Frequently Asked Questions 

Can smoked fish and spreads be shipped without refrigeration?

We have shipped smoked fish for years, successfully, without refrigeration. Upon arrival at destination, products should be refrigerated as soon as possible. More recently, especially in the summer season, we ship our products in insulated containers with ice packs and/or dry ice.

Can smoked fish be frozen?

When properly frozen, smoked fish can be kept for six months, and then thawed at refrigerated temperature of 38 degrees. Never thaw in hot water or at room temperature. Can smoked fish spreads be frozen? Sea Twang is made with Salad Dressing and can be frozen. All other spreads made with mayonnaise should not be frozen.

How does vacuum packaging protect smoked fish?

Do not confuse retortable pouches with vacuum packaging. Retortable is like a canned product and needs no refrigeration until opened. Vacuum packaging is excellent but not a divine gift. It does extend the shelf life about 20% but still needs to be refrigerated at 38 degrees. The danger of spoilage exists in any smoked product when temperatures are abused.

Is smoked fish handled differently from fresh fish?

Do not assume you can keep smoked fish UN-refrigerated or that its shelf life is unlimited. Our fish fillets have shelf life of one-week to 10 days, assuming they are refrigerated at 38 degrees, and have been covered to protect from oxidation. Our smoked fish spreads, Sea Twang and Mermaid, have an extended shelf life of 6 weeks, under refrigeration. Probable odds are that our Smoked Fish Spreads have an actual shelf life of minutes since they are impossible to put down and are consumed quickly.

Which fish are best for smoking?

Without question, Kingfish has proven the best and most versatile over the years. Amberjack, Spanish Mackerel, Wahoo, Marlin, Dolphin, Blue Fish, and Mullet are every bit as delicious smoked, each fish having its own particular flavor and texture. Atlantic Smoked Salmon has become the second best selling fish at Mrs. Peters.

Are preservatives used to prolong the shelf life of smoked fish?

Mrs. Peters uses no chemical preservatives in its smoking process nor do we use liquid smoke (also a chemical). Our curing and preserving is accomplished with a unique salting process and naturally formed smoke and heat. Our smoked fish and seafood spreads are made with commercially produced mayonnaise and salad dressing. Our final products contain some residual of freshness or flavor protectors which are inherent in the salad dressing and mayonnaise and are listed on our nutrition facts label.

Are smoked fish processors regulated by any governmental or health agencies?

Smoked fish processors are regulated through the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) in conjunction with local and state Agricultural and Health Agencies. Smoked fish processors are required to be HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) certified. All foods packaged for commercial and retail consumption must comply with the U.S. FDA (Food and Drug Administration) requirements regarding food content and nutritional label requirements. Mrs. Peters meets and exceeds all the aforementioned standards.

What else can I do with smoked fish, except just eat it?

The cocktail and hors d?oeuvre circuit offers many variations on how to serve and prepare smoked fish and seafood at parties and gatherings. Smoked fish can also be served as an entree, in a salad, with a potato, or in your scrambled eggs. Remember Fin and Haddie? A simple fish called Haddock, smoked and lightly glazed, then steamed in milk and chopped onion, thickened and then served on toast. You can do the same with smoked Kingfish.

Will I find bones in my smoked fish?

Gosh, we hope not, but it may happen. Most products produced at Mrs. Peters use only fillets, and therefore the odds of finding a bone are remote. However, one should treat smoked fish with the same respect as one does with freshly broiled, baked, or fried fish and be aware that fish bones can be overlooked (not very often) during processing.

Where is Jensen Beach, Florida?

Mrs. Peters Smokehouse is located in the Rio section of Jensen Beach, within a few hundred yards of the St Lucie River. The nearest best known communities are Stuart and Port St. Lucie and are about 100 miles north of Miami on Florida?s east coast. The gulfsteam in the Atlantic Ocean is at its closest point to land at Stuart. That is why Stuart has been named the ?Sailfish Capital of the World?

Can I purchase smoked Sailfish?

No. Sailfish is a protected species and we cannot purchase and process for commercial purposes.