Shelf Life Tips
- How long does an unopened package of pasteurized crab meat last in the fridge or freezer? The exact answer to that question depends to a large extent on storage conditions - keep pasteurized crab meat refrigerated at all times.
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How long does an unopened packaged of pasteurized crab meat last after the sell-by date? After pasteurized crab meat is purchased, it may be kept refrigerated for about 1 month after the "sell-by" date on the package if it has been properly stored.
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Unopened pasteurized crab meat may be kept in its original store packaging when refrigerating; to maximize the shelf life of pasteurized crab meat, do not open the package until ready to use.
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How long can pasteurized crab meat be left at room temperature? Bacteria grow rapidly at temperatures between 40 °F and 140 °F; pasteurized crab meat should be discarded if left out for more than 2 hours at room temperature.
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To further extend the shelf life of pasteurized crab meat, freeze; when freezing, place pasteurized crab meat in the freezer before the number of days shown for refrigerator storage has elapsed.
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You can maximize the shelf life of pasteurized crab meat in the freezer by overwrapping the original store packaging with airtight heavy-duty aluminum foil, plastic wrap, or freezer paper or place the package inside a heavy-duty freezer bag in order to prevent freezer burn.
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How long does an unopened package of pasteurized crab meat last in the freezer? Properly stored, it will maintain best quality for about 3 months, but will remain safe beyond that time.
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The freezer time shown is for best quality only - pasteurized crab meat that has been kept constantly frozen at 0°F will keep safe indefinitely.
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How long does pasteurized crab meat last after being frozen and thawed? Pasteurized crab meat that has been defrosted in the fridge can be kept for an additional 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator before cooking; pasteurized crab meat that was thawed in the microwave or in cold water should be cooked immediately.
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How to tell if pasteurized crab meat is bad? The best way is to smell and look at the pasteurized crab meat: discard any pasteurized crab meat with an off smell or appearance; do not taste it first.
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