The Ultimate Guide to Storing Seafood at Home

Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the quality and safety of your seafood. Whether you've just received a Netmarine delivery or picked up fresh fish at the market, these guidelines will help you get the most from your purchase.

The Golden Rule: Temperature

Seafood is highly perishable. The key to freshness is keeping it cold:

• Ideal temperature: 0-2°C (32-36°F)
• Standard refrigerator: 4-5°C (39-41°F)
• Freezer: -18°C (0°F) or below

Since most home refrigerators run warmer than ideal for seafood, proper storage technique becomes essential.

Fresh Fish Storage

Whole Fish

1. Rinse under cold water
2. Pat dry with paper towels
3. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap
4. Place on ice in a container
5. Store in coldest part of refrigerator

Storage time: 1-2 days maximum

Fish Fillets

• Store in original packaging if vacuum-sealed
• Otherwise, wrap in plastic and place in airtight container
• Use within 1-2 days

Shellfish Storage

Live Shellfish (Mussels, Clams, Oysters)

• Never store in airtight containers – they need to breathe
• Place in a bowl covered with a damp cloth
• Keep in coldest part of refrigerator
• Use within 1-2 days
• Discard any that don't close when tapped

Shrimp

• Store in original packaging or airtight container
• Keep on ice if possible
• Use within 2 days

Crab and Lobster

• Store live in refrigerator, not in water
• Cooked crab/lobster: 2-3 days refrigerated

Freezing Seafood

Freezing extends storage life significantly when done properly.

Preparation for Freezing

1. Clean and portion as desired
2. Pat completely dry
3. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap
4. Place in freezer bag, removing all air
5. Label with date

Freezer Storage Times

| Seafood Type | Maximum Freezer Time | |--------------|---------------------| | Lean fish (sole, bass) | 6 months | | Fatty fish (sardines, mackerel) | 2-3 months | | Shrimp | 6 months | | Crab, lobster | 2-3 months | | Squid, octopus | 3 months |

Thawing Safely

Best method: Refrigerator thawing

• Place in refrigerator overnight
• Allow 24 hours for large pieces

Quick method: Cold water

• Seal in waterproof bag
• Submerge in cold water
• Change water every 30 minutes

Never: Thaw at room temperature or in warm water

Signs of Spoilage

Discard seafood if you notice:

• Strong, unpleasant odor
• Slimy texture
• Discolored flesh
• Dull, sunken eyes (whole fish)
• Shells that don't close (live shellfish)

Netmarine's Quality Promise

When you order from Netmarine:

• Fresh products are delivered within hours of selection
• Frozen products are flash-frozen at peak freshness
• Packaging is designed for optimal preservation
• Cold chain is maintained throughout delivery

We do the hard work so you can enjoy restaurant-quality seafood at home.

Questions about storing specific products? Contact us on WhatsApp for personalized advice!