How Long Does Fish Stay Fresh in the Fridge?
When I was growing up, my family would often go on fishing trips to the nearby lake. We would spend hours casting our lines, hoping to catch enough fish for dinner. One day, we had a particularly successful day and caught more fish than we could eat in one sitting. My mom decided to put the extra fish in the fridge, but she wasn’t sure how long they would stay fresh. As a result, some of the fish went bad before we had a chance to eat it.
Since then, I’ve learned a lot about how to store fish properly. In this blog post, I will share everything I know about how long fish stays fresh in the fridge. I will also provide some tips on how to store fish properly so that it stays fresh for as long as possible.
Factors Affecting Freshness
Several factors can affect how long fish stays fresh in the fridge. These factors include:
Type of Fish
Fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel, will spoil more quickly than lean fish, such as cod, tilapia, and flounder. This is because fatty fish contains more oil, which can become rancid over time.
Freshness of Fish
The fresher the fish is, the longer it will stay fresh in the fridge. When buying fish, look for fish that is bright-eyed, has a firm texture, and smells like the ocean. Avoid fish that is dull-eyed, has a slimy texture, or smells fishy.
Storage Temperature
Fish should be stored in the coldest part of the fridge, which is typically the bottom shelf. The ideal storage temperature for fish is 32-35 degrees Fahrenheit.
Packaging
Fish should be stored in a sealed container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. This will help to prevent the fish from drying out and absorbing odors from other foods in the fridge.
How Long Does Fish Stay Fresh in the Fridge?
The following table shows how long different types of fish will stay fresh in the fridge:
| Type of Fish | Freshness | Storage Temperature | Packaging | Storage Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fatty fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel) | Fresh | 32-35 degrees Fahrenheit | Sealed container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap | 1-2 days |
| Lean fish (cod, tilapia, flounder) | Fresh | 32-35 degrees Fahrenheit | Sealed container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap | 2-3 days |
| Cooked fish | Cooked | 32-35 degrees Fahrenheit | Sealed container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap | 3-4 days |
Tips for Storing Fish
Here are a few tips for storing fish properly so that it stays fresh for as long as possible:
- Buy fresh fish. Look for fish that is bright-eyed, has a firm texture, and smells like the ocean.
- Store fish in the coldest part of the fridge. The ideal storage temperature for fish is 32-35 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Store fish in a sealed container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. This will help to prevent the fish from drying out and absorbing odors from other foods in the fridge.
- Cook fish within 1-2 days of purchasing it. If you cannot cook the fish within 1-2 days, freeze it.
Expert Advice
I recently spoke to a fishmonger about how to store fish properly. He gave me some great advice, which I will share with you now:
- If you are not sure how fresh the fish is, err on the side of caution and cook it sooner rather than later.
- If you are freezing fish, make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in a freezer-safe container. This will help to prevent freezer burn.
- Thaw frozen fish in the refrigerator overnight before cooking it.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about storing fish in the fridge:
Q: How can I tell if fish has gone bad?
A: There are a few signs that fish has gone bad. These signs include:
- The fish has a dull, slimy texture.
- The fish smells fishy or sour.
- The fish has dark spots or mold.
Q: What should I do if I think fish has gone bad?
A: If you think fish has gone bad, do not eat it. Discard the fish immediately.
Q: How long can I store cooked fish in the fridge?
A: Cooked fish can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Q: Can I freeze fish?
A: Yes, you can freeze fish. Fish can be frozen for up to 6 months.
Conclusion
I hope this blog post has been helpful in answering your questions about how long fish stays fresh in the fridge. By following the tips and advice in this post, you can keep your fish fresh for as long as possible.
Do you have any questions about storing fish in the fridge? Please feel free to leave a comment below.
Image: tiltfishing.com
Image: www.eatingwell.com
The Aquaculturists: 24/02/2015: How long does fresh fish last in the … Kitchen Fact: Raw fish or shellfish stored in the refrigerator should be eaten in one to two days. You should plan to cook and eat your fresh fish and shellfish within two days. Any longer than that and the quality begins to deteriorate and it will develop that telltale, unpleasant “fishy” odor. Keep it stored in the coldest part of the