Raw salmon is a great source of high-quality protein and omega 3 fatty acids, but it can also be quite expensive.
However, if you have purchased raw salmon before and stored it in your refrigerator, how long can you keep it there before it starts to go bad?
The answer depends on several factors including the type of salmon that you purchase, how much you buy at one time, and where you store it.
Here’s everything you need to know about storing raw salmon in the fridge.
How Long Can You Keep Raw Salmon in the Fridge?
You can store raw salmon in the fridge without any issues for up to 3 days. If you have not opened the packaging, this time gets extended a bit more.
As a rule, open the packet only when you plan to use it. If you plan to use salmon a few times, the best is to buy multiple packs of smaller sizes rather than a large pack. This way you will not need to open all the packs together.
Another important rule to remember is to ensure the salmon is kept in the fridge as soon as you get it. Keeping salmon at room temperatures leads to the development of bacteria, which may spoil your food.
As a rule of thumb, if you have kept salmon at room temperature for more than a couple of hours, it’s best to discard it as it would most likely become unsafe to consume.
How long will frozen raw salmon be good in the freezer?
The shelf life of raw salmon is easily 2-3 months if kept in a freezer, though it will remain safe to use even after that. In fact, if you deep freeze raw salmon, it may remain safe to eat indefinitely. But salmon frozen for such a long duration may not remain best in terms of taste when prepared.
This is Frozen salmon can be stored in the freezer for up to 18 months. Once thawed, it should be kept refrigerated and eaten within 2 weeks.
The point to note when putting salmon in the freezer is that it needs to be done within a few days of keeping it in the fridge.
If you keep raw salmon too long in a fridge then think of shifting to the freezer, it may not work as bacteria development inside it would have already started.
Here is a quick guide on freezing raw salmon at home –
Can raw salmon last 3 days in the fridge
Yes, raw salmon can last 3 days in the fridge. It is best to keep it refrigerated, but if you do not have time to eat it right away, then freezing will work just fine.
Can I keep raw salmon in the fridge for a week?
While raw salmon which is packaged well and stored in time is most likely be fine for up to a week, you still should be careful while consuming it and look for signs of it gone bad. The better way is to freeze salmon, this way it can be safely kept for months!
The best way to store it is wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in an airtight container. This will prevent any deterioration of the fish, but also help retain its freshness.
How do you know when salmon goes bad?
Salmon goes bad when it starts to smell bad, has a slimy texture, or when the flesh turns an orange or brown color.
The risk of salmon going bad increases if –
- You bought salmon which was not stored properly or already stored for a long time
- It was stored after keeping it at room temperature for sometime
- Poor packaging
- It is frozen-thawed and refozen
Benefits of Freezing Raw Salmon
Freezing raw salmon is a great way to preserve the flavor and nutrients in your fish. It’s also an easy and economical method for preserving seafood.
The best thing about freezing raw salmon is that it can be used as part of a healthy diet, or even incorporated into other recipes. Here are some tips on how long you can keep frozen raw salmon in the fridge.
How long is cooked salmon good for, in the fridge?
Cooked salmon can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. The longer it’s kept, the more likely you are to get food poisoning from it. It may also become tough and dry if left too long.
If you’re cooking your own salmon, make sure that it’s well-cooked before storing it in the fridge. Cook it until it flakes easily with a fork or has reached an internal temperature of 70°C (158°F).
How Long Can Cooked Salmon be Kept in Freezer?
You can keep cooked salmon in the freezer for up to 6 months. It may remain safe to be consumed after that too, but the taste will slowly start changing.
How long does raw salmon last after being frozen and thawed?
You can keep raw salmon defrosted in the fridge for 1-2 days in the fridge after being frozen and thawed. The time period is reduced if the thawing is done using a microwave or other means. In all other cases it’s best you cook raw salmon immediately to avoid it getting spoiled.
In general, it is not advised to refreeze products again after thawing. So, be careful regarding the quantity you thaw.
How Long does smoked salmon last in the fridge?
You can freeze smoked salmon, and they can last in the freezer for 2 to 4 months easily. The key is to portion them beforehand and freeze them in freezer-safe air-tight containers or Ziploc bags, thoroughly protected from being exposed to air or freezer burns.
Conclusion
Hope your queries regarding how long raw, cooked, smoked salmon will last in the fridge and freezer.
Do share this guide with anyone who loves salmon!