Shellfish
Shellfish include: Abalone, Clam, Cockle, Crab, Crawfish, Crayfish, Lobster, Mussel, Ormer, Oyster, Periwinkle, Prawn, Scallop, Scampi, Shrimp, Snail, Whelk.
Preparation
Only freeze freshly caught shellfish.
Clams. Cockles, Oysters, Periwinkles, Scallops: remove shells.
Mussels, Prawns, Shrimps: shells can be left on or removed.
Snails: best frozen with garlic butter ready to be served.
Crab, Lobster: cook in boiling water and prepare as usual.
Packaging
Shelled Shellfish: pack in juices or cooking liquid in rigid containers that are labelled and dated.
Fish with Shells: pack in rigid containers or freezer bags that are labelled and dated.
White and Brown Crab Meat: pack in separate rigid containers or repack in the crab shell. Cover the shell with cling film and foil and place in freezer bag. Ensure container is labelled and dated.
Lobsters: pack whole in freezer bags or foil after cooking. Alternatively split the shell and take the mean out and pack in labelled and dated freezer bags.
Thawing
Thaw in bags or containers in the refrigerator for at least 2 - 3 hours. Lobster and oysters will require 6 hours.
Serve raw or cook for fresh shellfish.
Alternatively use frozen shellfish in cooked dishes and cook for the minimum length of time.
Storage Time
3 months: Abalone, Clam, Cockle.
1 month: Crab, Crawfish, Crayfish, Lobster, Mussel, Ormer, Oyster, Periwinkle, Prawn, Scallop, Scampi, Shrimp, Snail, Whelk.