In this article we will deal with salmon. Many people enjoy eating salmon because of its mild flavor and appealing color.
Also, salmon has many health benefits for people, so we should include it in our regular diet. Studies have shown that salmon is the third best seller in the United States in the category of seafood. Shrimp and tuna occupy the first and the second place.
In this article we will tell you how long salmon can last and how you should store this fish properly.
More about Salmon
Salmon is the common name for many different species of ray-finned fish. Salmon belongs to the fish family Salmonidae that also includes char, trout, whitefish and grayling.
Salmon is native to North Atlantic and Pacific Ocean, but it is used in cuisines all over the world. Salmon is rich in omega 3 fatty acids that are known as the good cholesterol. These acids lower the risk of many heart diseases and help in preventing and treating different health problems.
What Is the Shelf Life of Salmon?
The shelf life of salmon depends on different factors, such as the preparation method and the sell by date.
Also, it depends on how the salmon was stored. Like other proteins, salmon usually doesn’t have an expiration date or a use by date. It has only a sell by date and you should be based on it. It means that you can safely use salmon even beyond the sell by date, if you have stored salmon properly.
How To Store Salmon Properly?
Proper storage conditions are very important when we talk about the shelf life of salmon. If salmon is not stored properly, it will last for a shorter period of time. Fresh salmon should be stored in the fridge immediately after use. When the salmon is prepared, it should be stored in an airtight container to keep away moisture and other contaminants.
Of course, you must keep it in the fridge. If you have purchased smoked salmon that has been on the grocery shelf, you can store it in the pantry. But, if smoked salmon was refrigerated in the grocery store, it is necessary to keep it in the fridge. If the package of smoked salmon is opened, you must store it in a tightly sealed container in the fridge. When it comes to the salmon cans, you should know that only unopened cans can be refrigerated.
If you have opened cans, you should transfer the salmon to a freezer safe container and to place them in the fridge or in the freezer. If you want to store salmon for a long term, then freezing is the best option. You don’t have to worry because salmon will keep its flavor. If you freeze salmon it is necessary to place it in freezer safe containers. If you have already purchased a frozen salmon, you must store it in the freezer until the day you use it. You should defrost salmon in the fridge or you can submerge wrapped salmon in a bowl with cold water.
How To Tell if Salmon Has Gone Bad?
Your senses will help you tell if salmon has gone bad. If salmon is bad its flesh will be slimy and milky and, of course, it will have a fishy smell.
You should have in mind that salmon is slimy and smelly by nature, but when it is spoiled, you will clearly notice that something is wrong. As soon as you open the package of spoiled salmon, a sour smell and a slimy texture will tell you that your salmon has gone bad. In this case you should throw it away. You can be sure that your salmon has gone bad so don’t taste it first.
Summary
You have seen in this article that the shelf life of salmon depends mostly on storage conditions. Cooked salmon should be stored in airtight containers in the fridge.
If you want to extend the shelf life of salmon, you should freeze it. It is necessary to discard any salmon with an off odor or appearance. These are the signs that your salmon has gone bad and you should not eat it.
