Shellfish Safety and Handling
Shellfish are a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal, but proper handling and safety practices are essential to maintain their freshness. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about choosing, storing, preparing, and cooking shellfish safely.
Step 1: Choosing Fresh Shellfish
Selecting high-quality shellfish starts with knowing what to look for:
• Appearance and Smell: Fresh shellfish should have tightly closed shells or close when tapped, avoid any with cracked or broken shells, as these may be spoiled or dead. They should have a clean, ocean-like scent and steer clear of any shellfish with a strong, unpleasant, or ammonia-like odor.
• Source: Always buy shellfish from reputable suppliers, such as local fish markets or certified online vendors. Look for proper certifications and ask about the harvesting dates to ensure freshness and safety.
Step 2: Proper Storage Techniques
Once you’ve purchased your shellfish, proper storage is key to keeping them fresh until you’re ready to use them:
• Oysters and Clams: Store them in the refrigerator, preferably in a bowl covered with a damp towel. Do not submerge them in water, as they need to breathe.
• Mussels: Remove the beard (the fibrous threads protruding from the shell) and place them in a breathable container, such as a bowl covered with a damp cloth. Avoid airtight containers, which can suffocate the mussels.
Step 3: Cleaning & Preparation
Cleaning shellfish properly ensures they’re safe to eat and free of sand or debris:
• Scrubbing: Rinse shells under cold running water and scrub them with a stiff brush to remove dirt and debris.
• Purging Clams: Soak clams in salted water for 20–30 minutes to help them purge any sand or grit.
All Baja Shellfish Farms Clams come free of sand due to our cold conditioning process!
• Shellfish Myths: Don’t assume shellfish with open shells are spoiled. Some may simply be relaxed. Tap the shell lightly—if it closes, it’s still alive and safe to use.
• Shucking Oysters: Use a sturdy oyster knife and a protective glove to shuck oysters safely. Insert the knife into the hinge, twist gently, and slide it along the top shell to open.
Step 4: Special Considerations
• Pregnant Women: Pregnant women should avoid raw shellfish to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses. Properly cooked shellfish, however, can be a nutritious and safe option.
Step 5: Shelf Life of Shellfish
Although shelf life varies, on a variety of factors here are some general guidelines:
• Oysters: 7–10 days
• Mussels: 4 - 5 days
• Clams: 4 - 5 days
Fresh Kumiai Oysters
Consider reusing shells for composting, garden decoration, or crafting projects like creating shell based jewelry or home decor.
Looking for clean, and certified shellfish? We’ve got you covered! Check out our social links to explore our fresh and sustainably sourced shellfish offerings.
