{"id":4156,"date":"2014-12-03T12:43:31","date_gmt":"2014-12-03T17:43:31","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/?page_id=4156"},"modified":"2024-08-28T15:06:05","modified_gmt":"2024-08-28T19:06:05","slug":"in-from-the-cold-fresh-vs-frozen-seafood","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/in-from-the-cold-fresh-vs-frozen-seafood\/","title":{"rendered":"IN FROM THE COLD: Fresh vs. Frozen Seafood"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n\n

This article was published in the Holiday 2014 issue of <\/em>Coastwatch.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s likely that at this time of year, you can only find frozen North Carolina shrimp. But don\u2019t let that deter you from attempting shrimp recipes this holiday season, including the parchment-wrapped shrimp recipe featured in this section.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fresh can mean many things \u2014 and can include frozen seafood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many consumers reject frozen seafood, believing that these products are inferior to more recent catch. In reality, as long as it is properly handled at harvest, during processing and at home, frozen seafood can equal \u2014 or even surpass \u2014 the quality of unfrozen seafood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the quality of most frozen seafood matches that of fish harvested straight out of the ocean. Fresh catches can be processed and swiftly frozen right onboard a properly equipped harvest vessel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Temperature control is the most effective way of limiting spoilage caused by bacteria. Maintaining the temperature of unfrozen seafood as close to 32 F as possible with ice, refrigeration or a combination of the two is a practical way of extending the quality of seafood for several days. Freezing seafood and storing it below 0 F, however, will allow the seafood to keep for several months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, freezing method matters. Common commercial methods, such as air- blast freezing, freeze the seafood quickly while preserving its texture and eating quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Follow NOAA\u2019s recommendations when purchasing frozen seafood:<\/p>\n\n\n\n