The Truth About Frozen Seafood:

Myths vs Facts

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Somewhere between “fresh off the boat” and “frozen solid” lies the real story of seafood and it has less to do with perception than with process.

For over 65 years, we’ve heard every myth in the book, that frozen seafood loses flavor, that freezing kills nutrients, that fresh is always better. The facts tell a very different story.

At CenSea, we understand that freezing seafood isn’t a shortcut. It’s a precise process designed to protect what matters most: taste, texture, and nutrition. Whether wild-caught or responsibly farmed, every product we handle is frozen at its peak to preserve the quality that nature intended.

Myth 1

Frozen Seafood Loses Quality Compared to Fresh

Fact: Freezing doesn’t ruin quality, it protects it.

CenSea’s IQF (Individually Quick Frozen) seafood, from EZ Peel Shrimp and Cooked Peeled & Deveined Shrimp to Tilapia Fillets and Mahi Mahi Portions, is flash-frozen at peak harvest in certified facilities across Thailand, India, and Vietnam. This rapid freezing locks in natural flavor, texture, and moisture within hours of catch, preserving quality better than seafood that travels days on ice.

The result is sweet, firm, ocean-fresh seafood that delivers consistency and control for chefs, distributors, and retailers all year long.

Myth 2

Freezing Strips Seafood of Its Nutrients

Fact: Nutrients don’t disappear when you freeze seafood, they’re simply paused.

Each CenSea Tilapia Fillet, Yellowfin Tuna, and Norwegian or Chilean Salmon Portion is processed and frozen fast using IQF and IVP (Individually Vacuum-Packed) technology, locking in omega-3s, lean protein, and essential vitamins.

Proper freezing preserves nutrition, taste, and texture exactly as nature intended. For restaurants and food-service distributors, that means consistent flavor, reliable cooking performance, and healthy seafood every time.

Myth 3

Frozen Supply Chains Are Inconsistent

Reality: Consistency is CenSea’s cornerstone.

Some think frozen seafood is unpredictable, that supply stops when seasons change or the weather turns.

With more than 65 years of experience and sourcing from nearly 25 countries, we’ve built a global seafood supply chain that delivers year-round. From Thailand to Ecuador, our BAP-certified facilities keep premium frozen seafood moving steadily, from shrimp and fish to specialty catches.

Freezing doesn’t interrupt the supply chain, it strengthens it. It allows chefs, wholesalers, and distributors to rely on dependable quality and pricing, no matter the season.

Myth 4

Frozen Seafood Compromises Presentation

Fact: With the right process, frozen seafood looks just as beautiful as it tastes.

Chefs choose CenSea Butterfly-Cut Shrimp, Whole Dover Sole, and Octopus for their presentation and quality. Each product is individually quick-frozen to preserve its natural color, shape, and shine, the same look you’d expect from a fresh catch.

Our Raw Breaded Butterfly Tail-On Shrimp, for example, keeps its crisp coating and elegant tail-on finish after cooking,turning every plate into a statement piece.

Whether for retail displays or fine-dining menus, frozen doesn’t dull beauty, it preserves it.

The Truth Beneath the Myths

At the end of the day, great seafood is about trust. Whether you’re running a restaurant, managing a distribution network, or selecting products for retail, you need seafood that performs every time. That’s what we’ve built our name on.

For more than 65 years, we’ve worked alongside people who care about quality as much as we do. From chefs creating menus to wholesalers building reliable supply chains, our promise remains the same: to deliver seafood that is honest, consistent, and responsibly sourced. Frozen seafood is not the second choice. It is the smart one, offering stability, control, and peace of mind, knowing every product arrives as fresh as the moment it was preserved.

If you’re serving seafood, sourcing it, or sharing it, we’d love to be part of your story. Learn more about how CenSea supports restaurants, retailers, and distributors with seafood you can trust.