Here are some frequently asked questions about how to use Shining Ocean products.  If your question is not answered here, please click on the Contact Us tab and send us your question.  A Shining Ocean representative will be happy to assist you in any way possible.

Product Preparation

How do I prepare surimi seafood?
For menu ideas, please see the Recipes tab on our website for some delicious suggestions.  All Shining Ocean retail products are fully cooked and ready to eat for your convenience, then heat pasteurized for safety.  They can be used in your favorite salad recipes, or in place of shellfish in hot or cold dishes.  For hot dishes, simply add at the end of cooking and warm to taste. 

Product Storage

How long can I keep an unopened package in my refrigerator?
Shining Ocean ships some products to your store refrigerated and some frozen.  The products shipped refrigerated will have either a “use by” date or a “sell by” date stamped on the package.  Dated packages should remain good for consumption until the date stated on the package when refrigerated below 38° F.  If the product was purchased frozen and thawed in the refrigerator, an unopened package refrigerated at 38o F will be good for 70 days from thaw.

I purchased a refrigerated package with no “use by” date on it.
In that case the product was shipped to the retailer frozen and placed in the refrigerated case where it thawed.  The retailer should have placed their own “use by” date on the package when it was placed in the refrigerated case.   

I opened a package but only used part of it.  How long will the unused portion still be good?
We recommend it be used within five days.  Once opened, the product should be kept in an airtight container for maximum freshness.

I bought the product frozen.  How long can I keep it in my freezer?
This will vary some from freezer to freezer.  For optimum product quality, we recommend that frozen packages be used within three months. 

What’s the best way to thaw a frozen package?
The safest way to thaw food is in the refrigerator.  Small packages will thaw overnight.  Larger ones may take a full day.  For emergencies, you may thaw by running cool water over the package.  Never thaw by leaving a package out on the counter.  If you accidentally leave a chilled or thawed package out for more than four hours, do not use.  Discard it. 

Allergy Information

If I’m allergic to shellfish, can I use surimi seafood instead?
No.  Many of our products contain real crab, shrimp or lobster meat in the formula.  All of them use natural extracts and flavorings which could cause an allergic reaction.

Are there other allergenic substances in your product besides shellfish?
Yes.  Our products contain other possible allergens.  They are listed in the ingredients statement by their common names and also on a separate line under “Allergy Information” or “Contains.” Check  the allergen information on the package to determine which allergens are in the product. 

Flavorings

What kind of flavorings do you use in your products?
We typically use a combination of naturally derived and synthesized flavorings in an effort to capture the taste of real shellfish.  For those who want no artificial flavorings in their product, we offer the Crab Smart Natural ™ line with all natural flavoring and coloring.