Storing Roast Salmon: How Long Is Too Long?

Salmon is a delicious, versatile, and nutritious meal, but it can be tricky to know how long it lasts in the fridge. The answer depends on the state of the salmon before it is placed in the fridge, the storage conditions, and how it was handled. Raw salmon should be consumed within 1-2 days of refrigeration, while cooked salmon will last for 3-4 days. Smoked salmon has a longer shelf life, lasting anywhere from two weeks to a month in the fridge, depending on the smoking and packaging method. To extend the shelf life of salmon, you can freeze it, although the texture and flavour may deteriorate over time.

Raw salmon lasts 1-2 days in the fridge

When it comes to storing raw salmon, time is of the essence. According to the USDA, raw salmon should be consumed within 1 to 2 days of being placed in the fridge. This is because salmon tends to spoil faster than other proteins like chicken or beef. To ensure your salmon stays fresh for the full two days, make sure your fridge is set to 40 degrees F or below.

If you're not planning to cook your salmon immediately after it has thawed, there are a few steps you can take to maximise its lifespan. Firstly, it's important to store your salmon in a covered container, resealable bag, or seal it tightly in plastic wrap, aluminium foil, or moisture-proof paper. This will help to prevent the salmon from drying out and protect it from odours in the fridge.

In addition to proper storage, the quality and freshness of your salmon will also depend on how it was handled prior to storage. For example, if you purchased your salmon from a grocery store, it may have already been frozen and thawed at least two times by the time you buy it. This means that it won't stay fresh in your fridge for as long as salmon that has been freshly caught and flash-frozen.

By following these guidelines, you can make the most of your raw salmon and ensure it stays fresh and flavourful for as long as possible.

Cooked salmon lasts 3-4 days in the fridge

Cooked salmon will last in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. This is the best time to eat it for the freshest salmon and the safest food. The absolute maximum shelf life for cooked salmon stored in the fridge is 7 days, but the texture and flavour will start to degrade after day 4 or 5.

To make your cooked salmon last as long as possible in the fridge, it's important to store it correctly. Firstly, allow the salmon to cool completely before refrigerating—don't transfer hot salmon straight to the fridge. Then, store it in an airtight container or seal it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent refrigerator odours from seeping in. Put the salmon in the coldest part of the fridge, usually the back of the top shelf. If you're storing it for more than 2 days, consider placing the container on ice or freezer packs. Always label leftovers with the prep date so you know when 4 days are up.

There are some signs to look out for to tell if your cooked salmon has gone bad. These include:

• Sliminess: Fresh salmon has a smooth, firm texture. Slime or mucus on the surface signals spoilage.
• Fishy smell: Cooked salmon smells mildly briny when fresh. A strong fishy odour is a clear red flag.
• Discolouration: Fresh salmon is bright pink/orange. Grayish or white splotches indicate it's gone bad.
• Mould: Fuzzy spots or a coating on the salmon means it should be discarded immediately.

Smoked salmon lasts 2 weeks to 1 month in the fridge

Smoked salmon is a delicious treat, but how long does it last in the fridge? Well, it depends on a few factors. Firstly, let's distinguish between hot-smoked and cold-smoked salmon. Hot-smoked salmon is smoked above 120°F and has a flakier texture. It can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and several months in the freezer. On the other hand, cold-smoked salmon is smoked at 90°F or below and has a smoother texture and a smokier taste. It will last about a week in the fridge and up to a month in the freezer.

Now, if you're wondering about the shelf life of an unopened package of smoked salmon, it typically lasts a few weeks from the day it was packaged. Even if it's past the expiration date, it can still be safe to consume for a couple of days afterward if it's been refrigerated. However, it's best to trust your senses; if it smells sour or looks dull, slimy, or discolored, it's best to discard it.

To extend the shelf life of smoked salmon, you can vacuum seal it and store it in the freezer. This method can preserve your smoked salmon for several months. However, always be cautious of food poisoning and botulism, which can occur if the salmon is not handled or stored properly.

Signs of spoiled salmon include sliminess, a strong fishy smell, discolouration, and mould

It's important to be able to identify spoiled salmon to avoid food poisoning. Here are some signs to look out for:

Sliminess

A slimy film or mucus on the surface of the salmon is a clear indication of spoilage. Fresh salmon should have a smooth and firm texture.

Strong Fishy Smell

While it may seem ironic, fresh salmon usually has a mild, briny scent. A strong fishy or ammonia-like odour is a sign that your salmon has gone bad.

Discolouration

Fresh salmon has a bright pink or orange colour with shiny, silver skin. If the salmon's skin looks dull and lifeless, or if the flesh has turned grey or developed white splotches, it has likely gone bad.

Mould

If you notice fuzzy spots or a coating on the salmon, discard it immediately. Do not consume mouldy salmon as it can be dangerous to your health.

It is important to note that these signs of spoilage may be observed in both raw and cooked salmon. Always check for these signs before consuming salmon, especially if it has been stored for a few days.

To store cooked salmon, cool it, seal it, and refrigerate it

Allow cooked salmon to cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator. Don't transfer hot salmon straight to the fridge.

Once the cooked salmon has cooled, store it in an airtight container or seal it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminium foil. This will prevent refrigerator odours from seeping into the salmon.

Place the container of salmon in the coldest part of the fridge, usually the back of the top shelf. If you're storing it for more than two days, consider placing the container on ice or freezer packs.

Always label leftovers with the preparation date so you know when three to four days have passed. The absolute maximum shelf life for cooked salmon stored in the fridge is seven days, but the texture and flavour will start to degrade after day four or five.

Frequently asked questions