Most people think that fish only lasts for a couple days in the fridge. However, this couldn’t be farther from the truth. Fish actually maintains a relatively high nutritional value even when kept in the freezer for several months. The amount of time that the fish will stay fresh in the fridge is determined by several factors. Here we will discuss some of the things that you need to keep in mind so that you can keep your fish as fresh as possible.
The Condition Of The Fish Matters
The first and most important thing to consider is the condition of the fish. Whenever you buy a fish, it should be clean and well-fed. This will ensure that the fish is of a good quality and can be stored for a long time in the fridge. If the fish is dirty or poorly fed, it will begin to lose its nutritional value after a while. This means that even though it may be frozen, it won’t be as useful to your body as clean fish would be. Furthermore, poorly-fed fish may contain dangerous bacteria which you don’t want to eat either. It’s best to avoid this situation by purchasing healthy and well-fed fish and keeping it in the fridge for as long as you can.
How Long Can You Keep Fish In The Fridge?
The second important factor that determines how long fish can stay fresh in the fridge is how long you can keep it there. This is called ‘the storage life of the fish’ and it varies from one to four months, depending on the type of fish and the freezer that you have stored it in. Furthermore, some fish varieties have a shorter storage life than others. For instance, pollock and cod have a relatively short storage life of two to three months in the fridge, while trout, blackfish and halibut can stay fresh for up to four months. The best way to store fish is in the freezer, as this will extend its storage life dramatically. Keeping fish in the fridge will only shorten its lifespan significantly, especially if it’s a shallow-freezer where the ice can melt and water can easily become contaminated.
When Should You Freeze Fish?
The best time to freeze fish is when you purchase it. The moment you get the fish home, begin to prepare it for storage in the freezer. This involves either putting it on a large plate or wrapping it in plastic wrap. You should then store the plate or wrap filled with frozen fish in the freezer. Thawing fish prior to cooking is extremely important, to ensure that it retains its original texture and taste. This means that you cannot simply take out some frozen fish and microwave it, as the texture will be completely different from what you’re accustomed to and it won’t taste the same as well. You should always use a fish thawing guide to ensure that the fish is defrosted fully and the cooking process proceeds without any complications. Some fish varieties, such as salmon and trout, contain a large amount of water which can only be released when fully thawed. This is important to prevent the fish from becoming soggy or mushy when cooked. The best way to avoid this is by keeping the fish frozen until you’re ready to cook it. This way, you can simply take it out of the freezer and place it on a plate. The fish will then defrost naturally, maintaining its original texture and taste.
Do You Need To Cook The Fish Prior To Eating?
There is actually no need to cook the fish prior to eating. Eating raw fish is extremely unhealthy, as the process of cooking breaks down the nutrients significantly. This is why you should always avoid buying the raw fish, as you won’t get the nutritional value that you need from it. Instead, you should opt for cooking the fish prior to eating, if this is possible. This will ensure that you get the most out of its nutrients and also eliminate any potentially dangerous bacteria that the fish may contain. You should try to avoid overcooking the fish as well, as this will make it unpleasant to eat as well. The best way to cook fish is either by baking, grilling, or sautéing it. You should always use the proper cooking method for the particular fish that you have, as over or undercooking can result in serious health complications.
What Makes Fish Delicious?
There are several reasons why fish is so delicious. First of all, fish is very high in a type of vitamin called ‘omega-3 fatty acids‘. These acids are known for their health benefits and they play a crucial role in brain development and function. Furthermore, the high levels of vitamin A and D that are present in fish contribute to its immune-boosting properties. Last but not least, the taste of fish is something that is difficult to put into words. To ensure that you get the best possible taste from your fish, you should purchase fresh fish as often as possible. This will make a significant difference in the overall taste of the fish, compared to frozen or slightly stale fish. If you’re purchasing frozen fish, you should opt for fresh fish as often as possible to avoid any off-flavors that can develop due to the prolonged freezing process.
Some people think that the key to keeping fish fresh is to store it in the fridge. However, this couldn’t be farther from the truth as well. The best way to keep fish fresh is by always following the above guidelines, which will ensure that you cook the fish as soon as you get it home, and also avoid any fish that isn’t totally fresh. If you keep all of these tips in mind, you’ll be able to keep your fish as fresh as possible throughout the year and enjoy all of its many benefits.