Our fresh fish is directly sourced from our fishermen and from day boats to ensure that you receive the freshest catch possible. Our commitment to quality, freshness, and sustainability forms the foundation of our reputation and is why the most discerning chefs and home cooks choose our fish.
Ensuring the freshness of your seafood is key to enjoying its full flavour and nutritional benefits. Here are some expert tips to answer some of your most popular questions and help you store fresh fish and shellfish, so every meal is a delightful and nourishing experience.
What does day boat mean?
Day boat fish means the fish was caught that day by fishermen who went out fishing and returned that same day. This ensures you get the freshest catch straight to your door, offering better quality, greater nutritional value, and longer shelf life than the average fish you get from supermarkets (which have a much longer supply chain).
Pictured above is our fish counter outside our unit on Paignton harbour, which supplies locals with fresh fish from day boats around the bay and seafood from our live rooms. These rooms are connected directly to the sea thanks to underground pumps, keeping our catch in a top sea-like environment until delivery. If you're ever around the area, come by and say hello to our team, who are hard at work in the unit prepping and packing your orders with care.
What's the optimum fish storage?
The universal rule of thumb for our fish and shellfish is to store them in the fridge for up to 3 days after delivery and in the freezer for longer. This means if you get your delivery on Thursday, you can store it in the fridge until Sunday. Here are some more tips for optimum storage:
Fresh Fish
We hand-pick the freshest catch to deliver it whole or filleted and use vacuum-sealed bags as the optimum solution for freshness and storage. This means you can store our fish for up to 5 days after delivery in your fridge, ideally between 0-2°C. Each bag also comes labeled with its own use-by dates and other handy info.
If you need to store fish for longer than 5 days, we recommend freezing it when you get it delivered for up to three months. Then, easy peasy, thaw frozen fish in the fridge overnight. You can even marinate it while it thaws. If you're planning on marinating frozen fish, save time by marinating it while it thaws. Place the fish in a sealable container in the refrigerator, pour your marinade over it, and let it thaw and marinate overnight. Never thaw fish at room temperature, as it can promote bacterial growth.
Clams, Cockles, Mussels
For optimum storage and freshness, keep them in the mesh and place them in an open container covered with a damp cloth in the fridge for up to 3 days. Avoid storing them in sealed containers or submerged in water, as this can suffocate them.
While freezing is an option, it's best to enjoy clams, cockles, and mussels fresh within 3 days of delivery to preserve their texture and flavour. If you want to freeze them, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag; they can last for up to three months in the freezer. Thaw them overnight in the fridge in a bowl and always discard any shellfish that don't open after cooking.
Hand-dived Scallops
Our shucked scallops are freshly hand-picked and prepped in our vacuum-sealed bags, allowing you to store them in the fridge for up to 3 days, between 0-2°C. If you need to store them for longer, we recommend freezing them in their sealed, labelled bag when delivered, for up to three months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
Our whole hand-dived scallops are live and untouched, so we recommend you store them in the fridge in a bowl covered with a damp cloth for up to 3 days. Don't store scallops in water as this can make them lose their texture. We don't recommend freezing scallops in their shells to best enjoy their delicate texture and fresh flavours.
Live Lobsters, Langoustines & Crabs
You can store them at the bottom of your fridge, wrapped with a damp cloth (not soaking wet) for up to 3 days. We recommend stunning them in the freezer for at least 30 minutes to put them to sleep before cooking; you can store them directly in your freezer when you get them delivered.
If you choose to store them in your fridge with a damp cloth, check them regularly and if they die, cook them straight away. Once cooked, you can store them in your fridge for up to 4 days. Do not immerse them in fresh water as this will kill them, and never remove the bands on your lobster or crab claws as they'll pinch you.
Is freezing fresh fish a waste?
If you're not going to cook our fresh whole or filleted fish within 3 days after its delivery, it's best to freeze it. Contrary to popular belief, freezing fish doesn't compromise quality—it preserves freshness, locking in all the nutrients and flavours too! Our fish comes straight from fishermen to your door—no middleman involved—ensuring you receive the freshest catch possible to enjoy within 3 days or freeze for later. Plus, freezing helps you prevent food waste and allows for bulk buying, thereby minimising the environmental impact and greenhouse gas emissions from food waste in landfills.
By following these tips, you'll be enjoying the full benefits of our fresh fish, including flavour, texture, and nutritional benefits. For more information, see our Help & FAQs section on the website or drop us an email at teams@hendersonseafood.co.uk.
Is freezing fresh fish a waste?
If you're not going to cook our fresh whole or filleted fish within 3 days after its delivery, it's. Contrary to popular belief, freezing fish doesn't compromise quality—it preserves freshness, locking in all the nutrients and flavours too! Our fish comes straight from fishermen to your door—no middleman involved—ensuring you receive the freshest catch possible to enjoy within 3 days or freeze for later. Plus, freezing helps you prevent food waste and allows for bulk buying, thereby minimizing the environmental impact and greenhouse gas emissions from food waste in landfills.
By following these tips, you'll be enjoying the full benefits of our fresh fish, including flavour, texture, and nutritional benefits. For more information, see our Help & FAQs section on the website or drop us an email at teams@hendersonseafood.co.uk.
