Question: How long can we keep imitation crab in the refrigerator? How much sodium does it have? Is there any sugar in it?
Answer: Like most simulated shell fish or surimi (processed fish with improved shelf life) products, imitation crab is definitely not a low-sodium food item. According to Terri Kishimoto, general manager of JAC Creative Foods Inc., a 3-ounce serving of imitation crab contains 1,050 milligrams of sodium. Its refrigerator shelf life will depend on the type of packaging, Kishimoto said. Vacuum-sealed products that are pasteurized have a refrigerator shelf life of two months but, once opened, should be treated like fresh fish and used within three days.
Imitation crab sold in loose form in trays in fish cases will keep in the refrigerator three to five days. When frozen, they should be used within six months. Signs of spoiled imitation crab are similar to those of fish, Kishimoto said--foul fishy smell, slimy surface and sour taste. Sugar is sometimes added to imitation crab, so check the ingredient listing on labels.
Q: The June 9 issue of Home Magazine had a recipe for the ultimate coconut cake that I would very much like to try. I was unable to find coconut milk in my market but they did have fresh coconut. Can you please provide some instructions for extracting coconut milk from fresh coconut?
A: Canned coconut milk is readily available in Oriental markets. However, one medium-size fresh coconut will produce about a quart of coconut milk. Here is a recipe from “The Doubleday Cookbook” by Jean Anderson.
COCONUT MILK
1 medium coconut
Water, milk or half and half
Pierce coconut “eyes” with screwdriver and drain liquid. Add enough water to liquid to total 1 quart. Place coconut in 400-degree oven 20 minutes. Tap all over to loosen meat, then crack with hammer or mallet. Pry chunks of white meat from shell, peeling off brown skin with knife or vegetable peeler. Cut in small cubes.
Grate meat in blender or food processor moderately fine. Place in large heavy saucepan with liquid mixture. Heat slowly, stirring constantly until mixture boils. Remove from heat. Cover and cool to room temperature. Press through double thickness of cheesecloth or fine sieve, forcing out as much liquid as possible. Discard coconut pulp. Makes about 1 quart coconut milk.
Another alternative is to use the finely grated coconut that’s available from some Asian markets and health food stores. But if you go to one of these stores, you may as well purchase canned coconut milk (do not substitute cream of coconut, as it’s too sweet and heavy). Substitute 12 ounces grated coconut for the fresh, and use 1 quart milk or half and half.
Q: How long can we keep fresh coconut? Should it be refrigerated?
A: Coconuts are best stored, refrigerated, at 32 to 35 degrees; they will keep well for one to two months.
Address questions on food preparation to You Asked About, Food Section, The Times, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles 90053. Personal replies cannot be given.
FAQs
Imitation crab sold in loose form in trays in fish cases will keep in the refrigerator three to five days. When frozen, they should be used within six months. Signs of spoiled imitation crab are similar to those of fish, Kishimoto said--foul fishy smell, slimy surface and sour taste.
How can you tell if imitation crab has gone bad? ›
You'll know when imitation crab starts going bad. It will start to smell fishy, the texture will be slimy, and it will taste sour. If your imitation crab shows any of these signs, it's time to toss it immediately. Remember to sanitize every surface that came in contact with it.
Is imitation crab high in sodium? ›
While real crab has higher levels of healthy vitamins and minerals than imitation crab, it does also have a higher amount of sodium. 3 ounces of real crab meat contains 911 milligrams (mg) of sodium. The same amount of imitation crab meat contains 715 mg of sodium.
How long does vacuum sealed imitation crab last in the fridge? ›
As long as the vacuum seals have not been broken our imitation crab meat can be safely refrigerated (33-39°F) for up to 60 days. Once the vacuum seals have been broken, the imitation crab meat must be treated as any other fresh cooked seafood and consumed within 3-5 days.
How long does unopened crab meat last in the fridge? ›
Pasteurized crabmeat is the process in which the meat is put into a metal or plastic sealed air tight container, heated and cooled by a specialized process. If the container remains completely sealed and is not opened, it will have a shelf life of 6 to 12 months under refrigeration if kept at 33-40 degrees Fahrenheit.
How can you tell if crab meat is spoiled? ›
Fresh crab meat should not have any strong odors. In fact, it usually doesn't smell of much, except for a mild sweet odor. If you notice the meat having a sour, rotting, or bitter smell, this is an indication that the crab meat has gone bad, and is not fit for consumption.
What are the symptoms of eating bad crab meat? ›
In most cases, gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting) develop within 24 hours of eating toxic shellfish, followed by headache, cognitive impairment, and memory loss. Symptoms usually resolve within hours to days after shellfish ingestion.
What is the red stuff on imitation crab meat? ›
Red colorants: Carmine — which is extracted from tiny bugs called cochineals — is widely used to color imitation crab red. Paprika, beet juice extract, and lycopene from tomatoes may also be used.
What does rancid crab smell like? ›
Raw crab meat that you have bought at the store or you have harvested yourself and has been in the fridge can spoil quickly. Crab meat should smell a bit sweet; if it has a strong, fishy, sour odor––it's time to toss it. The shelf-life in a fridge is 3 to 5 days and in the freezer is 6 to 9 months.
How unhealthy is imitation crab? ›
It's a highly processed food containing minced fillet, egg whites, salt, sugar, and other additives to make it look like real crab meat. It's more affordable, but less nutritious, than fresh crab meat. The decision is yours to make as to which you'll buy for dinner.
Like many other types of seafood, real crab is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, providing 351 milligrams (mg) per serving. Whole Alaska pollock offers 281 mg of these heart-healthy fats, imitation crab only provides about 31 mg per serving.
Can I eat imitation crab if I have high cholesterol? ›
Imitation crab has low calorie, fat, and cholesterol content. This makes it a good choice for those who are trying to lose or maintain weight and are looking for low-cholesterol foods. If you're worried about the additives in such crab substitutes, there are also healthier, additive-free versions.
Does unopened imitation crab go bad? ›
Handling: Keep frozen up to 18 months. Thaw before using; refrigerate any unused portions promptly. Unopened, refrigerated average shelf life is 30 days. Opened, refrigerated shelf life is approximately 3-5 days.
How do you make imitation crab last longer? ›
If it's stored correctly in the fridge, you can eat an opened pack of imitation crab within three days. But you can also extend its life by putting your package into the freezer for up to six months. However, you should expect that the texture of your surimi will change after it has been defrosted.
How long does vacuum-sealed crab last? ›
How Long Does Vacuum Sealed Food Last in a Freezer?
| Food | Normal Shelf | Vacuum Shelf |
|---|
| Lobster, Crab (de-shelled) | 2-4 months | 12 months |
| Shrimp, Crayfish | 3-6 months | 10-12 months |
| Green Beans | 8 months | 2-3 years |
| Corn | 6 months | 1 year |
16 more rowsRaw crab meat that you have bought at the store or you have harvested yourself and has been in the fridge can spoil quickly. Crab meat should smell a bit sweet; if it has a strong, fishy, sour odor––it's time to toss it. The shelf-life in a fridge is 3 to 5 days and in the freezer is 6 to 9 months.
Does crab paste expire? ›
Shelf life is 1 week at room temperature, 1 month if placed inside the refrigerator, and 3 months if frozen. Always keep refrigerated when opened to avoid spoiling.
Is expired canned crab meat safe to eat? ›
Check the expiration date. If it's been so long that it's worn off, do discard for your own good!
How long do seafood sticks last in the fridge after? ›
Keep refrigerated, once opened use within 1 days and do not exceed the use by date.
