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When handling frozen sushi it is critical to understand the process of keeping frozen food fresh.  Since Banzai Sushi cares about the quality of its products, we take special care when shipping our frozen sushi.

            Once the sushi is prepared with a carefully crafted recipe, it must be flash frozen, then maintained at -10 to -20 degrees farenheight.  Products that contain sugar or salt have a lower freezing point, and therefore, must be stored at colder temperatures.  Sushi is similar to ice cream, frozen confectionaries, frozen pizza and fruit juices in this respect.  By keeping the sushi at this low temperature the freshness and texture will be maintained throughout the 9-12 month self life.  Nigiri sushi varieties, which have higher fish oil content, have a shelf life of 6 months.  Freezing does not necessarily stop oily fishes from eventually becoming rancid, however the freezing process does slow the process down.

            Due to the sensitive nature of frozen sushi, shipping and storage must meet the rigid standards put forward by Banzai Sushi, and a shipper must have a full understanding of the temperature requirements.  Banzai ensures the integrity of its products by monitoring each shipment with temperature recorders until there is a mutual confidence between Banzai and that shipper.  When shipping across the country, into southern states or during summer months, a load of sushi will encounter many temperature fluctuations, such as those during day and night. Consistency and avoiding wide temperature fluctuations is key.  If the sushi is inadvertently thawed, then refrozen, a change in texture and taste of the product can result. 

            Banzai specifies that once the product arrives at the location, a grocery store for example, it must go into a -10 degree freezer or one which holds ice cream.  To ensure product quality by keeping product frozen and longer temperature maintenance, Banzai Sushi protects its products before it leaves the factory.  By using heavier gauge corrugated boxes, insulated bags and a dense packing configuration, temperature fluctuations are moderated.  Shippers, distributors and customers understand the importance of all these factors, but should realize that these precautionary measures do not give unlimited temperature protection.

Communication between all lines of transportation is very important. A high-quality product would not be possible without communication between Banzai Sushi and its shipping partner.  It is important to track shipments at all steps along the way by using temperature recorders and at location checkpoints.  Labels and proper markings are also effective methods of communication.  Distributors can be at ease knowing that precautions are taken to keep the product quality and food safety unparalleled to anything else on the market.    

Want to learn more about sushi?  Visit Sushi University