.
Oysters in the shell, or shell stock, should close quickly when tapped, and they should not gape. If the oyster meat is dry when the shell is open or if the shell does not close tightly, it should be discarded. Avoid eating oysters if the shell is damaged or broken.
A shucked oyster is one that has been opened and the meat is removed. The meat is usually a creamy tan color. It is plump and should smell fresh and mild.
How to Keep Oysters Fresh
Wash shell stock and remove excess debris before storing it in a well-ventilated refrigerated area. Store at a temperature between 34º F and 45º F. Note: Never store shell stock in air-tight containers. Oysters live in the cupped part of the shell. So, store them with the cup side down and cover them with a wet paper towel to help extend their shelf life. They can be stored in the refrigerator for a month if the temperature is under 40º.
Shucked oysters should be refrigerated, as well. They have a shelf life of 4 to 7 days. However, if you store them on ice, they can last up to 10 days if the ice stays fresh.
How to Keep Mussels Fresh
Mussels are usually still fresh for 1 to 2 days after purchase, but they can be kept fresh for up to 5 days, depending on how they were harvested. Place them in an open container. Airflow is important. Place a damp cloth over the mussels. Store the uncovered container of mussels in a refrigerator and eat it within 1 to 2 days.
How to Keep Clams Fresh
Clams don’t keep as long as oysters or mussels. From the time of harvest, they need to be eaten within 48 hours.
- To stay alive, clams need to breathe. Expose them to open air and keep them unbagged and loose in a pan or bowl.
- Cover the clams with a wet paper towel.
- Store the clams in the refrigerator.
- Eat clams within 2 days.
City Fish Market is the Go-To Place for Shellfish
Because of their brief shelf life, shellfish are delicacies that need to be handled properly. City Fish Market sells fresh, live oysters, clams, and mussels, and they know the best way to keep shellfish fresh. Start enjoying these seafood favorites at home with confidence. Visit us at 884 Silas Deane Hwy in Wethersfield, CT, today. You can also call us at 860-522-3129 or fill out our online form.