The Shelf Life of Frozen Crab Meat – How Long It Lasts and Storage Tips

Crab is a delicious and luxurious seafood treat, but it can also be quite pricey. That’s why many people choose to buy crab meat in bulk when it goes on sale, and stash it away in the freezer for future crab feasts. But how long does frozen crab meat actually last? And what’s the best way to store it?

Here’s a deep dive into the shelf life and proper storage of frozen crab meat to help you enjoy this prized protein at its best.

An Overview of Frozen Crab Meat’s Shelf Life

The shelf life of any food comes down to how it was handled before freezing, how cold it stays in the freezer, and how well its packaging protects it. Follow best practices, and frozen crab can last 6 months or longer before deteriorating in taste and texture.

Commercially Packaged Crab

• Peak Quality: 4-6 months
• Still Edible, Not Peak: 8-12 months

Home Frozen Crab Meat

• Peak Quality: 4 months
• Still Edible, Not Peak: 6 months

So while the expiration dates on crab meat packages hint at optimal freshness they don’t indicate safety. Read on for how to extend frozen crab’s shelf life and identify when it’s gone bad.

Freezer Temperature Matters

To get the maximum shelf life out of frozen crab meat, the colder the better. Here’s how various freezer temps impact shelf life:

• 0°F Commercial Freezer: 12+ months quality
• 0°F Home Deep Freezer: 6-12 months quality
• 10°F to 15°F Home Freezer: 3-6 months quality
• 15°F or Warmer “Frost-Free” Freezer: 2-3 months quality

Crab meat stored at a constantly frigid 0°F may technically be safe indefinitely, but taste and texture will fade over time. For peak flavor and texture, use frozen crab within 4-6 months.

Proper Packaging Preserves Freshness

How you package frozen crab before stashing it in the freezer also affects shelf life The best practices are

• Place crab meat in airtight, moisture-proof wrapping like plastic freezer bags or vacuum seal pouches. This prevents freezer burn.

• Wrap in a second layer of aluminum foil, plastic wrap, or butcher paper for further protection.

• Label packages with the type and date of freezing so you know what’s oldest.

• Try to freeze crab in serving-size portions to avoid thawing and re-freezing larger chunks.

Following these steps seals out air and moisture to keep crab fresher for longer.

Freeze Crab Meat Promptly After Purchase

To maximize frozen shelf life, it’s vital to get crab into the freezer quickly:

• Freeze fresh crab meat within 2 days of purchase.

• Cooked crab should be frozen within 3-4 days of cooking for best quality.

• Divvy cooked crab into meal-sized portions before freezing.

Freezing crab while it’s ultra-fresh minimizes moisture loss and texture changes during freezing.

Thaw Frozen Crab Meat Properly

To keep thawed crab meat as fresh as possible, avoid quick thawing methods:

• Don’t thaw crab meat at room temperature or in hot water, which allows bacteria growth.

• Instead, thaw overnight in the fridge, or in a bowl of cold water changed every 30 minutes.

• Cook thawed crab meat within 1-2 days for best taste, texture, and food safety. Re-freezing makes the meat dry and mushy.

• Submerge unopened vacuum sealed packages in cold water to thaw gently before use.

Proper thawing ensures frozen crab meat retains moisture and flavor, and reduces bacterial contamination risk.

How To Tell If Frozen Crab Has Gone Bad

Frozen crab that’s been stored too long or improperly thawed may display the following signs of spoilage:

• Unpleasant, fishy, ammonia-like odor
• Dry, stringy, mushy, or mealy texture
• Greyish, dull coloration; lack of red-orange tint
• Spongy, foamy flesh
• Visible frost or ice crystals inside packaging
• Extreme freezer burn with dried out, brownish patches

If your frozen crab shows multiple stale characteristics, it’s best to discard it rather than risk foodborne illness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Frozen Crab Shelf Life

Get answers to some common questions about how long frozen crab meat and other products remain fresh and safe to eat:

How long can thawed crab meat be refrigerated before use?
Thawed crab will keep for 1-2 days in the fridge. Discard crab that’s been thawed over 2 days.

Can you refreeze previously frozen crab meat?
It’s not recommended. Thawed, cooked crab meat will become mushy and watery in texture if refrozen.

Do crab legs last as long in the freezer as crab meat?
Yes, whole crab legs maintain quality just as long as meat, around 4-6 months.

How long can you freeze cooked crab cakes or entrees?
Cook crab dishes like casseroles freeze well up to 4 months. Crab cakes are more delicate and optimally frozen no more than 2 months.

What’s the shelf life of canned crab meat once opened?
An opened can of crab meat will last 3-4 days refrigerated. Transfer to an airtight container and use quickly for best flavor.

Storing Frozen Crab for The Long Haul

Follow these top tips for safely storing frozen crab meat, legs, or entrees nearly a year while maintaining flavor:

• Freeze crab meat within 2 days of cooking or purchasing for best freshness.

• Package frozen crab in multiple moisture-proof plastic or foil layers to prevent freezer burn.

• Store frozen crab meat consistently at 0°F or below for longest shelf life.

• Label crab packages with contents and freeze dates for easy identification.

• Once thawed, use refrigerated crab meat within 1-2 days and avoid refreezing.

Taking steps to chill crab fast, shield it from air, and monitor freezer temps lets you enjoy delicious frozen crab meat for many months to come.

Warning Signs Your Frozen Crab Has Spoiled

Look for these red flags that indicate frozen crab meat or legs are past their prime or potentially hazardous to eat:

• Strong fishy, ammonia odor
• Dry, stringy, mushy, spongy or slimy texture
• Dull, grayish color instead of vibrant orange-red
• Signs of freezer burn like dried out patches
• Presence of ice crystals inside packaging
• Expired best-by date by more than 6-12 months

When in doubt, remember the old adage “When frozen crab goes bad, it goes really bad.” Rancid crab is quite obvious, so don’t take chances on frozen crab that seems questionable.

Have a Crab Feast Without the Safety Risks

Freezing lets you stock up on delectable crab meat while prices are low without sacrificing flavor or food safety. Follow the guidance above for safe storage times, ideal freezer temps, and identifying spoiled crab. Then simply thaw, prepare, and enjoy succulent previously frozen crab meat confidently.