For those who are lovers of seafood, like crabs, it is usually easy and the best to buy them fresh and cook as soon as we get home.
However, keeping them in the refrigerator is a different case entirely.
If you don’t want to cook your freshly bought crabs right away, you can refrigerate them.
However, how long would it last in the refrigerator?, because seafood spoils fast, also the time it takes for crabs to spoil in refrigerator can be a mystery.
So if you are here, wondering how long refrigerated dead crabs are good for, you have come to get right place.
In this post, I’ll break down what you need to know to keep your crabs safe to eat to avoid any surprises, and also how long dead crabs last in the refrigerator.
How Long Are Refrigerated Dead Crabs Good For?
When I first brought home fresh crabs, I learned quickly how important it is to handle them properly.
Crabs spoil faster than other types of seafood, and if you don’t know how long they last, you could end up with a pretty bad experience.
If you are like me and want to make sure you get the most out of your crabs without risking your health, let’s go over how long they are good for and some tips to keep them fresh.
1. Freshness Matters
The first thing I realized is that crabs are best when they are cooked as soon as possible after they die.
Once a crab is no longer alive, the clock starts ticking.
In my experience, dead crabs are good for 12 to 24 hours in the fridge, but you need to be cautious.
After that, the quality drops fast, and it’s no longer worth the risk of eating them.
I always make sure to plan ahead so I can cook them within this time period.
2. Signs of Spoilage
I learned early on to trust my senses when dealing with seafood.
If the crabs start smelling off, like ammonia, or if the color changes to something unusual, it’s best to throw them out.
Fresh crabs should smell like the ocean, clean and briny.
I made the mistake once of thinking a slightly off smell was normal, and I regretted it.
Now, I always go with my gut and nose, if it doesn’t smell right, it probably isn’t right.
3. Storage Tips
Proper storage can buy you a little extra time.
I keep my crabs in the coldest part of the fridge, near the back, where the temperature is most consistent.
If I have ice on hand, I’ll store them on top of it, but I have learned that keeping them out of sitting water is important.
Crabs in melted ice happen to spoil faster, and that’s not something you want to deal with.
Draining off the water keeps them fresher longer, and it’s a small step, but it makes a very big difference.
4. Cooking Them Right Away
These days, I try to cook crabs as soon as I bring them home, whether they are alive or dead.
It’s the best way to make sure they are fresh, with best quality, and it also gives me peace of mind.
If for some reason I can’t cook them within the day, I’ll prep them and freeze the meat instead of leaving them in the fridge any longer.
Frozen crab meat isn’t quite the same as fresh, but it’s much safer than risking spoiled crabs.
Important Items To Help Store Dead Crabs Properly
To make sure my crabs stay as fresh as possible, I’ve found a few products that help a lot with storage and handling.
Here are three items that have made a big difference in keeping my seafood fresh.
1. Rubbermaid FreshWorks Produce Saver
When I need to store crabs in the fridge for a short time, I use the “Rubbermaid FreshWorks Produce Saver”.
It’s designed to keep produce fresh.
But I have found that the ventilation system helps with seafood too.
It allows some airflow and keeps the crabs from sitting in any moisture, which makes a difference in how fresh they remain.
2. Igloo Portable Ice Chest
If I want to store my crabs on ice, the “Igloo Portable Ice Chest” has been perfect.
It’s a portable cooler that I can fit in my fridge, and it keeps the ice from melting too quickly.
It’s also easy to drain, which helps prevent the crabs from sitting in melted water.
It’s an extra step, but it definitely helps extend that freshness period of the crabs.
3. OXO Good Grips Seafood and Nut Cracker
Cooking crabs can be a bit of work, but the “OXO Good Grips Seafood and Nut Cracker” makes it easier.
It’s strong and makes quick work of cracking the shells without crushing the meat inside.
Once I get the crabs cooked, I want to make sure I get every bit of that delicious meat without letting any go to waste, and this tool does the job well.
Conclusion
Handling crabs properly can be a bit of a challenge, but it’s worth the effort to make sure they are fresh and safe to eat.
Dead crabs are best cooked within 12 to 24 hours of being refrigerated, and paying attention to signs of spoilage is important.
By using proper storage methods and trusting your senses, you can avoid any unpleasant surprises.
With a few simple tools and some careful planning, you can make the most of your crabs and enjoy them at their best.
Freshness is everything when it comes to seafood, and a little extra care goes a long way.
