At Lobster Life Systems, we are committed to enhancing how shellfish are stored and displayed. The Shellfish Spa™ is our innovative solution designed to keep shellfish fresher for longer, transforming how retailers and restaurateurs handle and present molluscan shellfish. By addressing common questions about this revolutionary system, we aim to provide insights into its functionality and benefits. Whether in the seafood industry or just curious about advanced preservation methods, here’s everything you need to know about the Shellfish Spa™.
We always take the time to answer our clients’ questions before we move forward. Some of the most common questions that we get asked include:
1. What Is the Shellfish Spa and How Does It Enhance Shellfish Quality?
The Shellfish Spa™ is a specialized storage and display system for molluscan shellfish, such as oysters, clams, steamers, and live scallops. It uses advanced filtration and temperature control to maintain optimal conditions, mimicking the natural marine environment. This prolongs the shellfish’s life and enhances its palatability by keeping it clean and sand-free. Consequently, shellfish stored in the Shellfish Spa™ are of higher quality and more appealing to consumers.
2. What Types of Shellfish Can Be Stored in the Shellfish Spa?
The Shellfish Spa™ is designed for a wide variety of molluscan shellfish. It is perfect for storing species like oysters, clams, steamers, and live scallops, often displayed live in retail and dining settings. However, it is not suitable for crustaceans or non-molluscan seafood. The system ensures that these shellfish are maintained in a controlled environment that preserves their freshness and quality until they reach the consumer.
3. How Much Shellfish Can Each Pan Hold?
Each standard stainless steel perforated steam table pan within the Shellfish Spa™ can hold approximately 10 lbs of shellfish. These pans measure 2 ½ inches deep and 20 ¾ by 12 ¾ inches in size, making them suitable for various types and sizes of shellfish. Whether it’s little neck clams or large oysters, the pans are designed to accommodate the needs of retailers and restaurateurs alike, maximizing capacity while maintaining quality.
4. Can the Racks Be Customized for Larger Quantities?
Yes, customization is a key advantage of doing business with LLS. Our systems are built to order, allowing for modifications such as deeper pans to hold more products without significant cost increases. This flexibility ensures that each Shellfish Spa™ system can be tailored to meet the specific needs of different operational sizes and types, enhancing its utility and efficiency in handling larger quantities of shellfish. If you have questions about a specific customization you need for your purposes, reach out to us to speak to our team.
5. Why Can’t Mussels Be Displayed in the Shellfish Spa?
Mussels are not recommended for storage in the Shellfish Spa™ primarily because they are not intended to be eaten raw and have a limited shelf life once detached from their beards. The beard of a mussel is vital for its survival, similar to a root system in plants. Once removed, mussels quickly become non-viable, making them unsuitable for the prolonged display and storage conditions that the Shellfish Spa™ offers for other types of shellfish. Please reach out to us if you have other shellfish that you have questions about.
6. How Long Can Shellfish Be Safely Stored in the System?
Shellfish in the Shellfish Spa™ can be stored significantly longer than traditional methods allow, generally up to 8-10 times longer. However, we do not recommend holding shellfish for more than one week for optimal freshness and safety. Regular monitoring and adherence to best practices in shellfish handling will ensure consumers’ highest quality and safety.
7. What Technology Does the Shellfish Spa Use to Control Pathogens?
Our Shellfish Spa™ employs cutting-edge Ultraviolet (UV) sterilization technology to effectively control pathogens. Exposing the water to UV light means pathogens such as E. coli and other coliforms cannot reproduce, ensuring the water remains clean and safe. This technology is critical in maintaining the sanitary conditions required for high-quality shellfish storage. Protecting the quality of the shellfish in our systems is the top priority.
8. Is a Direct Water Supply Necessary for the Shellfish Spa?
No, a direct water supply is not necessary for the Shellfish Spa™. The system is designed to be self-contained, using only pre-made saltwater solutions for operation. The only requirement is a nearby floor drain or a drain connected with an air gap to ensure compliance with sanitary regulations and facilitate easy water changes through the power drain feature. We will ensure you understand exactly what you need to do to protect the quality of your spa.
9. What Maintenance Is Required to Keep the Shellfish Spa Operating Effectively?
To maintain the effectiveness of the Shellfish Spa™, regular maintenance is essential. This includes weekly water changes, which can be done quickly thanks to our power drain feature, and monthly changes of filter pads and activated carbon. UV bulbs should be replaced every six months to ensure continuous protection against pathogens, keeping the system running smoothly. We try to keep maintenance as inexpensive as possible.
10. Are There Any Case Studies That Demonstrate the Effectiveness of the Shellfish Spa?
Indeed, several case studies highlight the effectiveness of the Shellfish Spa™. For example, in Enfield, CT, and Sea Bright, NJ, retailers experienced significant increases in sales and reductions in shrinkage after installing our system. If you have questions about other case studies, reach out to us for more information. We can demonstrate the operational benefits and the positive impact on customer perception and purchasing behavior.
https://lobsterlife.com/case-study-shellfish-spa/
Learn More About the Shellfish Spa From Lobster Life Systems Today
Discover how the Shellfish Spa™ from Lobster Life Systems can transform your fresh seafood program and sales. Our system is a must-have for any seafood retailer or restaurateur with proven results in enhancing shelf life, maintaining quality, and increasing customer satisfaction. Join the many who have seen significant benefits from integrating the Shellfish Spa™ into their operations. Contact us today to learn more about our products and how we can help you achieve your business goals.