Frozen iqf scallops

Types Of Frozen IQF Scallops

Frozen IQF scallops come in different types, primarily based on species and source, and each offers distinct characteristics in taste, texture, and size. Here are the common types of frozen IQF scallops one might cater to in bulk:

Sea scallops

These are larger than their counterparts, measuring up to 1-2 inches in diameter. They are harvested from deep offshore waters and have a sweet, rich flavor with a firm, meaty texture. Sea scallops offer a delicate, buttery flavor and are ideal for gourmet applications.

Bay scallops

These scallops are smaller, measuring about 0.5-0.75 inches in diameter. Usually harvested in shallower waters and around estuaries, bay scallops have a slightly milder, sweeter taste compared to sea scallops. They are tender with a soft, delicate texture and are preferred for smaller dishes like salads or pasta.

Pacific scallops

These are comparable in size to sea scallops, ranging from 1-1.5 inches in diameter. Usually, they are found in the waters of the Pacific Ocean and have a slightly firmer texture than Atlantic scallops. They have a mild, sweet flavor that is less intense than sea scallops, making them suitable for a range of culinary uses.

Atlantic scallops

These are similar in size to Pacific scallops, measuring about 1-2 inches in diameter. These scallops come from the North Atlantic Ocean and are prized for their sweet, rich flavor. They have a tender yet slightly firm texture and are widely used in various seafood dishes.

Cutadella scallops

Those are also known as 'Japanese scallops' and are around 2-3 inches in diameter. They are harvested from the Pacific waters of Japan and have a sweet, slightly briny flavor. They are larger than most scallop varieties and have a firm texture, ideal for grilling or searing.

Scallop adductor muscles

These are the only edible parts of the scallop apart from its roe and are usually sold as diver-caught or hand-harvested for their similar flavor profile as the rest of the scallop meat. They are found in various oceans, thus varying in flavor and texture according to the species.

How To Use Frozen IQF Scallops

Frozen IQF scallops are versatile ingredients in many culinary applications across different cuisine types and settings. Buyers can boost their confidence by having a grasp of the various uses frozen scallops can have in both commercial and restaurant settings.

Culinary uses

• Scallops with Garlic butter

  Scallops with garlic butter are such a popular classic dish that it has repeatedly shown up in people’s homes and restaurants on a global scale. It’s very simple to prepare and hard to screw up no matter the skill level of the cook. The scallops are seared until golden, often in a mix of oil and garlic butter, then garnished with herbs, typically parsley. The dish is usually served with rice or bread to soak up the rich butter sauce and is ideal for both casual and fine dining.

• Scallop chowder

  This is a popular dish in regions where seafood is a staple, like New England in the United States and Canada. It has been part of British and Irish cuisine, though both cultures had to adapt it a bit to fit their tastes. Scallop chowder has scallops used instead of (or in addition to) clams in this creamy soup. It can be served in coastal areas as a regular meal or in restaurants as a delicacy. Scallop chowder is a comforting food that is quite popular during cold weather as it is a hearty and warming food.

• Scallops wrapped in bacon

  This is a hors d'oeuvre that was popular as a banquet food, but has become common at weddings and holidays as well. It is now seen in both casual and upscale dining, where it is served as an appetizer. Because the scallops are salty and slightly sweet when wrapped in bacon, the dish goes well as a treat during special events when one tends to over indulge. In other words, this dish tends to increase in popularity when there are more parties because it is so easy to prepare in big batches.

• Seafood pasta

  Scallops are a common ingredient in seafood pasta dishes, especially in rich, creamy, or oil-based sauces. In Italian cuisine, scallops might be paired with other seafood like shrimp or mussels in varieties like frutti di mare. This dish is common in coastal areas or regions with a strong seafood culture, but it can be found in Italian restaurants worldwide. Scallop pasta is usually offered in higher-end restaurants as a luxurious take on pasta.

• Scallop ceviche

  Scallops are used in ceviche, a dish popular in coastal regions of Latin America, especially in Peru. It is made with fresh scallops marinated in citrus juice, which ‘cooks’ the scallops, and is usually mixed with onions, peppers, and herbs. Scallop ceviche can be found in seafood restaurants, fish markets, and food stalls in areas with a strong culture of seafood. It has gained popularity in regions outside of Latin America as an appetizer in seafood restaurants.

