Can you cure frozen eggs?

[Pilar]

We bought some whole frozen salmon that had eggs in them.

The filets are perfect for smoking. The question is what to do with the eggs. They look ok but I wonder if I should bother with curing them.

Thanking you in advance.

[WheresMyBobber]

You can cure frozen eggs, but they won't be near the quality of eggs that were cured before they were frozen. In my experience they milk out faster, aren't nearly as firm, and don't hold up as well.

My understanding of why this happens is because the liquid inside the eggs freezes and expands, which in turn pokes minute holes in the skin of the egg. Hence, the "leaky" eggs and lesser overall quality when cured. I won't even attempt to cure frozen eggs any more, even if they are given to me for free. (I've turned down frozen eggs more than once)

With that being said....I have a friend who uses eggs like this while bobber fishing and does quite well. He actually likes the way they milk out. I've also heard that there is a way to freeze or cure eggs so these problems can be avoided. I've just never had any luck. To each their own I guess.

[ 11-05-2001: Message edited by: WheresMyBobber ]</p>

[Thumper]

Pilar, the fact that you got these fish whole and frozen may help you. The eggs were at least still in their original osmotic environment when frozen, which is probably better than if they had been rinsed. Rinsed eggs imediately begin to swell, and when then frozen they are more likely to lyse. I would try to cure them and hope for the best.

[marky-sharky]

After I cure my eggs I usually freeze them. Does that have any outcome. I just started curing my own eggs so I havn't been able to try both way's.

[fishbait]

John,,
try this cure, it will work well with previously frozen eggs.

2 cups borax
1 cup salt
1 cup sugar

dissolve in 1 cup hot water, add 1 cup cold water. Add color or dye if desired. You will feel the eggs cure as you stir them. About 15 - 30 min, you want them semi tough, then drain and dry to desired toughness. If you dry them to sem dri to the touch. they will hold upo well, but will not be great milkers.Cut small baits and pack in borax for some killer steelhead baits.....Buying salmon, hope you got a good price..........

[ 11-05-2001: Message edited by: fishbait ]</p>

[scrod]

Yes

[Timber Man]

If they were frozen they will cure but not be as durable..I like to cure them and dont air dry just vaccum pack them wet..Then wrap your bags in freezer paper..Since these eggs were still in the fish it might have helped them. :grin: TM

[Pilar]

Thanks for the advice. I will try your cure Fishbait. The deal is, I just hated to waste the eggs and throw them away. Almost always I vacuum pack in jars and freeze cured eggs and this works well.

The salmon is for some friends that wanted smoked fish. I have a little silver left but none with the skin still on so I bought 2 nooks for .88 a lb. I was put out when I found out the fish were frozen whole, uncleaned. But since then I have found that this is the usual practice to prevent freezer burn. Actually the filets are pretty nice.

Maybe Ike will fall for frozen eggs.

[THE REEL HEY_YALL]

Can you say Spawn Sacks?

Previously frozen eggs suck, as to why listed in a reply above mine. I would turn them down, or make spawn sacs out of them.

Hey Kev, did you buy another deep freezer for all the eggs you have?....LOL I think you should just buy a walk-in, meat locker. :tongue:

[THE REEL HEY_YALL]

Marky, you'll be cool. Just throw some borax on them when you freeze them if it's going to be a while until you use them.

If you fish regularly, leave them in the fridge. Just watch out for wife or mold. Both can be evil things to good eggs. :grin:

[Barnyard]

If all else fails they make great shrimp or crab bait.....