Black Abalone (Blackfoot Paua)

Common name Pāua, Blue Abalone has a distinctive shell with iridescent blue-green hues, showcasing a spiral shape and a smooth, polished appearance. The meat inside is tender, with a sweet and delicate flavor.

Length: approx. 10cm in length (12.5cm legal minimum shell size for harvest)

Weight: 250-400g

Availability:

Blue Abalone is available year-round, though catch quotas and regulations may affect availability in certain regions and seasons.

Abalone (Paua) is harvested year-round, primarily from the Kaikoura and Southland coasts, Stewart Island, and the Chatham Islands. Divers are limited to snorkelling equipment and may only take Paua that exceed the minimum size requirement.

Storage conditions: Store at 3 - 6°C/37 – 43°F

Shelf life: 7 days from date of packing

Blue Abalone is typically sold live in the shell or also as half shell blast-frozen, depending on customer preferences. It is often packaged in ventilated containers or bags to maintain freshness and ensure proper airflow.

Abalone (Paua) provides a rich array of nutrients including Protein, Omega-3 fatty acids, Iodine, Iron, Vitamin B12, Selenium, and Copper. It also contains Phosphorus, Magnesium, Potassium, Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), and Niacin (Vitamin B3).

For tender paua, gently remove it from the shell and cook quickly over high heat with care. Avoid overcooking to prevent a rubbery texture; cooked paua changes color and curls at the edges. Tenderize by lightly pounding or briefly par-boiling in steaming water. Enjoy it grilled, stir-fried, sautéed, baked, poached in seafood broth, barbecued, or in a Kiwi classic: paua fritters.

 The harvesting of Blue Abalone in New Zealand is carefully managed under strict regulations to ensure sustainable practices. These include size limits, catch quotas, and protected areas to conserve the abalone population and its natural habitat.