How To Tell If Salmon Is Bad? Don’t Eat It Before Reading This!

If you want to learn How To Tell If Salmon Is Bad , this is for you! In the rest of this post, we’ll let you know how exactly it can be done. From the physical appearance of the salmon to the way it tastes, there are many ways to which it will be possible to determine its spoilage.

In the rest of this post, we’ll let you know not only the ways to tell if it is bad, but also how to make sure that it will not spoil easily. Proper storage is key to making it last longer, which will also preserve its flavor and texture.​

Before we proceed with the main discussion on how you can spot a bad salmon, let us first have a look at the length of time that is best for salmon to be stored. This will depend on the type of salmon that you have and the manner of storage.

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For Fresh Salmon

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On the other hand, in the case of Smoked Salmon

You can keep it in the pantry for a maximum of two weeks, in the fridge for a maximum of seven days, and in the freezer for a maximum of nine months.

Meanwhile, if the salmon is already cooked

You can store it in the fridge for up to six days and in the freezer for up to nine months.

The easiest to tell if salmon is already bad is by taking a look at the expiration date, if in case you have one of those that has already been pre-packed. If fresh, on the other hand, go back the discussion in the previous paragraph to know if your salmon has gone bad.

Another easy to know if salmon is bad is through taking a look at its appearance. If it is fresh, the color should be deep pink or orange. If it is pale, this is an obvious sign that it is already spoiled. There should also be visible white lines.

Also, watch out for any signs of mold or white residue that can possibly appear on the top of the fish. If it is sticky or if it is slimy, do not cook it. It is another sign that the salmon has gone bad.

You can also do the quick finger test. Press the fish with your finger. Fresh salmon will return back to its original shape once you lift your finger. On the other hand, if it leaves a dimple on the fish and if the meat appears to have loosened after pressing it, it is already bad.

If you have a whole salmon, which still includes the head, you should take a look at the eyes. It should be bright with an evidently pink pupil. If it has already shrunk, the fish is no longer in its tip-top condition.

When it comes to the gills, on the other hand, the color should be dark red. A milky white residue can also be found in the gills if the fish has already gone off.

You should also consider the smell of the salmon. It is natural that it smells fishy. The aroma, however, should be mild, which should remind you of the saltiness of the sea. If the smell is overpowering or disgusting, this is another indication that you should discard the salmon.

Below is a short video clip that will tell you more about how to pick a salmon that is fresh.​

How to Keep Salmon Fresh

For sure, many of you are also interested in knowing how to keep it fresh longer. Proper storage is perhaps the most important thing to prevent its spoilage.

As soon as you get home with a fresh salmon in hand, be sure to follow the things mentioned above. Avoid leaving it at room temperature for a long time. This will speed up the growth of contaminants that will damage its freshness.

Conclusion​

Salmon, like in the case of any other types of fish, is best eaten when it is fresh. With this, before having it cooked, pay attention to the things discussed above about How To Tell If Salmon Is Bad.

Salmon is not only healthy but also very delicious, regardless of the way you cook it. To enjoy its optimal flavor and maximize its health benefits, however, make sure to eat it only when it is fresh and discard it as soon as you are sure that it has already gone bad.​