Thawing and refreezing mysis

[redfishsc]

A local group is doing a group buy on some mysis, but it only comes from this place in 5lb blocks.

I only need about half of that, so probably a sawz-all can take care of that problem.



But if we wanted to thaw it out, meter out smaller amounts in small ziplock bags, would this work?


Meaning, will the thaw/refreezing really damage any of the nutrients enough to make much of a difference?


These are Canadian mysis (M. relicta) if that matters.

 

[Premiumaq]

Thawing and re-freezing will definitely affect the quality of your mysis, since I'm guessing that like most of us hobbyists you don't have a flash-freezer. A standard freeze is a slow process, and causes water molecules inside the food to expand, rupturing the food cells in the process. That said, a single thaw and freeze won't be too hard overall on your shrimp, maybe causing some damage to the exposed outer layer or two, but you'd be much better off using that sawzall on the still-frozen product. Also remember that moisture from your own freezer can have the same consequence over time, and be sure to insulate your shrimp very well with some freezer bags or paper wrapping if you'll be keeping it for an extended period.

 

[cloak]

I think you'll be ok. I've had all kinds of frozen foods turn to mush on the way home from the LFS without any problems. This mysis your using doesn't sound like it would be any different.

 

[redfishsc]

That's what I suspected. Mysis is only a small part of the diet I feed my fish anyhow.

I have a bandsaw at work that would do the trick nicely.... I just don't know if I could clean it up enough....... oh wait a minute..... denatured alcohol covers a multitude of sins ).

 

[Khoad]

Beware or frost bitten mysis. I found my fish won't touch them if some made their way into the tank. Waste=waste!