So you have just gotten back from the water and deposited your catch on the drying rack. You have cleaned the fish and removed all the guts. You have cut off the head, and set the tail aside. You have cleaned the bones and now you are ready to cook and eat your catch. The question is how long does the delicious smelling fish last?
The answer is–it depends. There are several factors that come into play including where you plan on storing your fish and at what temperature. Let’s take a look. (more…)
So you have just gotten back from the water and deposited your catch on the drying rack. You have cleaned the fish and removed all the guts. You have cut off the head, and set the tail aside. You have cleaned the bones and now you are ready to cook and eat your catch. The question is how long does the delicious smelling fish last?
The answer is–it depends. There are several factors that come into play including where you plan on storing your fish and at what temperature. Let’s take a look. (more…)
Where Do You Plan On Storing Your Fish?
Where you plan on storing your fish should greatly affect how long it will last. Storing fish at room temperature will result in bacteria and other forms of contamination spoiling the taste. This is why you should always store fresh fish in the freezer. If you are unable to store your fish immediately after catching them, then you should either refrigerate them or freeze them to keep their freshness.
Frozen fish is more delicious than fish that has been stored in the original form because as the fish thaws, the nutrients are released resulting in higher concentrations of the enzyme myosin. This enzyme is responsible for delivering the punch to your bite as you chew.
How Long Does Fish Last Once Thawed?
Once your fish are thawed, they will keep for about two or three days if refrigerated. Some frozen fish that is kept in the freezer will last for about six months. Fresh fish has a life span of about three to five days, depending on what you have ordered and how you have prepared it. Certain types of fish, such as tuna, can be kept for much longer than three days if stored properly. If you are planning on cooking and serving your fish right away, then it is best to keep them thawed. Otherwise, freeze them again once they have been defrosted.
What Is The Best Way To Defrost Fish?
The best way to defrost fish is by using a microwave. Soak the fish in cold water for about 10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the filet, and then use the microwave on high for about three minutes. Fish should be thoroughly thawed before cooking. Otherwise, you could end up with a frozen dinner. The main purpose of thawing fish is to allow you to cook it at a later date. Some people enjoy the taste of ice-cold fish, but the nutrients are destroyed by freezing, so it is not recommended to eat it immediately after thawing.
Other methods of defrosting include on the stovetop or in the oven. Just make sure that the water is heated all the way to boiling before putting the fish in there. This will ensure that all the fish are defrosted and ready to cook when you are done. Do not put cooked fish in the refrigerator as this could cause some of the food to clog up the drains. You should store raw fish in the refrigerator and cooked fish in the freezer. Thawing fish in the oven at 150 degrees Fahrenheit will result in maximum nutrients being retained, while at the same time keeping the meat tender. Microwaving is the best and most popular way to defrost fish.
You should only use ice that is made from purified water to freeze your fish. If you use regular ice, then the chlorine in the water will contaminate the fish. Fish that is stored in the freezer should be covered in plastic wrap or placed in a sealed container to keep it fresh and to prevent freezer burn. This is caused by excessive moisture forming on the surface of the food due to temperature changes while frozen. This can cause the food to become unhealthy.
How Long Does Fish Last When Cut Up?
Cutting up your fish into smaller pieces will result in more surface area for the bacteria and other forms of contamination to settle on. Avoid this practice or you could end up with an unpleasant bite. Breaking down the food into smaller pieces forces more of the nutrients right out into the open where the bacteria can feed on them. When you eat smaller bite-sized pieces, it is more likely that you will experience an upset tummy too. So keep your fish whole unless you are planning on serving it in smaller portions later on. This will make it easier for your body to process all the nutrients at the same time.
How Long Does Fish Last When Marinated?
Marinating is a great way to add flavor to your fish. Instead of just frying or baking your fish, you could use some herbs, spices or acids to give it an extra shot of taste. Choose the latter two if you want to keep the meat tender, as the first one can make the flesh tough. The good thing about marinating is that it can be done a couple of days before serving the fish. This means you have more time to think of other things while the fish is soaking up the flavors. The bad thing is that the longer it is left to marinate, the more the fish will start to deteriorate. Make sure you check for signs of corrosion or discoloration when marinating fish, or else you could end up with an upset stomach. Always read the ingredients before using any particular marinade, otherwise, you could end up with an unhealthy bite. Some common ingredients included in most marinades are soy sauce, wine, citrus fruits, or vinegar. You should use these ingredients in moderation, as in large amounts they can result in harm to your health. These ingredients should not be taken alongside aspirin or similar medications, as they can cause undesirable side effects. When using soy sauce or other types of acidic liquids to marinate your fish, you should always choose freshly made sauce or juice to prevent any risks to your health.
What Is The Best Way To Store Fish Once Served?
Once your fish are served, it is best to set the table for two and have a cold beer in hand. However, if you must store the leftovers, then there is no need to reheat them. Instead, pack them in a container and place it in the refrigerator. This way, they will stay fresh for other members of the family to enjoy. Some people find it awkward to eat certain types of fish cold, while others love the tanginess that comes with it. If you want to keep the fish for a later date, then freezing is the best course of action because there is no need to reheat it either. This is why it is always recommended to store raw fish in the freezer and cooked fish in the refrigerator.
The only time you should not place cooked fish in the refrigerator is if there is any chance that it could lead to spoilage. You should consume it as soon as possible, while still warm, to ensure maximum nutrient absorption. Some types of fish, such as shark and swordfish, should be kept outside of the refrigerator to prevent any risks of bacterial growth. As a general rule of thumb, the fresher the fish and the smaller the bites, the better. This is because the nutrients are more concentrated and less likely to spoil. So if you are serving smaller portions later on, then the original food value will be retained for much longer. Cut off the head, remove the guts, and store the fish so that it is ready to eat when you are craving some fishiness.