How Long Can You Keep Frozen Lobsters?
Lobsters are not easily available everywhere, and there is a need to keep them fresh for longer. One of the ways that can be employed to extend their lifestyle is to keep them frozen. The best thing with frozen lobsters is that they can be kept fresh and tasty for the longest time possible.
In the 1970s, lobsters were processed, canned, and exported globally, and this continued until refrigeration was all over. Nowadays, lobsters can be kept frozen in several methods, and nitrogen or carbon dioxide gasses are often used in the preservation process. Also, lobsters can be immersed in super cold brine. There have been reports about lobsters being flash frozen by blasting cold air.
For how long can you freeze lobsters?
Many people wonder how long lobsters can be kept frozen. The fact is that there are many factors that determine this and to a large extent, the condition of the storage is a huge determinant. Lobster tails must be kept frozen at all times. In a perfectly maintained freezer, you can expect your lobsters to remain fresh for between 9 and 12 months. However, even after that, the lobsters will still remain safe for anyone who wants to eat them. Remember that the package of the lobsters may have a carry date that shows you a general “best by date”. This date should not be misinterpreted to mean the expiry date. The date indicated in most guides may pass, but whatever is inside will still be okay for those who want to eat it.
Lobsters frozen at zero degrees are sage forever
There is no expiry date for lobsters that have been constantly kept at zero degrees or below. However, the packaging should be made of high-quality material and not damaged. However, after you have removed them from the freezer, and left them at room temperature for two hours, those lobsters should be discarded. Bacteria grow on them rapidly and you should never eat them after they have remained in conditions that are similar to room temperature for that short time. The rate at which bacteria grow at temperatures of between 40 and 140 degrees is quite fast, so you shouldn’t take chances.
Tips to help preserve your lobsters for longer
To keep your lobster frozen and fresh for more than 8 months, there are a few things that you should do. To start with, lobsters must be chilled alive. Get your lobsters blanched in an ice bath and remove the excess water before you pack them in vacuum bags. While doing this, you should endeavor to remove all the air that is present. Alternatively, you can use it in a freezer wrap. Maintain the freezing conditions at between 0 and -18 degrees.
Conclusion
How long you can keep frozen lobsters depends on many things. The condition of the packaging and the freezing conditions are the major determinants. However, 9-12 months will be the average lifespan of frozen lobsters.
How Long Can You Keep Frozen Lobsters?