Smoked salmon is one of the most versatile and delicious foods on the planet. It’s easy to prepare, it lasts for a long time in the fridge, and it makes a great snack, meal, or even dessert when paired with some other ingredients like cream cheese or avocado. So now that you know all about smoked salmon, how long does it last?
How Long Does Smoked Salmon Last In The Fridge?
Smoked salmon can last up to 2-3 weeks in the fridge if the package has not been opened. Once it’s opened, smoked salmon will last for about 1 week, which you should consume before then.
To ensure your smoked salmon stays fresh as long as possible, store it in an airtight container and keep it on a lower shelf of your fridge. Don’t store smoked salmon on the top shelf of the refrigerator or where other foods are stored; doing so may cause temperature fluctuations that accelerate its decay rate. Also, don’t store smoked salmon inside of other bottles or containers; if you do this, it could get too warm from being surrounded by hot food items!
How Long Does Smoked Salmon Last at Room Temperature?
The majority of smoked salmon is best stored in the refrigerator. In fact, it can be stored there for up to 5 days—if you keep it covered and away from light and heat. For longer-term storage, smoked salmon must be kept at room temperature or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius).
Smoked salmon should be refrigerated immediately after purchase and before consumption.
How to Tell if Smoked Salmon Has Gone Bad
In order to tell if your smoked salmon has gone bad, take a look at the following signs:
Smell – If the smell of your smoked salmon is off or rancid, it’s likely gone bad. Toss it immediately and don’t use it.
Color – Smoked salmon should be an even shade from pink to red, but if you notice any discoloration that is green or brown around the edges, it could mean trouble. It’s best to throw out any fish with discoloration as soon as possible so it doesn’t make anyone sick when eaten later on down the line.
Texture – You can usually tell if smoked salmon has gone bad by touching its surface gently with your finger; if there is no springiness or bounce back when pressed gently against its fleshy skin (you’ll need clean hands), then chances are good that this particular piece of fish has spoiled because bacteria have begun growing inside them making them potentially harmful to consume without cooking first before serving up again later on.
How To Store Smoked Salmon In The Fridge
To store smoked salmon in the refrigerator, place it in an airtight container. Store it in the coldest part of your fridge (usually the bottom shelf) and make sure to keep it away from raw meat and other foods that can contaminate it.
Can You Freeze Smoked Salmon?
Smoked salmon is a wonderful treat. It’s delicious on its own or paired with other foods like cream cheese or crackers. But, you can only enjoy smoked salmon for so long before it goes bad.
If you’re wondering if you can freeze smoked salmon, the answer is yes! If you freeze it properly, it will be just as good after being frozen as it was before freezing it. And if done correctly, freezing smoked salmon will extend its shelf life significantly.
You can freeze smoked salmon for up to 6 months. The process of freezing only makes the fish last longer, it doesn’t affect its taste or texture.
To freeze smoked salmon:
Step 1: Wrap the fish tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
Step 2: Label your packages with the date that you froze them.
Step 3: Store them in a freezer at 0 degrees Fahrenheit or below for up to six months, but no longer than that because they’ll start to lose flavor after too long in storage!
Conclusion
When it comes to smoked salmon, keeping them in the fridge will help extend their shelf life. Depending on whether the package has been opened, it will last for 1-3 weeks.
Kate has been in the food business for over 20 years. Worked as a cook at several buffets which include Old Country Buffet, Five Star Buffet, and Ichiban Buffet. Now, I’m mostly at home cooking for my family, caring for chickens and ducks, and tending the garden.
