Ever wonder how long fried fish will keep in the fridge? I mean aside from the obvious answer, which is as long as you eat it all before it goes bad, there are some tricks you can use to extend the life of your fish meal.
Firstly, deep frying fish is highly recommended as the water mostly evaporates during cooking which leaves behind a very dry and flaky texture that supposedly takes fewer years to break down compared to other cooking methods. Secondly, you can store fish in the fridge in order to slow down the rate of decomposition. Lastly, you can use special fish oil supplements (made from fish that have been raised in captivity) to further extend the shelf life of your fish.
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How Long Does It Take For Fish To Break Down?
When it comes to the decomposition process of fish, you have basically three options. You can either cook it, dry it, or freeze it.
The best way to stop decomposition is to keep the fish cool and dry, preferably in the refrigerator. This is where you will want to store the fresh catch as soon as you pull it out of the water. You should also remove as much body moisture as you can as this will help preserve the fish’s protein. Using an ice pack will also be beneficial if you are to keep the fish edible for as long as possible.
There are some tricks you can use to speed up the decomposition process of fish. For example, you can put whole fish on a baking sheet and roast it in the oven for about 15 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Just be sure to remove the head and tail, which will make it easier to identify what is left once the meat has decomposed.
You can also try salting the fish, or adding large amounts of sugar to the water in which the fish is being cooked. The high sugar content will attract microorganisms which will cause the fish to decompose more quickly.
Extend The Life Of Your Fish
You can buy special supplements for fish that are meant to be added to the water in which the fish is being cooked. These supplements are meant to increase the fish’s health and thus, its palatability. The best known of these fish oil supplements is meant to be taken by aquarium fish and is commonly referred to as “Aqua Vigor” by its manufacturers. Adding these supplements to the water will not only improve the texture and taste of your cooked fish, but it will also reduce the time it takes for the fish to decompose. As a general rule, the deeper the frying, the longer the life.
More Than Just Taste
When you add fish oil supplements to the water, you are not just changing the taste of your fish; you are also changing its composition. When you eat a food that is rich in nutrients, your body receives an immediate response and begins to manufacture more of these nutrients, at least partly as a result of the food’s high palatability. Most people who eat fish oil regularly experience an improvement in their general wellbeing and an overall brightening of their moods. Some even claim to have seen an improvement in the coat of their fish! Imagine what adding fish oil to your food will do for the taste of your food and for your health.
It is well known that Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for human health. These acids are mostly found in fish, algae, and mushrooms. Most people get the acids they need from dietary sources, but for those who do not, supplements are available to make up for it. Aside from fish oil, algae oil, and mushrooms, berries, beans, nuts, and seeds are also rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. When you add these fats to your diet, you will most certainly taste a difference. Your mouth will water as you await the arrival of each course, and you will feel that you are eating healthier simply because the food looks and smells better!
Conclusion
Keeping your fish alive and in good taste for as long as possible is a top priority. Regardless of whether you are a professional fish eater or a backyard angler, you will want to do everything you can to ensure that your fish is safe to eat and that it retains its freshness. While there are many ways to go about this, being smart about how and where you keep your fish will make all the difference. Dryers, freezers, and microwaves can all shorten the lifespan of your fish if used improperly, so make sure that you know what each one is for as well as how to use them safely!