Most of the time, fish sauce (also known as anchovy sauce) is stocked in the refrigerator next to the regular foods. While most people are aware that fish sauce has a relatively short shelf life, they often do not realize the extent to which it can be spoiled by inappropriate storage. When stored at room temperature, the aroma of fish becomes very weak and even overpowering. This makes fish sauce increasingly less appetizing and more dangerous to consume as the days progress. There are various factors that can affect the shelf life of opened fish sauce, including the brand, the amount, and the storage temperature. In this article, we will discuss the various factors and line with you on how to store your fish sauce properly so that you can enjoy its wonderful flavor for as long as possible.
The Best Way To Store Opened Fish Sauce
As mentioned above, fish sauce has a very short shelf life. This is because the flavor quickly deteriorates at room temperature. To keep the flavor as fresh and dominant as possible, it is essential to store it in the refrigerator. Stocking fish sauce in the refrigerator also helps maintain a relatively lower temperature, which in turn, keeps the flavor intact for longer. When stored in the refrigerator, the flavor of fish becomes more apparent and less weakened by day. Moreover, you can always take out the fish sauce and let it come to room temperature before serving, if you happen to eat it cold.
For maximum freshness, we recommend storing opened fish sauce in the refrigerator for no longer than three days. After that, the flavor starts to deteriorate and become increasingly more challenging to enjoy. If you want to keep the flavor as fresh as possible and you cannot consume it after the three days, then you should throw it out. You can always buy more in case you run out before the expiration date. For more information on the shelf life of fish sauce, check out this informative link from the Monash University Food Science website.
How Long Does Opened Fish Sauce Last, According To The Label?
Although the above information provides you with an excellent guideline for storing opened fish sauce, it does not tell you how long the actual sauce will last once it is opened. In the refrigerator, all foods have an internal pH balance that is preserved by the cold temperatures. This is not the case with fish sauce, as its pH level tends to increase rapidly once opened. The normal pH level of fish sauce ranges between 4.2 and 6.0. However, if the pH level increases above this range, then it becomes increasingly more difficult for the fish sauce to taste good. After opening, the pH level of the sauce can increase anywhere from 0.2 to 1 unit, depending on the brand and the storage temperature.
For instance, if you open a 500 ml bottle of Thai Kitchen fish sauce at room temperature, then the pH level can increase by 0.8 units. In contrast, if you open the same bottle at refrigerator temperature, then the pH level can increase by 1.2 units. This means that even though the refrigerator will help preserve the flavor of the fish sauce, it can also potentially destroy it. To avoid any unpleasant surprises, always check the expiry date on the bottle before using it.
How Long Does Opened Fish Sauce Last, According To The Bottle?
As we have discussed above, the pH level of fish sauce increases rapidly once opened. To the extent that the flavor of raw fish is still present in the opened bottle, then the pH level will continue to rise and the fish sauce will start to lose its appetizing qualities. After this point, the liquid content of the bottle becomes increasingly more difficult to digest. Because of its low water content, however, most people tend to drink it without problems. Theoretically, if you drink a bottle of hot sauce without chewing, then you can risk developing esophageal cancer. The same principle applies to fish sauce. If the flavor becomes overwhelming after a day or two, then it is best to throw it out. In case you are wondering, the maximum shelf life of a bottle of fish sauce is five days. After that, the flavor becomes increasingly less pleasing and it is probably best to get rid of it. When stored in the refrigerator, this particular type of sauce can be kept for up to one month. If you know that you are going to use up the entire bottle, then you should probably consume it as soon as possible. Otherwise, it may be better to buy a new bottle.
What If I Use Up The Entire Bottle?
If you use up the entire bottle of Thai Kitchen fish sauce within the first three days, then there is no reason to worry. In fact, it is probably best to celebrate since you will not have to go out and buy a new bottle. The flavor of Thai Kitchen is excellent and it is a versatile option that can be used to compliment many dishes. However, after the three days, you need to start worrying about whether or not the flavor will deteriorate. If the flavor starts to fade after you use up the entire bottle, then it is probably best to get rid of it. Alternatively, you can try and search for a newer version of the product to see if it tastes any different. In any event, in case you plan on using up the entire bottle, then you should probably consume it as soon as possible. Do not store it in the refrigerator as this will only accelerate the process of flavor deterioration.
How Long Does Opened Fish Sauce Last, According To The Type Of Fish?
If you want to keep the flavor of fish sauce for as long as possible, then avoid using larger fish such as swordfish or marlin. These types of fish are more prone to spoilage. In case you use them for your culinary delights, then you should consider buying smaller fish such as grouper or halibut. There, now you know how long opened fish sauce lasts, depending on the type of fish. If you keep it refrigerated, then it will last for about three days. After that, the flavor starts to deteriorate and it is best to discard it. You can find information on the pH balance of different types of fish on the Monash University Food Science website. This particular information can help you determine the shelf life of different types of fish sauce.
In case you are wondering, anchovy sauce is different from fish sauce in the sense that it does not have an internal pH balance. This particular product is usually stocked next to the regular ol’ mayonnaise. As such, it does not require any special storage conditions since it is already acidic by nature. However, it is still relatively short-lived and it should be stored in the refrigerator in the same way as the regular foods.
How Long Does Opened Fish Sauce Last, According To The Type Of Wine?
Wine is another product that undergoes transformation once opened. Much like fish sauce, wine’s flavor starts off rather promising and then gradually deteriorates with time. Luckily for us, this does not mean that we have to throw it out. There are ways to extend the life of opened wine, including storing it in the refrigerator. However, as with fish sauce, it is still relatively susceptible to spoilage. This is why we recommend storing it in the same place as the regular foods.
If you decide to keep opened wine for longer than three days, then you should probably consume it as soon as possible. Otherwise, it may be better to buy a new bottle to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Is There A Way To Store Opened Fish Sauce Without Deteriorating Its Flavor?
Yes, there is a way to store opened fish sauce without it deteriorating in flavor. This is by using proper canning techniques. If you are a fan of the flavor of fish sauce, then you can actually preserve it by sealing it in a vacuum-sealed canister with a few pieces of fish in it. Once opened, the vacuum seal will keep the original flavor intact for weeks or even months. When opened, the vacuum seal will keep the original flavor intact for weeks or even months.
This can be a great way to store opened fish sauce since it does not have to be consumed right away. In case you are wondering, the maximum shelf life of a vacuum-sealed canister of opened fish sauce is one year.