Not gonna lie, fish is great, but salmon? Ah, salmon is in a league of its own. This special fish is one of the reasons why many people from different countries can’t get enough sushi! No wonder why it’s being called a “brain food” – it’s good for your overall health, including your heart and skin.
If you’re one of the many people who love salmon, then this article is for you. Here, we’ll be discussing everything there is to know about cooked salmon – from how long it lasts to where you should store it. By the end of this article, you’ll be a pro at taking care of this amazing fish!
What is salmon?
Before anything else, let’s first get to know our star of the show – salmon. Salmon is a type of fish that belongs to the family of “fatty fish”. This means that it’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for the body. Omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation and the risk of chronic diseases. In addition, they can also improve cognitive function and eye health which is why salmon is often called a “brain food”.
Not all salmon are created equal, though. There are four main types of salmon:
Chinook or king salmon (this is the largest type of salmon)
Coho or silver salmon
Sockeye or red salmon
Pink salmon (this is the smallest type of salmon)
Furthermore, the taste of salmon is another thing that sets it apart from other fish. Salmon has a unique and slightly sweet taste that many people love. It’s also relatively easy to cook, you can either bake, grill, smoke, fry, or if you’re a fan of sushi or sashimi, you can also eat it raw! Now that’s what we call a versatile fish.
How long does cooked salmon last at room temperature?
Now that we have a little bit of background on salmon, let’s move on to the main event – storage. Let’s say you’ve just cooked a delicious salmon meal and there are some leftovers. How long can you keep them?
Ideally, cooked salmon should only be kept at room temperature for up to two hours. More than that and the risk of food poisoning starts to increase. After two hours, cooked salmon should either be refrigerated or frozen.
How long does cooked salmon last in the fridge?
If you decide to store your cooked salmon in the fridge, it will last for up to three days. Just make sure to place it in an airtight container and put it in the coldest part of your fridge, such as the bottom shelf or the back. Also, never place cooked salmon on the same plate or container that you used to store raw salmon. This is to avoid cross-contamination, which can lead to food poisoning.
How long does cooked salmon last in the freezer?
Freezing cooked salmon is a great way to extend its shelf life. When stored properly in the freezer, cooked salmon can last for up to six months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in an airtight container or freezer bag. You can also divide it into smaller portions so you can thaw and defrost only what you need. Reheat your salmon properly before eating it to restore its taste and texture. However, it’s important to note that the longer you store cooked salmon, the more it will lose its freshness and flavour.
Where’s the best place to store cooked salmon?
The answer to this question really depends on how long you plan on storing your cooked salmon. If you are only taking a break from your meal and plan on eating it within two hours, then keeping it at room temperature is fine. However, if you’re not going to eat it right away or if you want to store it for later, then the fridge or freezer is your best bet. Just be mindful of the storage times we mentioned earlier to make sure your salmon is still safe to eat.
What are the risks of storing cooked salmon badly?
As we’ve mentioned, one of the biggest risks of storing cooked salmon improperly is food poisoning. This is because cooked salmon can easily become contaminated with bacteria, which can lead to serious illness. The same goes with sushi or sashimi-grade salmon since they are eaten raw. If you’re not sure how long your cooked salmon has been stored, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and throw it out.
Moreover, another risk of storing cooked salmon improperly is that it will become dry, tough, and chewy. The quality is the main issue here, it’s still not safe to eat salmon that has been stored this way and you probably won’t enjoy the taste either. So, make sure to follow our storage tips to keep your cooked salmon fresh and delicious.
What is the most eco-friendly way to store cooked salmon?
For those who are looking for an eco-friendly way to store their cooked salmon, the freezer is your best bet. This is because freezing salmon preserves it for a longer period of time, which means less food waste. You can also opt for canned salmon, which has a similar shelf life to frozen salmon, plus it’s a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. Moreover, upon storing your cooked salmon, reusable containers are always a better choice than single-use plastic wrap or bags, this is to further contribute to saving the environment.
Is eating salmon eco-friendly?
Eating salmon is actually quite eco-friendly, especially if you choose wild-caught salmon over farmed salmon. Wild-caught salmon is typically lower in toxins and higher in omega-3 fatty acids than farmed salmon. They also have a shorter life cycle, which means they don’t require as much food and energy to grow. On the other hand, canned salmon is actually one of the most eco-friendly seafood options since it has a very long shelf life and doesn’t require energy to cook.
So there you have it! We hope you have been completely enlightened on everything there is to know about cooked salmon. Now that you know all the ins and outs of storage, you can be confident that you can enjoy that delicious salmon dinner without any worries. Just be sure to follow our storage tips to keep your salmon fresh and delicious. As always, practice that eco-friendly lifestyle and happy cooking!
