| Freezing is one of the most popular and effective | | | | before dates should also be respected to ensure |
| ways of storing food. Almost all varieties of fish | | | | optimum quality. The guide will tell you how many |
| can be frozen without having a detrimental effect | | | | months the fish can safely be stored for in a |
| on the quality. | | | | domestic freezer which is running correctly. |
| Why Freeze fish? | | | | * Different varieties of fish and seafood has |
| * Once food has been frozen it is impossible for | | | | different storage time. Many varieties can be |
| bacteria to multiply. This makes this method of | | | | safely stored at below 18 degrees centigrade for |
| preserving food the safest. Pathogens which can | | | | up to ten months. Enabling flexible consumption |
| cause food poisoning are also prevented from | | | | throughout the year. |
| multiply during the freezing process. | | | | Advantages of buying pre-packaged fish which |
| * Foods which are Quick Frozen turn the water | | | | has been frozen. |
| content of the food into smaller ice crystals | | | | * The quality and taste of the fish will be |
| minimising cell structure damage. This method of | | | | preserved. |
| freezing maintains the delicate flesh texture of | | | | * All the fiddly processes of filleting and gutting will |
| the fish. | | | | have been carried out. Many companies also |
| * If frozen food is stored correctly it will retain its | | | | remove the bones, although one hundred percent |
| colour, texture, nutritional value and taste. | | | | of bone removal cannot be guaranteed. Skinless |
| Extending the shelf life considerably compared | | | | fish is also possible to buy frozen. |
| with fresh fish. Fresh fish should be eaten as | | | | * The fish is less likely to become Freezer burned, |
| quickly as possible once purchased. Fish which has | | | | this can occur when air reaches the surface of |
| been frozen will last for many weeks or months. | | | | the food. Food which has been Freeze burnt is |
| Why buy fish which is frozen? | | | | usually edible, however the colour and texture will |
| * Fish which has been frozen within hours of | | | | have been impaired. |
| catching will provide the same nutritional value, | | | | * Nutritional value will be maintained. Freezing locks |
| taste and texture as fresh fish. The goodness will | | | | in all the nutrients of the fish. |
| be locked in during the freezing process. | | | | * Domestic freezers have been designed to store |
| * With advances in technology fish can be frozen | | | | pre-packaged frozen foods rather then fresh. |
| onboard the ship to ensure the freshness | | | | * There is less waste, you can cook the exact |
| maintained. Usually the fish is frozen within four | | | | amount you require each time. Making this a very |
| hours, depending on the variety. This enables fish | | | | cost effective food source. |
| to be sustainable sourced from around the world | | | | Cooking fish from frozen. |
| and still remain in peak condition. | | | | * Many frozen food manufactures, including fish, |
| * Buying frozen provides you with the ability to | | | | specifically prepare and design their products to |
| use fish all year round at affordable prices. | | | | be cooked from frozen. |
| How to store and cook fish which has been | | | | * If the packaging states that the fish should be |
| frozen. | | | | Cooked from Frozen it is best to do so as this will |
| * It is essential to adhere to the guidelines | | | | give you the best results. |
| supplied on the packaging. Frozen foods purchased | | | | * Always follow the guidelines when cooking |
| from reputable companies provide user friendly | | | | frozen fish. |
| guides regarding storing their products. Best | | | | |