Thawing and cooking frozen IQF scallops

Thawing methods have a direct impact on the quality and texture of cooked scallops. There are generally three common methods recommended for thawing IQF scallops, and they are as follows:

• Refrigerator thawing: This is the most recommended method as it preserves the texture and quality of the scallops. Simply transfer the frozen scallops from the freezer to the refrigerator and let them thaw slowly overnight. This method is ideal for large batches or when prepping in advance.
• Cold water thawing: If more immediate thawing is required, scallops can be placed in a sealed bag and immersed in cold water. This method thaws the scallops more quickly than refrigerator thawing but still helps maintain their texture. It’s important to ensure the water stays cold and to avoid warm water, which can begin to cook the scallops.
• Quick thawing: Frozen scallops can be run under cold tap water for 5-10 minutes. This method is less ideal because the outer layer can absorb warm water, which starts cooking the scallops before they’re fully thawed.

Benefits Of Frozen IQF Scallops

Buyers should understand the key benefits that make frozen scallops such a high-demand product on the market. Without such understanding, they risk buying an inferior product, and since scallops are so versatile, knowing their benefits will stop the buyer from overthinking the market potential:

• Extended shelf life: IQF scallops can last up to 12 months in a commercial freezer without losing quality. They can be stored for a month or two past their sell-by date when stored properly, which gives buyers more time to sell through their stock. High food safety IQF scallops carry low risk of causing foodborne illness and can be thawed, cooked, and eaten with absolute confidence.
• Cost effective: Buying IQF scallops in bulk saves money over buying them in smaller, retail-friendly quantities. Frozen fish manufacturers tend to carry seasonal or regional discounts that can make the purchase more financially desirable at the right time. The long shelf life also helps cash flow by giving the business time to sell through the product.
• Availability year-round: Scallops are frozen shortly after harvest and therefore look the same and taste the same all year long, making them a reliable product for cooks. This year-round availability means buyers can purchase the fish constantly without having to deal with seasonal shortages or price increases. The 3–5-inch size of the scallops available is consistent regardless of the season, and so it will work well for any recipes requiring that size of scallop.
• Reduced waste: IQF scallops can be taken out in portions, which means the buyer can have exactly the right amount for each meal or dish without waste. This portion control reduces food waste and helps manage food costs in culinary settings where food waste is a big concern.
• Versatility in preparation: IQF scallops can be cooked from frozen, which means they can be added to dishes directly or thawed and prepared in a variety of ways. This makes them useful to have for popular recipes like scallop chowder, garlic butter scallops, and scallop ceviche. They can be grilled, sautéed, baked, or incorporated into soups, stews, and pasta dishes.

How To Store Frozen IQF Scallops Properly

• Maintain consistent temperature: The temperature in the freezer compartment should be 0°F (–18°C) or lower. Scallops can be kept longer if they are frozen at a consistent temperature, and this will help maintain their quality and extend their shelf life. They should never be stored in a refrigerator but in a dedicated compartment instead to ensure the temperature remains low enough.
• Avoid fluctuations in temperature: The quality of IQF scallops will degrade if they are subjected to repeated thawing and refreezing. This damages the tissue within the scallops and reduces their quality and texture, and they may also need to be thrown away due to the risk of foodborne illness. When storage space is at a premium, buyers should avoid storing any food in the apartment refrigerator and, instead, place it in a dedicated compartment that is consistently cold and does not frequently open.
• Use airtight containers or bags: These scallops can be placed in heavy-duty, airtight plastic bags or containers that are suitable for freezer use. The scallops can then be placed in plastic containers or hard containers, leaving as little air as possible, then sealed to minimize exposure to air, moisture, and light, which can cause freezer burn. Scallops can be placed in freezer bags, stretching the bag as flat as possible against the scallops to remove air and sealing it tightly. Scallops can also be placed in rigid containers, such as plastic or glass containers, that with a tight lid to ensure air doesn’t reach them.
• Label and date packages: Label each container or bag with the date it was frozen and the type or size of scallops inside. this helps keep stock organized and ensures older scallops are used first. Freezer burn can occur when food is left in the freezer for longer than its appropriate storage time, so using the food within the storage time limits is key to preventing that.
• Keep scallops in their original packaging: IQF scallops are best kept in their original packaging, as it is designed to keep each scallop individually wrapped. Buyers should remove the packaging from the product rather than transfer the scallops to another container, as the packaging will help maintain the quality and texture of the scallops during storage.