Pasteurized crab meat provides a convenient and tasty way to enjoy the sweet flavor of crab without the work of cracking and picking fresh crab. But to get the best quality and food safety, it’s important to store pasteurized crab properly and know how long it lasts. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about maximizing the shelf life of unopened pasteurized crab meat.
What is Pasteurized Crab Meat?
Pasteurized crab meat refers to crab meat that has gone through the pasteurization process to destroy potential pathogenic microorganisms. The crab meat is sealed in air-tight containers and heat processed to extend shelf life.
The benefit of pasteurized crab is that it allows enjoying the taste and texture of fresh crab meat without the hassle of cooking live crabs. It also extends the shelf life far longer than fresh crab meat. Crab is perishable, so pasteurization gives it staying power in the fridge or freezer.
How Long Does Sealed Pasteurized Crab Meat Last Refrigerated?
An unopened pasteurized crab meat package will stay fresh in the fridge for:
- 1 month past the “sell by” date if continuously refrigerated
- 3-5 days after opening the package
The shelf life depends on proper constant refrigeration. Store unopened pasteurized crab meat on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator as this is the coldest area.
Tips for Refrigerator Storage
Follow these guidelines to maximize refrigerated shelf life
- Keep pasteurized crab tightly sealed until ready to use
- Check sell-by date and use within 1 month
- Monitor for signs of spoilage
- Wrap opened container tightly in plastic wrap
- Use opened crab meat within 3-5 days
Refrigerating after opening gives a short window to enjoy the crab meat at peak quality.
Can Unopened Pasteurized Crab Meat be Frozen?
Freezing unopened pasteurized crab meat enables enjoying it long after purchase. An unopened package will last:
- 3 months in quality if frozen continuously at 0°F
- Indefinitely safe but lower quality if kept frozen
Freeze pasteurized crab meat before the fridge expiration date. Prior to freezing overwrap the package tightly with foil or freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
Tips for Freezer Storage
Follow these tips for freezing crab meat:
- Double wrap in freezer bags, foil or paper
- Remove as much air as possible
- Label with contents and date
- Freeze before fridge expiration date
- Use within 3 months for best flavor
Proper freezing preserves texture and taste.
How to Thaw Pasteurized Crab Meat
Always thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Microwaving can cause dry, stringy meat.
Once thawed:
- Use fridge-thawed crab meat within 2-3 days
- Cook immediately if thawed in cold water or microwave
- Do not refreeze thawed pasteurized crab
Signs of Spoilage
Check for these signs of spoiled crab meat:
- Off odors – should smell sweet and briny
- Discoloration or sliminess
- Mold growth
- Unusual textures – should be moist and flaky
When in doubt, throw it out! Do not taste questionable crab meat.
Get the Most Out of Pasteurized Crab
Follow proper storage and use pasteurized crab meat within recommended time frames. And check packaging closely to determine refrigeration needs – some products are shelf stable until opened.
With proper handling, pasteurized crab meat provides convenient, great-tasting crab flavor to enjoy in a variety of dishes. Just remember to keep it chilled and tightly sealed!
Can you cook canned crab meat?
FAQ
How long can sealed imitation crab meat stay in the fridge?
How long does crab meat last in the fridge?
Can you use canned crab meat past the best by date?
Is pasteurized crab meat safe?
How long does canned crab meat last if unrefrigerated?
Properly stored, unopened canned crab meat that was sold unrefrigerated will generally stay at best quality for about 3 to 5 years, although it will usually remain safe to use after that. Is unopened canned crab meat safe to use after the “expiration” date on the can or package?
How long does crab meat last after expiration date?
Crab meat should smell a bit sweet; if it has a strong, fishy, sour odorit’s time to toss it. The shelf-life in a fridge is 3 to 5 days and in the freezer is 6 to 9 months. How long is crab meat in a can good after expiration date? How long does an unopened packaged of pasteurized crab meat last after the sell-by date?
When does Phillips Crab meat expire?
Phillips Crab Meat has a refrigerated shelf life of 18 months from the date of production with proper handling and temperature control. Refer to the bottom of the crab meat package for the expiration date; it will be written in Month/Day/Year format.
Is canned crab meat safe to eat?
Yes, provided it is properly stored and the can is undamaged – commercially packaged crab meat will typically carry a “Best By,” “Best if Used By,” “Best Before”, or “Best When Used By” date but this is not a safety date, it is the manufacturer’s estimate of how long the canned crab meat will remain at peak quality.