Fresh fish doesn’t keep well for very long, especially in a fridge. After a few days, the fish will start to deteriorate. So, the question is: For how long should you keep your fried fish in the fridge? Here’s a simple guide, outlining the best way to guarantee your fish will taste as good as new.
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The Golden Hours
When you get your fish, be sure to try and buy it as soon as possible. The best thing is to get it cooked and served right away. The moment the fish is cooked, its texture will become more resilient and it will stay fresh for a much longer time. So, if you can, eat it within the first few hours of purchasing it. This way you will be able to experience its full lifespan. Of course, you don’t have to eat it right away, so long as the fridge is at the right temperature, it will stay fresh for a number of days.
Temperature Is Key
When you get your fish, take into consideration the temperature of your fridge. Colder temperatures will be better, as it will slow down the spoilage process. This way, you can guarantee your fish will stay fresh for a much longer time. Ideally, the temperature of your fridge should be around 5-7 degrees celsius. Below this temperature, the fish will start to deteriorate very quickly. Above 7 degrees celsius, the texture will be too icy, making it hard to chew through. The ideal water temperature for frying fish is between 14-16 degrees celsius. Too high and the fish will become dry. Too low and it will start to become greasy, causing potentially unhealthy effects.
Freezing Works Great
When you’re in a pinch and need your fish to last a bit longer, you can always resort to freezing it. This way you will be able to save it for later, when you can finally eat it. You should try to blanch your fish before freezing it to avoid any unpleasant surprises once the food arrives defrosted. Freezing fish makes it much harder to chew through, so try to avoid that as well. Make sure you’ll thaw frozen fish before cooking, to get the best texture possible.
Avoid Anything Added
Whether consciously or unconsciously, everyone adds something to their food, whether it’s salt, pepper, or other spices. These items will make your fish less appetizing to others, as well as to yourself. The best way to avoid unnecessary additives is to buy organic fish as often as possible. The more you know, the less additives you’ll be adding to your food. And in case you’re wondering, most fish are already extremely high in sodium. So, eating food with added salt will not make your body healthier.
Don’t Overuse The Garlic
Garlic is one of the greatest flavorings ever created. It has a way of enhancing the flavor of just about everything it’s applied to. However, too much of this magical spice can turn your food into something resembling wet cardboard. This is why you need to use it sparingly and only when needed. Think of it as a spice grinder for your kitchen, which you can only use when the need arises. Otherwise, it will become too strong, to the point where it will mask the flavor of your food. This is why it’s best to keep some of the grated garlic aside for later use, when needed.
Fresh Versus Frozen
Both fresh and frozen fish are better than their respective counterparts. However, frozen fish comes with a couple of perks. The texture will stay the same, regardless of whether you defrost it or not. This means you can cook it whenever you want, without worrying about the freshness of your fish. On the other hand, fresh fish has an expiry date, after which it starts to deteriorate. This means you have to be a bit more careful, avoiding any unnecessary handling and minimizing the amount of time you spend away from home. Otherwise, you may end up with an unappetizing meal, that you’ll regret later.
Sustainable Seafood
When you’re buying your fish, look for sustainable seafood. This type of seafood doesn’t harm the environment while being harvested, so you can feel good about your choice. Fortunately, there are more and more seafood businesses, which promote sustainability. This way, you’ll be supporting an ethical, and more importantly, healthy brand. Buying sustainably harvested seafood will also allow you to avoid any unpleasant surprises, once the food arrives. There’s a lot of deception with regards to the origin of some seafood, as well as the method by which it was caught or harvested. So, being able to trace the source of your food back to its most basic form, will make you feel a little better about your choice. In addition, you’ll be supporting small, independent businesses and creators, which are the heart and soul of any vibrant community.
Variety Is The Key
In the same way, having a wide variety of food is highly beneficial for the human body. When you eat a variety of foods, you will increase the possibility of consuming nutrients, which are vital to your health. Unfortunately, our society has become so focused on individualism, that people have started to forget about the importance of healthy diet and the variety of foods, which leads to nutrient deficiencies and obesity. So, it’s important to keep emphasizing the variety of food, which is why you should always have a number of different dishes, on hand. This way, you’ll have something new and exciting to offer, every time someone walks through the door.