How to tell if the fish is bad

 How to tell if the fish is bad

Every year, thousands of people suffer from food poisoning related to fish. The reason, in part, is that most people don’t have the culinary training to understand when fish has gone bad.

 Although it is not possible to give an exact expiration date, there is a way to know if your fish has gone bad and needs to be thrown in the trash. 

In this guide, you’ll learn the basics of successful fish, how to tell if your fish is rotten, and what to do with bad fish. Not sure if the salmon you bought is still good if the scallops you cooked for dinner the other night are not safe to eat? This is the main thing to check to know if this fish is still good.

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How long do fish last?
 
Typically, fish can last anywhere from two days to several months. This really varies and depends on many factors, such as whether the fish is said to be fresh, frozen or cooked.
 
To begin with, you’ll want to choose the freshest fish possible, and using your senses will help. “It’s a fish, so a fillet or a whole fish will have a smell. Fish should have a clean, oceanic smell, bright and shiny flesh, clear eyes, and amber color (the string in the middle of the fillet that is useful in determining how to tell if a fish fillet is bad) .
 
For packaged fish, read the sell by dates carefully and discard any fish that has been refrigerated for more than two days or frozen for six to nine months, as well as cooked fish that has been refrigerated for more than two days, or frozen for more than three months.

How do you know if uncooked fish is bad?
 
Now that you know what fresh fish should smell like, you will be better prepared to identify spoiled fish.


 If it smells fishy and disgusting (but doesn’t make you want to eat it!), trust your nose. Its appearance can also become slimy, weak and more mushy and it can become gray. shine is good. Slime is not.

Signs to look for to determine if the fish has spoiled:

  •  Sour or ammonia smell
  •  Cloudy or milky eyes
  •  Brown bloodline or gills
  •  bruising
  •  Slime or mucus
  •  Gray color

 
How to tell if cooked fish is bad?
 
Throwing away wholesome fish, or any other food for that matter, is a definite no. That’s why you take the time to collect and refrigerate your leftover fish. Movement is good. Just make sure you store cooked fish in an airtight container. Don’t forget to eat it soon, otherwise, you will wonder how you will know if the cooked fish is not good.

 If you are already at this stage, a good rule to keep in mind is that cooked fish should be eaten or discarded within three days of refrigeration. Since the exact time may vary, you will need to call again in these instructions.

 As with uncooked fish, how to tell if a fish is cooked is bad ultimately depends on its taste and texture. A strong smell, dry texture and mold are good indicators of cooked fish is bad. When in doubt, throw it away.

Read also:HOW TO KEEP BANANAS FROM BROWNING


How long does fish last in the refrigerator? 

As mentioned, cooked fish can last up to three days in the refrigerator if stored properly in an airtight container.
 
Fresh fish lasts about half that time and should be used or frozen within two days. How it is stored will also make a big difference. Fresh fish be wrapped tightly in parchment paper and stored on ice in a pan or colander with a pan or bowl underneath to ensure the fish stays cold as much as possible without freezing. 

How long does fish last in the freezer?
 
Although uncooked fish can last a long time in the freezer, it has an expiration date, and again, its freshness begins with preparation and packaging.

 Fish fillets can be stored in the freezer for six months to a year if tighly vacuum package. The refrigerator at home does not get very cold, so it will be better. If you have a chest freezer, that’s the best place for long-term storage. Note that fish should be cooled below 31 degrees Fahrenheit whenever possible. 

When it comes to how to store fresh fish in the freezer, you need to make sure it’s fresh, dry to avoid freezer burn, and to trap air. A resealable plastic bag will do the trick if done right.

The same principle applies to freezing cooked fish, but instead it must be consumed within three months.

What to do with bad fish

 If you notice that you have bad fish on your hands, wash your hands, throw it away and wash your hands again. Fish can carry bacteria, viruses and parasites that can cause serious illness. Therefore, it must be handled with care at all times so that it does not become contaminated. Wash all surfaces and utensils that have come in contact with bad fish in hot, soapy water. Putting everything in a dishwasher is the best way to kill all the germs.

Conclusion

 The best way to tell if a fish is bad is to use your senses. If the fish has gone bad, it will probably smell bad and be tough. Raw and cooked fish last up to two days in the refrigerator. You can freeze raw fish for six months to a year, but cooked fish should not be frozen for more than three months. 

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