Abstract: The process disclosed relates to the preservation of shellfish products so as to extend their shelf-life. A thermally conductive mixture which forms a liquid barrier upon heating and a gel upon cooling is introduced to the shellfish container for packaging. Specific steps of heating to kill bacteria and other undesirable microorganisms and subsequent rapid cooling are required. Ultimate refrigeration of the packaged product is undertaken for long-term storage. In a second preferred embodiment, the gel-forming mixture is added to the shellfish product in the container to a height of approximately 83% of the can height, a vacuum is applied, and the can is sealed. The sealed can is heated in a retort to kill all microorganisms and to partially cook the shellfish to attain a shellfish product which is shelf stable without requiring refrigeration.

Abstract: The process disclosed relates to the preservation of shellfish products so as to extend the shell-life of shellfish thereof. A thermally conductive mixture which forms a liquid barrier upon heating and a gel upon cooling is introduced to the shellfish container for packaging. Specific steps of heating to kill bacteria and other undesirable microorganisms and subsequent rapid cooling are required. Ultimate refrigeration of the packaged product is undertaken for long-term storage.