How Long Can Crab Meat Stay Fresh in the Fridge?

Crab meat is a delicious seafood that many people love to eat. However, like all seafood, proper storage is key to keeping crab meat safe to eat and maintaining freshness So how long can you keep crab meat in the fridge before it goes bad?

The shelf life of crab meat depends on a few factors: whether it’s cooked or raw, how it’s stored, and what type of crab it is. By understanding these factors and following proper storage methods, you can maximize the freshness of crab meat.

Raw Crab Meat Fridge Life

Raw, uncooked crab meat has the shortest fridge life out of all the varieties. Raw crab meat will only last 1-2 days in the refrigerator before the quality starts to decline. Here are some tips for safely storing raw crab meat:

• Place the raw crab meat in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag Exposing it to air causes it to spoil faster

• Store the container towards the back of the fridge where temperatures are coldest.

• Separate raw crab from other raw meats like chicken to prevent cross-contamination.

• Use the raw crab meat within 1-2 days for best flavor and quality. The freshness decreases quickly after that timeframe.

• Don’t rely solely on appearance or smell. Raw crab can harbor bacteria without other obvious signs of spoilage. Discard any questionable crab meat.

Cooked Crab Meat Fridge Life

Cooked crab meat lasts longer in the fridge than raw, but still has a relatively short shelf life. Properly stored cooked crab will stay fresh for 3-5 days refrigerated. Here are some tips for maximizing its fridge life:

• Let cooked crab cool completely before refrigerating it. Storing warm crab raises the fridge temperature and shortens its shelf life.

• Store cooked crab meat in an airtight container in the coldest section of the refrigerator.

• Make sure the container and surfaces are clean before storing cooked crab. Residues can introduce bacteria and speed up spoilage.

• Refrigerate cooked crab meat within 2 hours of cooking. Don’t leave it at room temperature.

• Separate cooked crab from raw meats in the fridge to prevent cross-contamination.

Crab Legs and Sections Fridge Life

Crab legs and sections stored in the fridge will have a similar shelf life to cooked crab meat. The shells help protect the meat slightly. Here are some storage guidelines:

• Store crab legs in an airtight container in the coldest part of the fridge, as you would other crab meat.

• Ensure the container is clean before placing crab legs inside.

• Wrap joints of crab legs in plastic wrap or foil before refrigerating. This creates an extra barrier against air exposure.

• Eat refrigerated crab legs within 3-5 days for optimum freshness and quality. The shell keeps it fresh slightly longer.

• Refrigerate crab legs within 2 hours of cooking. Don’t leave them out at room temperature.

Frozen Crab Meat and Legs

Freezing crab meat or legs is an excellent way to extend the shelf life for several months. Here is how long frozen crab lasts:

• Raw crab meat can be frozen for up to 4 months before the quality starts to decline. Freeze it in an airtight container or bag.

• Cooked crab meat and legs will last 3-6 months in the freezer if sealed in an airtight container.

• Allow crab to cool fully before freezing it. Don’t freeze crab meat or legs while still warm.

• For best quality and taste, use frozen raw crab within 4 months and frozen cooked crab within 3-6 months.

• Thaw frozen crab overnight in the fridge. Don’t thaw it at room temperature or in hot water.

Canned Crab Meat Fridge Life

Canned pasteurized crab meat has a much longer shelf life than fresh crab. An unopened can will last 2-3 years in the pantry. Once opened, canned crab meat will last 3-5 days refrigerated. Here are some tips:

• Refrigerate open canned crab meat right away. Don’t leave it out at room temperature.

• Transfer opened crab meat to an airtight container, don’t store it in the can.

• Use canned crab meat within 3-5 days for optimal freshness. Quality starts to decline after opening.

• Discard any canned crab meat that smells or looks questionable, even if within the 3-5 day window. Trust your senses.

• Don’t freeze previously opened canned crab. Refrigerate and use within 3-5 days.

Signs Crab Meat Has Gone Bad

It’s important to use all your senses, in addition to storage times, to tell if crab meat has spoiled. Here are some signs:

• Strong, fishy, rotten or ammonia-like smell

• Slimy texture or film on the meat

• Discoloration – gray, blue, yellowish or milky hues

• Dull, moist appearance rather than firm, pearly white flesh

• Bitter, sour or “off” taste

• Mold growth – fuzzy or slimy spots

• Dry, shriveled texture (freezer burned)

Discard any crab meat with these signs of spoilage. Don’t risk tasting crab meat that looks or smells bad.

How to Maximize Crab Meat Freshness

Follow these tips to keep crab meat as fresh as possible:

• Cook live crab soon after buying it. Don’t let live crab sit for extended periods.

• Rapidly chill cooked crab before refrigerating it. Don’t leave it out at room temperature.

• Separate different crab types in the fridge to prevent cross-contamination.

• Store crab meat in clean, sealed containers in the coldest part of the fridge.

• Use crab meat within the recommended 3-5 day fridge life (1-2 days for raw).

• Wrap crab legs and joints in plastic wrap or foil before refrigerating.

• Purchase canned crab and freeze fresh crab to extend the shelf life.

By following proper storage methods and using crab meat within the recommended timeframes, you can safely enjoy delicious crab meat without worrying about freshness. Trust your senses too when evaluating crab meat, and discard any questionable crab meat. With these tips for maximizing fridge life, you’ll get the most out of this tasty seafood treat!