Keeping Crab Meat Fresh: A Guide to Properly Refrigerating Crab Meat

With its sweet, succulent flavor and delicate texture crab meat is one of the most delicious and prized seafood delicacies. Whether you’re enjoying fresh crab meat in an appetizer entrée, or salad, you’ll want to store any leftovers properly to preserve freshness and avoid spoilage. But how long can crab meat be refrigerated before it goes bad?

This guide will provide tips on the shelf life of refrigerated crab meat and how to store it to extend maximum freshness.

How Long Does Refrigerated Crab Meat Last?

The shelf life of refrigerated crab meat depends on a few factors:

• Type of crab meat – King crab, snow crab, Dungeness crab, etc.
• Was it previously frozen?
• Was it pasteurized?
• How it was packaged – canned, pouch, tray, etc.

In general, refrigerated crab meat that has not been previously frozen will last around 3-4 days from the purchase date when properly stored at 40°F or below.

Canned pasteurized crab meat and frozen crab can last between 6 months to 1 year in the refrigerator once opened Always check expiration or use by dates on packaging,

No matter what type of crab, once opened, it’s best to use within 1-3 days for peak quality and flavor. Cooked crab meat does not improve with age.

How to Tell If Refrigerated Crab Meat Has Gone Bad

It’s important to watch for signs of spoilage in refrigerated crab meat. Look for:

• Change in color – gray, yellowish or milky hues
• Unpleasant odors – sour, ammonia, fishy smell
• Slimy texture or mucus-like discharge
• Rancid or ‘off’ flavors

If you notice any of these, it’s safest to discard the crab meat. Also toss any with mold growth.

Tips for Storing Refrigerated Crab Meat

Follow these guidelines to help crab meat stay fresh longer:

• Keep crab meat chilled at 40°F or below. Use a refrigerator thermometer to verify temperature.

• Place crab meat on ice directly after purchasing for the trip home.

• Store crab meat in the coldest part of the fridge, away from door.

• Seal any unused crab meat tightly in an airtight container or bag. Eliminate air exposure.

• Don’t let crab meat sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours before refrigerating.

• Consume refrigerated crab meat within 3-4 days (1-2 days for best flavor).

• Don’t refreeze previously frozen crab meat more than once.

Proper cold storage is key for maximizing how long crab meat stays fresh and minimizing bacterial growth.

Can You Freeze Crab Meat?

Freezing is an excellent way to extend the shelf life of crab meat beyond the normal 3-4 days refrigerated. Properly frozen, crab meat will last for 6 months to 1 year in the freezer.

To freeze:

• Wrap crab meat tightly in freezer wrap or place in airtight containers.

• Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

• Label packages with type and date frozen.

• Freeze at 0°F or below. Consistent temperature is important.

• Avoid refreezing more than once for best quality.

• Thaw in fridge overnight before using. Do not thaw at room temp.

With freezing, you can enjoy crab meat for months while retaining its just-caught sweetness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Refrigerating Crab Meat

To keep your crab meat freshest, get answers to these common questions:

How long does canned refrigerated crab meat last unopened?

Unopened, canned crab meat will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 years past the ‘use by’ date on the can.

Does crab meat have to stay refrigerated before opening?

Yes, unopened crab meat must remain refrigerated, ideally between 34-40°F. Do not store in the pantry.

How can you tell if previously frozen crab meat has gone bad?

Signs of spoilage in thawed crab meat include sour odor, graying of meat, mushy texture, or milky discharge. Discard if any smell or look off.

What happens if you leave crab meat out overnight?

Crab meat left overnight for more than 2 hours at room temperature can quickly spoil. It’s unsafe to eat if left out over 2 hours.

Should you rinse fresh crab meat before refrigerating?

No, rinsing will only increase moisture content and bacteria growth. Pat off any excess liquid instead.

How do you thaw frozen crab meat safely?

Thaw frozen crab meat overnight in the refrigerator. Do not thaw on the counter or in warm water which can cause bacteria to multiply.

Can you refrigerate imitation crab meat?

Yes, keep unopened and opened imitation crab refrigerated. Discard if it develops a fishy odor or slimy texture.

Enjoy Crab at Its Best

With proper refrigerated storage at 40°F or below and freezing for long-term storage, you can safely keep crab meat fresh for use in seafood recipes, appetizers, and more. Always rely on sight and smell – if crab meat has an off appearance or odor, it’s best to play it safe and toss it out. By following these refrigeration guidelines, you can fully enjoy the delicious sweet taste of crab meat.