How Long Can Fresh Fish Stay in the Fridge

When it comes to delicious and healthy food, fresh fish is at the very top of the list. To preserve the flavour, texture, and nutritional value of fresh fish, it is essential to know how to store fish properly. whether its fresh-caught fish or purchased from a reliable market. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the complexities of keeping fresh fish in the fridge, so that every dish you prepare has that mouthwatering flavour. 

Understanding the Shelf Life of Fresh Fish 

A thorough understanding of the fresh fish's natural lifespan is necessary before moving into preservation techniques. Due to its delicate nature, fresh fish has a limited shelf life, unlike processed or frozen varieties. A lot of things affect how long to store fish and stay good in the fridge, including species, how it's handled, the temperature, and storage conditions. 

Differentiating Between Various Fish Species 

When comparing freshness, not all freshly caught fish are made equal. Salmon and tuna, for example, have a far longer shelf life than more fragile fish like trout. The best way to determine how long to store raw or cooked fish is to familiarise yourself with its qualities. 

Fat, water, and oxidation processes are some of the things to think about while picking out the perfect fish. Oily fish, such as salmon, has a higher fat content and so spoils more quickly than lean fish. Just like oily fish tends to spoil faster, white fish like snapper and cod have a milder flavour and might keep for longer in the fridge. 

• Oily fish like salmon and mackerel: 2-3 days 

• Lean fish like cod and snapper: 3-4 days 

• Shellfish like paua and crab: 1-2 days 

Best Practices for Storing Raw Fish in the Fridge 

Using the right storage methods right after purchasing or catching fish is important for preserving its quality. To prolong the freshness and flavour of your seafood for as long as possible, follow this advice. 

1. Choose the Right Packaging

Choosing the right packaging for your fresh fish is the first step towards ensuring its maintained freshness. To keep moisture in and air out, use airtight containers that seal tightly or bags that are vacuum sealed. Another option is to ask your local fishmonger to cover the fish with butcher paper or put it in glad wrap before refrigerating raw fish. This helps maintain its texture and flavor for a longer period. 

• Use high-quality glad wrap or aluminum foil to wrap the fish securely. 

• Store fish in a resealable plastic bag for added protection against odors, bacteria growth, and contamination. 
  
  

2. Keep Your Fish Cold

The key to keeping fresh fish smelling fishy for as long as possible is maintaining a consistent temperature. To prevent spoilage from storing fresh fish and to keep the seafood's perfect texture, keep it in the fridge frequently at a temperature between 0 and 3 degrees Celsius.  

Also, a fridge thermometer is a great investment for keeping perishable foods like fish at the perfect temperature for as long as possible. 

• Check the refrigerator temperature regularly with a thermometer to keep frozen raw fish in good condition. 

• Avoid placing frozen fish in the refrigerator door, as it experiences temperature fluctuations. 

3. Prioritise Freshness

When purchasing fresh fish, look for pieces with firm, shiny skin and a subtle ocean aroma. Keep away from fishes that show signs of decay, such as discoloured spots, unpleasant smells, or slimy textures. For the best quality, always get your fresh fish from trusted vendors that ensure food safety methods of handling and storing fish safely. Some fish vendors put ice cubes or crushed ice around the fish to avoid bacterial growth and maintain its good quality. In other wet markets, fish are bath in cold water to keep cold temperatures and keep it fresh. 

Assessing the Quality of Fish Upon Purchase 

Having the capacity to determine the freshness and quality of raw meat and raw fish while shopping allows customers to make wise decisions and choose the best fresh fish markets near them. If you want to know if the whole fish is fresh, look for bright, clear eyes, red gills, and shiny skin. Additionally, fresh fish needs to be solid when touched and should recover somewhat when gently squeezed. Always remember to: 

4. Practice Proper Handling with Care

To keep it in perfect shape without causing damage, handle fresh fish with care. Squeezing or otherwise harsh handling might hasten deterioration by bruising the flesh. To keep whole fish clean and fresh while you're carrying it home from the market, put it in a cooler or an airtight container with an ice pack to maintain a cold environment and preserve freshness. 

Handling and Hygiene Practices 

Proper handling and hygiene practices are essential for maintaining the freshness of fresh fish. Avoid touching the fish with bare hands and wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling seafood to prevent contamination. 

• Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw fish to avoid cross-contamination. 

• Before storing cut fish, rinse the fish under cold water before putting it in the container and fridge. 

• Freeze fish must be cleaned before cooking to remove any surface bacteria. 

5. Utilise Ice Packs or Gel Packs

By enclosing the package with ice or gel packs, you may create a cool, humidity-controlled environment that keeps fresh fish for longer. Store fish and maintain the ideal temperatures, check on the ice bag often and add more ice as needed. Another option is to keep the fish cold without submerging it by placing crushed ice around it in a shallow pan or tray. 

Maintaining Temperature Consistency 

Consistency in temperature is crucial for preserving the freshness of fresh fish and minimizing fluctuations that can compromise its quality. Avoid placing hot or warm foods near the fish in the refrigerator, as this can raise its internal temperature and accelerate spoilage. Additionally, refrain from overcrowding the refrigerator to allow for adequate air circulation and temperature regulation. 

6. Consume Your Cooked Fish Promptly

Unlike raw fish, cooked fish must have proper storage techniques to prolong the shelf life of the dish. Whether it is fish fillets or fish chowder soup, place cooked fish beneath the freezer just to maintain a standard cool temperature. Aim to incorporate fresh fish into your meals within two to three days of purchase to catch an optimal flavour of enjoyment. If you are to consume fried cooked fish, put paper towels on the plate. The use of paper towels significantly reduces oil absorption and drains oily fats from the fish. If you're unable to consume the fish within this timeframe, consider freezing it for future use to prevent an ammonia-like odour and preserve its freshness.  

Always Make Your Seafood Fresh and Preserved  

Focusing careful attention on every detail and following proper storage and handling procedures are essential for keeping long fresh fish in the fridge. Make sure your seafood is always at its freshest by following this guidance and being aware of the elements that affect the shelf life of fresh fish. Then you may savour exquisite seafood meals without worry.  
If you are looking for quality fresh fish, do not hesitate to contact us. At Wildfish Export, we deliver the finest fish to you. Free delivery on orders 2KG and over or orders worth over $50. Order fresh fish online only here at Wildfish.