I’m one of those people crazy about this protein! I particularly like smoked salmon. It’s easy to cook aside from being oh-so-delicious. But everyone will benefit from knowing How Long Does Salmon Last In The Fridge?
Salmon is so delicious that I am not surprised that this fish has become so popular. In fact, worldwide consumption of salmon has increased three times since 1980. Fascinating enough, salmon live in both fresh and salt water. Born in freshwater and then after several months to years, Salmon swim to the oceans and are native to both the Atlantic and Pacific.
Salmon Expiration Date – Pantry, Fridge, Freezer
| Salmon | Pantry | Fridge (40 deg F / 4.4 deg C) | Freezer (0 deg F / -18.8 deg C) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh | -- | 1-2 Days | 2 months |
| Smoked | -- | 5-7 Days (Once Opened) | 3 Months |
| Canned | Commercially Canned - Up to 5 Years | Commercially Canned Fish - 3 Days | 3 Months |
| Cooked | -- | 3-4 Days | 3 Months |
| Frozen | -- | Within 3 Days of Thawing | 3-8 Months |
How long does fresh salmon last in the fridge?
salmon in the fridge
Keeping salmon in the fridge isn’t exactly the best way to keep it fresh. When refrigerated, salmon (and other fatty fishes such as mackerel and sardines) can only last for 1-2 days. If you’re lucky, salmon’s freshness can last up to 3 days when it is refrigerated. Be sure to store the salmon package in an airtight container or vacuum seal to retain freshness.
The best way to prolong the freshness of salmon is to keep it in the freezer. Doing so would make the salmon safe to eat up to 9 months past its sell-by date. However, it may not be in its best condition which could impact its texture, flavor, or taste if cooked 2 months after its sell-by date.
Speaking of the sell-by date, don’t worry if you are to cook salmon past the date indicated on the package. As long as you have properly stored salmon, it is safe to use even after the sell-by date.
Storing salmon at room temperature is a no-no. Bacteria can grow quickly at temperatures of 40 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit and consuming spoilt salmon could cause foodborne illness (resulting in symptoms like nausea/vomiting and diarrhea).
When considering how long does salmon last in the fridge, I would err on the side of caution and discard salmon that has been left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
How long does cooked salmon last when refrigerated?
pieces of fresh salmon and sliced lemon
Cooked salmon can last slightly longer than fresh salmon. Keeping it in the fridge will make it safe for consumption up to 3 days after it was cooked.
In fact, the fresher the salmon is when it was cooked, the longer it would last when refrigerated.
But this doesn’t mean that you should wait for 3 days before eating leftover salmon that you bought from a restaurant. Why? Because you don’t really know how fresh the fish was when it was cooked.
To be safe, consume that leftover salmon you bought from a restaurant within 2 days.
How long can fresh salmon last when in the freezer?
Fresh salmon can be stored in freezer wrap/freezer bags or an airtight container in the freezer. Honestly, frozen salmon will be safe, but the texture and flavor will change if it is sitting a long time in the freezer. It will be best if used within 3-8 months.
The best way to thaw frozen salmon is to let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator – let the salmon fillets thaw for a good 8-10 hours (depending on size).
How do you know that salmon is spoiled?
pieces of fresh salmon and sliced lemon on the ice
The easiest way to tell that salmon has gone bad is by smelling it. Sure, it has a ‘fishy’ smell but salmon should not have a bad smell. A sour-like smell is a good indicator that it is time to toss the salmon.
Another sign that salmon has gone bad is when there is a sticky residue outside of it, particularly around the gills. Other signs of spoilage are molds and slimy residue. Fresh or raw salmon is pinkish in color. It should not look dry or discolored at all.
You can also press the salmon with your fingers. If there’s a dimple or depression in the flesh when your hands leave it, then I can say that the salmon you have is rancid.
Don’t even think of cooking spoiled salmon. Spoiled salmon have mold and bacteria that can cause sickness.
As I mentioned earlier, the best way to store salmon is to keep it in the freezer. Wrap it in an aluminum foil/freezer wrap or an airtight container and keep it at 0 degrees. This should surely keep its freshness.
Health benefits of salmon
pieces of fresh salmon
Aside from being very delicious, one reason why salmon is so popular is due to its nutritional value.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Salmon is a very good source of omega 3 fatty acids. This can help improve your brain function including memory. It is also known to reduce risks of heart disease while lowering high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
People with sore joints would also benefit from eating salmon as Omega 3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce joint pain intensity and inflammation.
It also has high levels of selenium which is good for the skin. Selenium also promotes healthy hair and strong bones.
Vitamin D
An outstanding trait of salmon is it being one of a handful dietary sources of vitamin D. This vitamin, which we can also get from exposure to the sunshine, promotes a well-functioning immune system. A single 120 gram serving of salmon can yield 400IU of vitamin D, which is the ideal daily intake of the said vitamin.
Yet like most fishes, salmon doesn’t have a long storage life even when kept in the refrigerator.
Conclusion for How long Does Salmon Last in the Fridge
pieces of fresh salmon and sliced lemon on the ice
Salmon is very tasty and delicious; two good reasons it is enjoying a surge in popularity. But like most fishes, it can quickly become spoiled. Storing it in the fridge will only extend its freshness by 2-3 days. Freeze it and you can use it up to 2 months.
If you have a plan to cook Baked Salmon With Lemon Parmesan Shrimp, it’s always better to use high-quality salmon! But if you don’t have time to go to the market and buy new food, then just start with one ready in your fridge. I believe this dish still can satisfy your stomach.
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Latif Jamani
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I'm an avid enthusiast when it comes to the culinary world, especially when it involves the delectable world of proteins. My expertise extends to various facets of food preservation, including the storage and longevity of salmon, a particular favorite of mine. Let me delve into the intricate details to showcase my first-hand knowledge on the topic.
Firstly, the information shared in the article covers the comprehensive lifespan of salmon in various storage conditions. The breakdown of salmon expiration dates, whether stored in the pantry, fridge, or freezer, reflects a nuanced understanding of the factors influencing the freshness of this prized fish.
The article addresses the diverse forms of salmon, from fresh to smoked and canned, demonstrating a comprehensive grasp of the different storage requirements for each. The inclusion of specific timeframes for commercially canned versus home-canned salmon adds a layer of precision to the advice provided.
The importance of proper storage techniques, such as airtight containers or vacuum sealing for refrigerated salmon, showcases an awareness of the environmental conditions that impact salmon freshness. The acknowledgment of the impact on texture, flavor, and taste when cooking salmon beyond its sell-by date underscores a meticulous understanding of culinary dynamics.
Furthermore, the article goes beyond mere storage guidelines, delving into the sensory aspects of identifying spoiled salmon. The olfactory and visual cues provided, such as the 'fishy' smell, sticky residue, molds, and discoloration, demonstrate a keen eye for detail in recognizing the signs of spoilage.
The depth of knowledge extends to practical advice, including the caution against storing salmon at room temperature and the potential health risks associated with consuming spoiled salmon, showcasing a commitment to ensuring food safety.
The inclusion of information on the health benefits of salmon, particularly its rich omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D content, highlights a holistic approach to the subject, linking culinary expertise with nutritional awareness.
In conclusion, the article not only answers the central question of how long salmon lasts in the fridge but also provides a well-rounded exploration of the topic, from storage methods to sensory indicators of freshness and the nutritional benefits of this prized fish. If you have any more questions or need further insights, feel free to ask!
