The sea is full of fish, from cod to halibut, salmon to tuna. However, how long can those fish be kept in your refrigerator after they are taken out of the water before they need to be cooked? Learn how long cooked and fresh fish can be kept in the fridge and get safe fish storage advice.
Table of Contents
How Long Can Fresh Fish Be Stored In The Refrigerator?
One to two days are sufficient for fresh fish to remain in the refrigerator. Be sure to put it in the refrigerator as soon as you can after purchasing it, whether it was from the grocery store or your neighborhood fishmonger. Fresh fish ought to have a pleasant aroma, similar to that of the body of water they came from. An indication that the fillet or whole fish should be thrown out is if it smells fishy, sour, or ammonia-like. If there is any discoloration, darkening, or drying around the edges of the fillet, the fish should also be discarded. The eyes of a whole fish should be clear and unclouded.
To reduce the chance of cross-contamination, store raw fish on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator. Additionally, make sure your refrigerator is set at a safe temperature, 40°F or lower, to prevent bacterial growth. The “Danger Zone,” or the range of temperatures between 40°F and 140°F where bacteria grow quickly,” You could also keep your fish in the fridge with ice or ice packs if you open your refrigerator frequently. Before icing, wrap any fish fillets or cuts in plastic wrap if you plan to store them. You can cook whole fish without first wrapping it.
How Long Does Cooked Fish Stay Fresh In The Refrigerator?
Cooked fish can last in the fridge for up to 4 days if stored properly.
You should be aware of how long cooked fish can keep in the fridge if you are preparing meals with fish. As already mentioned, fish can quickly go bad.
Although cooking it can slightly extend its shelf life, it still has a shorter shelf life than other meats like cooked bacon, ribs, and chicken.
Keeping cooked fish in the refrigerator for up to four days is advised by the United States Department of Agriculture. However, meat that has been salt-cured or smoked before cooking may keep in the refrigerator for longer than four days.
For instance, when kept in the refrigerator, smoked salmon can last for about seven days.
After that, either finish it all up or freeze what’s left.
Cooked fish can last indefinitely in the freezer as well, but it’s best to consume it within a month or two.
How To Freeze Fish？
Frozen fish can be used for longer periods of time than fresh or cooked fish, which may only last a few days in the refrigerator. Place fish, whether raw or cooked, in a freezer-safe bag or container and seal tightly. It’s important to label and date the bag or container so you know when it was initially frozen. Use cooked fish within three months and raw fish within eight months for the best texture and flavor.
What To Look For When Fish Goes Bad?
Slimy skin, a thick, slippery exterior, and an overpowering fishy smell are common indicators that fish has gone bad.
Although fish can be slippery and pungent when it’s fresh, when it’s bad, these characteristics are much more obvious.
Your senses can typically alert you if your fish has gone bad, though it’s not a perfect test.
Advantages Of Consuming Fish?
A balanced diet can be easily maintained by consuming fish. The preparation of fish is also not too difficult.
Most of us, however, lack the time and energy to regularly visit the store and buy fresh fish. The next best option is to purchase them fresh and keep them in the refrigerator.
This, however, can be challenging because, if not handled properly, fish can quickly spoil.
Fish consumption has many health advantages. It contains a lot of nutrients, including calcium, phosphorus, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and vitamin B2.
With all these nutrients, it’s a fantastic choice if you’re trying to lose some weight and stay away from a sluggish and bloated feeling.
At least two servings of fish should be consumed each week, according to the American Heart Association. The amount of cooked fish in one serving is three ounces.
Some fish varieties that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids include striped bass, anchovies, mackerel, salmon, sardines, and bluefin tuna.
In light of this, you ought to make room in your fridge and weekly meal plan for fish.
But as already mentioned, there are particular things to keep in mind when putting fish in the fridge.
Conclusion
While cooked fish can be kept in the refrigerator for up to four days, fresh fish can only stay there for up to two days. It is best to discard fresh fish that smells fishy or sour or that has any discoloration on the edges. Fish can be frozen and will keep for several months in the freezer, extending its shelf life whether it is raw or cooked.
