How Long İs Salmon Good İn The Fridge?

The shelf life of salmon in the refrigerator depends on various factors, including its freshness at the time of purchase, the temperature of your fridge, and whether it's cooked or raw. Generally, raw salmon can be kept in the fridge for 1-2 days, while cooked salmon lasts in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Freshness at Purchase

Pre-Packaged vs. Freshly Caught: Pre-packaged salmon often has a use-by date to guide you. Freshly caught or purchased salmon should be refrigerated immediately.

Appearance and Smell: Fresh salmon should have a slight sea smell and moist, not slimy, skin.

Storage in Fridge

Temperature: Keep your refrigerator at or below 40°F (4°C). Higher temperatures increase the risk of bacterial growth.

Airtight Packaging: Store salmon in airtight packaging or wrapped tightly to avoid air exposure, which can hasten spoilage.

Raw vs. Cooked: Raw salmon lasts shorter than cooked. Once cooked, it has a slightly longer shelf life due to the cooking process killing bacteria.

Tips for Extended Storage

Freezing: If you can't consume the salmon within 1-2 days, consider freezing it. Frozen salmon can last for up to 6 months.

Thawing Methods: Always thaw frozen salmon in the refrigerator or under cold water, never at room temperature.

Signs of Spoilage

Odor: If the salmon smells overly fishy, sour, or ammonia-like, it's a sign of spoilage.

Texture and Color Changes: Look for any sliminess, discoloration, or white spots on the surface.

Taste Test: If in doubt, a small taste test can help. If it tastes off, it’s best to discard it.

Safety Precautions

Cross-Contamination: Avoid using the same utensils or cutting boards for raw salmon and other foods.

Cooking Temperature: Ensure salmon is cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) to kill harmful bacteria.

Cooked Salmon in the Fridge: Once salmon is cooked, it can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Make sure it's stored in an airtight container or tightly wrapped.

Raw Salmon in the Fridge: Raw salmon should ideally be consumed within 1-2 days when stored in the refrigerator. Storing raw salmon for 5 or 7 days in the fridge is risky, as it is likely to spoil and become unsafe to eat.

Raw Salmon in the Fridge for 3 Days: If raw salmon has been in the fridge for 3 days, it's at the edge of its safe consumption window. Carefully check for signs of spoilage such as a bad smell, slimy texture, or discoloration before consuming.

Storing Salmon in the Freezer: To extend the shelf life of salmon, freezing is an effective option. Wrap the salmon tightly in plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe bag. Properly frozen salmon can last up to 6 months. When ready to use, thaw it in the refrigerator or under cold water.

Online Forums Discussions (e.g., Reddit): It's common to find varied advice on forums like Reddit, but for food safety, it's best to follow guidelines provided by food safety experts and authorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raw Salmon for 5 Days in Fridge: It's not recommended. Raw salmon should ideally be consumed within 1-2 days when stored in the refrigerator. Beyond this, the risk of bacterial growth and spoilage increases.

Salmon After 7 Days in Fridge: Salmon stored for 7 days in the fridge, whether cooked or raw, is not advised for consumption due to a high risk of spoilage and foodborne illness.

Telling if Salmon Has Gone Bad:

Odor: A strong, sour, or unpleasant fishy smell is a clear sign.

Texture: If the salmon feels slimy or sticky.

Appearance: Any discoloration, dullness, or signs of mold indicate spoilage.

Taste: If unsure, a tiny taste (followed by immediate spitting out) can confirm spoilage. Do not consume if it tastes off.

Costco Salmon in the Fridge: Like any fresh salmon, Costco salmon should be consumed within 1-2 days when stored in the fridge.

Telling if Salmon is Bad in the Fridge: Use the same indicators as above: smell, texture, appearance, and, if necessary, a very small taste test.

Eating Week Old Salmon: It is not safe to eat salmon that has been in the fridge for a week. The risk of foodborne illness is significantly increased.

Salmon After 6 Days in Fridge: Eating salmon that has been refrigerated for 6 days is not recommended due to the risk of spoilage and bacterial growth.

Maximum Storage Time in Fridge: Raw salmon should not be kept in the fridge for more than 1-2 days. Cooked salmon can last a bit longer, up to 3-4 days.

Fresh Salmon Lasting a Week in Fridge: Fresh salmon is unlikely to remain safe to eat if stored in the fridge for a week.

Eating 5 Day Old Salmon: Consuming salmon that has been in the fridge for 5 days is not recommended due to potential spoilage.

Pink Salmon in the Fridge: The shelf life of pink salmon in the fridge is similar to other types of salmon - 1-2 days for raw and 3-4 days for cooked.

Salmon Still Pink: Salmon is naturally pink and remains pink when cooked properly. It's the texture and firmness that change when cooked.

Eating Salmon After 3 Days in Fridge: If it's cooked salmon, it should be safe. If it's raw, it's best to avoid it.

Pink in Cooked Salmon: Yes, cooked salmon will still have a pink color when done. The key is that the flesh should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.

Conclusion