Abalone

Buying and storing tips

The freshest abalone is stored on ice, still in the shell; abalone should not smell fishy. Keep abalone cool on the trip from the market to your house. Store in the coldest part of your refrigerator in a bowl covered with a wet towel, and use within 24 hours.

To freeze fresh abalone, clean the muscle and cut it into steaks. Wrap steaks individually in freezer wrap and over-wrap with a heavy plastic bag. Freeze no longer than two months.

Store purchased frozen abalone in its original wrapping in the freezer, and use it within two months. Before use, defrost abalone overnight in the refrigerator. Never defrost at room temperature.

To quick-thaw, run cold water over abalone that is enclosed in a watertight wrapper, allowing 30 minutes per pound (454 grams). For faster thawing, use the defrost cycle of your microwave, allowing 2 to 5 minutes per pound (454g), with equal standing time in between zaps (as one minute defrost to one minute resting).