How to store salmon: useful tips

Properly storing salmon is crucial for maintaining its flavor and preventing foodborne illnesses, especially when consuming it raw as sashimi. This was reported by SSPDaily. Follow these guidelines to ensure your salmon remains fresh and delicious:

Storing Fresh Salmon:

1. Time your purchase so that the salmon reaches your fridge within two hours to avoid spoilage.
2. If unable to do so, ask your fishmonger or seafood counter to provide a small bag of ice for keeping the fish cool during transport.
3. Once home, remove any wrappings and place the salmon fillets in a clean container.
4. Cover the container with a damp paper towel and seal it with an airtight lid or cling wrap.
5. Store the container in the coldest part of your fridge, preferably the bottom half.
6. Your salmon will maintain its freshness for up to two days, but it is best to consume it as soon as possible for sashimi.

Freezing Salmon:

1. Pat dry the salmon fillets with paper towel before tightly wrapping them in plastic wrap.
2. Place the wrapped fillets inside an airtight container or a zip-top bag. Remember to label and date it for easy identification.
3. Frozen salmon should remain of high quality for up to three months. Beyond that, the quality may begin to deteriorate.

Defrosting Salmon:

1. For a gradual thawing process, place the frozen salmon on a plate or tray and leave it in the refrigerator overnight until it is cold but defrosted.
2. Prior to cooking, remove the salmon from the plate and unwrap it, then pat it dry.
3. If time is limited, utilize the defrost setting on your microwave. Ensure you provide the accurate weight of the fish to prevent accidental cooking.
4. Avoid submerging the salmon directly in hot water to thaw. Instead, place it in a zip-top bag, squeeze out the air, and run cold tap water over it. Use a bowl in the sink for best results.

Thawed Salmon Duration:

1. After thawing, refrigerated salmon can last for up to two days.
2. Ensure it remains covered and stored in a sealed, airtight container to maintain its freshness.

Refreezing Salmon:

1. Salmon can be refrozen only if it has been thawed in the refrigerator and has never reached room temperature.
2. Note that subsequent freezing may result in slightly drier fish.
3. However, if your salmon has been at room temperature, you can still freeze it after cooking and cooling following proper instructions for freezing cooked salmon.

Duration of Cooked Salmon in the Fridge:

1. Cooked salmon can last in the fridge for up to two days.
2. Pack it tightly in an airtight container and store it in the colder portion of the fridge, preferably the lower half.
3. Avoid leaving salmon at room temperature for more than two hours, as it can harbor bacteria and should be discarded if this occurs.

Freezing Cooked Salmon:

1. Wrap cooked salmon tightly in plastic before placing it inside an airtight container.
2. Label and date the container, and store it in the freezer for up to six months.
3. To defrost, follow the same process as thawing raw salmon, allowing it to gradually thaw overnight in the refrigerator.