Know how to identify spoilt salmon whether raw, cooked, or frozen is crucial for one to be able to enjoy a safe dining experience.
Since salmon a is a flavorful and nutritious seafood choice that is loved by many foods enthusiasts it is important for them understanding the risk of consuming spoiled salmon.
In this article I am going to give you some insights on how you to know when salmon has gone bad and what to do if you encounter fishy odors without expiration.
How Long Does Fish Last in the Fridge and Freezer?
Raw salmon fish stays fresh in the refrigerator up to 3 days when stored properly and up to 8 months when it is frozen (lean fish), 3 months (fatty fish).
Frozen salmon flavor and taste will deteriorate over time after these periods even though they are still safe to eat and that is why consuming frozen salmon within the specified time frame is highly recommended to maintain the best taste and quality. Also click to read the maximum duration of cooked salmon in the fridge before going bad.
The Importance of Proper Storage
It is important to store your salmon properly for it to remain in an excellent condition by using labelled airtight containers or freezer safe bags with the air removed as much as possible labelled and with dates to track it shelve life to avoid any potential health risks and prevent freezer burn.
How long can thawed fish stay in the fridge?
Salmon, when thawed should be cooked within 24 hours to preserve its texture and flavor because once you have thawed salmon, it’s shelves life in the fridge will reduce.
Again, leaving fish uncooked for longer period makes it unappealing to eat because of a decline in quality. If you suspect your fresh or thawed fish has spoiled or has developed a foil odor quickly discard it.
Signs of bad frozen or raw salmon
Foul Odors: If you detect an ammonia-like fishy smell from your salmon it is an indication that it has gone bad and should be discarded immediately.
Texture Changes: Salmon in its fresh state should be firm to the touch but will have a mushy or slimy texture when it goes bad. Discard immediately if you notice any of these signs.
Discoloration: Salmon when still fresh appear vibrant and will have an even color. When it becomes darkened or is undergoing some discoloration, and you also notice drying around its edges it is a sign of spoilage.
Freezer Burn: Bothered if freezer burnt salmon will make you sick or give you diarrhea? Know that freezer burnt salmon is very safe to eat and the taste and texture is greatly reduced.
This occurs when salmon is not adequately sealed which eventually leads to the development of crystals on its surface. However, there are techniques for reviving the lost taste of freezer burnt fish.
Thawing and cooking frozen salmon
Transfer your fish from the freezer into the refrigerator for proper thawing if you want to maintain its quality and for speedy thawing process, place the salmon in sealed plastic bags submerged into cold water and change the water every 30 minutes to ensure it remains cold.
Alternatively, you can use the microwaves defrost setting to thaw the salmon but be cautious not to overcook it. Also allow your salmon thaw slowly for couple of some hours as this will help your salmon fish retain its flavor and firm texture. Remember not to thaw your frozen salmon at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.
When you cook your salmon whether fresh or frozen, make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F to guarantee its safety for consumption. Store it in the fridge for not more than four days.
Note that even when you cook your salmon it can still exhibit foul fishy smell odors, unusual texture, and discoloration when it goes bad. If you notice these signs, discard the salmon.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Question: What happens if you eat bad salmon?
Answer: Eating bad or fishy smelling salmon can cause food poisoning including nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and fever. Consult your healthcare provider if you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above.
Question: Can frozen salmon go bad?
Answer: Frozen salmon smelling fishy can go bad beyond its recommended storage time and suffer flavor and texture degradation. Ensure your salmon is still in its fresh condition or not spoilt before consuming it.
Question: Can you eat frozen salmon after 2 years?
Answer: Yes, frozen salmon can still be safe to eat even after 2 years if stored properly in the freezer, but its quality and taste would have been greatly reduced. Please follow the recommended storage guidelines for you to know if your salmon is still fit to be eaten.
In conclusion, you can detect the freshness and quality of your frozen salmon by understanding the signs of spoilage to be able to decide if it is still fit to be consumed. Pay attention to foul odors, texture changes discoloration and freezer burn so that you can enjoy a safe and delicious frozen salmon dish.
