After purchasing, our fish is immediately put half buried in ice and the Ahi’s stuffed with cubes for a few hours to keep everything cold and firm. The fish will then be processed and dressed according to our order, vacuum sealed and then placed back into the commercial refrigerators. Later that evening our Hawaiian Seafood will be wrapped in a thick poly bag, segregated and protected, and kept cold with a multitude of 48-hour gel-packs. The poly bag is then wrapped and rolled within a mylar bag and placed within the box liner of one of supplier’s heavy-duty temperature-controlled shipping boxes that holds up to 250lbs. The fish is kept in the refrigerator until just before it needs to be loaded up and delivered to the Airport. Six hours later the Fresh Fish, right out of the Ocean, will arrive in Phoenix, Arizona.
We pick up the seafood in the early morning from the Phoenix International Airport, load the product into our refrigerated van (pre-chilled to 34), and drive 10 minutes to our processing, storage and distribution location in Mesa, Arizona. Immediately upon arrival from the airport, the box is opened, and the inside bag temped, then the fish is separated and weighed, logged, processed, vacuum sealed and labeled. We set a portion of the fish aside for the blast chiller (Deep Freezer), however, most of our fish is kept fresh, sealed again in 10K OTR Vacuum Bags and stored at 33 to 34 degrees Fahrenheit. This fish is ready for order processing and our customers enjoyment.
VSR Food Trays and Permeable Vacuum Film
Inside of our Seafood Market you have the luxury of viewing all our fresh fish species in the display cases. When you’re ready to order, step to the counter and place your order. All In-Market fresh fish orders will be processed and cut to order, weighed, wrapped in double waxed. moisture-proof butcher paper, taped closed and provided to our customer in a water-proof take-home bag. Because we are cutting the fish to order, the weight will not be exact. The price you pay will be the prorated amount based on the per pound pricing, multiplied by the weight of your cut. When you return home, please remember to place your food trays into the coldest refrigerator that you have. Just above freezing is ideal! All orders placed through the food app delivery companies will be delivered to you the same way as just described, including an added gel pack or two. When your food delivers, go and get it. When you’re ready to prepare your fish, simply cut into to film and remove the fish. Do not soak your fresh fish in water to clean it. Rinse it. It is also recommended that you pat dry and/or gently wipe your fish with a paper towel.
Three wrapped layers (Vacuum Seal, Poly, Mylar) Gel-Packs and a Temp-Controlled Box
Your seafood will be secured and wrapped within in a thick poly box liner, accompanied by multiple gel packs, wrapped again in plastic, then placed with one of our customized, temperature-controlled, damage resistant shipping boxes. Our team will then fill the negative space within the box to ensure that your precious cargo is stabilized and secured. The box will be closed, taped, then placed inside of another Outer Shipping Box. That’s a lot of layers designed for a perfect delivery. The shipment will then be routed and labeled for same day shipping. Our boxes, process and packaging techniques allow us to maintain internal box temperature for 48 hours on fresh fish and up to 72 hours for frozen. Frozen will usually be maintained within our box for a substantially longer period-of-time. When you receive your package of fresh seafood, you should open the box and verify that your order is correct. You should then place your fresh food trays into the coldest refrigerator that you have. Just above freezing is ideal!
Please notice that we have taken the utmost precaution and safety with your seafood including the utilization of our food grade trays which are made from a high barrier, polypropylene material that helps extend shelf life, texture, form and flavor maintenance. When paired with our accompanying 10K OTR VSR permeable vacuum skin film, the result is a finished fresh seafood portion that has removed oxygen, has sealed in freshness/ color/ taste and texture, and all within a leak-proof FDA approved packaging that allows for immediate consumption, refrigeration or freezing.
VSR Food Trays and Permeable Vacuum Film
RINSE
Under COLD running water, rub the surface to remove tuna dust from cutting. A clean surface ensures an even defrost. We do not recommend that you soak the fish. Rinse it!
WRAP:
Pat dry to remove surface water. DO NOT rub. Ice forming can cause color changes.
REFRIGERATE
Wrap with paper towel. For large amounts, line a hotel pan with paper towels, place pieces pan ensuring they do not touch, cover with towel. Store in a cooler for 6-10 hours. Ideal timing: defrost the night before.
SHELF LIFE (AFTER THAWING)
2-3 days from defrost. Rigor mortis may cause some shrink or shape change. This is normal and proof of the freshness of the fish.
Here is the same label that you will find on all our Seafood Products. This is your general “Best Practices” guide when handling fresh and frozen seafood. Hygiene, Storage, Thawing and Preparation/ Cooking are all important aspects of safe food handling.
