How to Properly Store Live Abalone: The Complete Guide

Abalone are delicious mollusks that make for an incredible culinary experience. However, they must be handled and stored with care to keep them alive and fresh until ready to cook. Learning the proper storage methods is key to getting the most out of your live abalone.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover how to store live abalone after purchase, optimal storage conditions, mistakes to avoid, how long they can survive, plus additional tips for prepping and cleaning live abalone. Let’s dive in!

Storing Live Abalone Short Term after Purchase

Once you’ve sourced fresh, live abalone, the priority is getting them into optimal storage conditions as soon as possible Here are some recommendations for initial short-term storage just after purchase

• Place abalone in a container and cover with cool, damp towels – this keeps them moist.

• Use damp seaweed or kelp to wrap each abalone – retains moisture and humidity.

• Store in a cooler or ice chest without direct ice contact – prevents freezing.

• Keep abalone sheltered from direct sunlight or heat.

The key is to mimic their natural humid, cool environment. Keeping their gills moist is crucial for survival out of water.

The Best Conditions for Storing Live Abalone

To store abalone for the long haul, a few environmental factors are critical to sustain them:

• Temperature – Between 34-60°F is ideal. Avoid freezing or high heat.

• Water – Use saltwater or seawater if possible. Change water every 2 days.

• Oxygen – Use a battery powered aerator to maintain oxygen levels.

• Shelter – Give abalone something to grip onto like kelp or nylon ropes.

• Tank – A clean tank allows waste filtration. Avoid overcrowding abalone.

Monitor abalone closely in storage and remove any dead ones immediately to prevent contamination. Maintaining pristine water quality is also essential.

Mistakes to Avoid When Storing Live Abalone

It’s easy to accidentally kill abalone if unaware of proper handling. Here are some key mistakes to avoid:

• Don’t store abalone in direct contact with ice or they may freeze.

• Avoid storage tanks made from copper, latex or zinc that can contaminate water.

• Don’t use chlorinated tap water which is toxic. Use saltwater or seawater only.

• Prevent overcrowding in storage tanks which spikes ammonia levels.

• Don’t leave abalone completely dry. Their gills must remain moist.

• Don’t store abalone in warm areas or direct sunlight which can quickly kill them.

With care and caution, you can avoid these common abalone storage pitfalls.

How Long Can Live Abalone Survive Out of Water?

Depending on storage conditions, live abalone may survive 1-3 days out of water. Ideal survival length is:

• 24 hours if kept cool and moist under damp seaweed or towels.

• 48 hours if stored in a container with humidified oxygen circulation.

• 72+ hours is possible if water is changed frequently and oxygen is monitored.

Remember, the key is maintaining the right temperature, humidity and oxygen levels consistently. Handle abalone as little as possible and don’t stack them during storage.

Extra Tips for Prepping and Cleaning Live Abalone

Before cooking your live abalone, follow these tips for preparing and cleaning them:

• Purge abalone in clean saltwater for 4-12 hours before cleaning to eliminate waste.

• Use a stiff scrub brush to remove debris from the shell exterior.

• Carefully detach the muscle from the shell using an abalone knife.

• Remove and discard the viscera, digestive gland and epipodium promptly.

• Give the abalone body a final rinse in saltwater before cooking.

With proper handling from purchase to plate, live abalone can deliver its absolute best flavor and texture when cooked.

Key Takeaways on Storing Live Abalone