This paper investigates the effective of different packaging and preservation strategies on
the shelf life of both cooked and raw black tiger prawns (Penaeus monodon). Prawn samples
were cooked-chilled followed by either vacuum-packed or gas-flushed. Raw samples were
used as control treatment. Each method of preservation was stored for 14 days at both 4 8C
and 20 8C. Prawn samples were analysed for microbial, physical and sensorial properties for
a 14 day storage period at storage temperatures of 4 and 20 8C. It was found that the method
of vacuum-packing prawns was most efficient at preserving their sensorial and textural
properties. This method also increased the lag phase of microbial growth at both storage
temperatures. Therefore, from this study it can be concluded that the most effective method
of preserving prawns is vacuum-packing prawns followed by storage at 4 8C as this keeps
microbial counts down while at the same time preserving textural and sensorial qualities of
the prawns.