Salmon is one of my favorite proteins to cook with. It’s delicious, nutritious, and easy to prepare in a variety of ways. However, because salmon is a perishable food, it’s important to pay close attention to the sell-by date when shopping and storing it properly at home. Eating spoiled fish can make you sick, so knowing how long salmon stays fresh can help avoid foodborne illness.
In this article, I’ll explain what the sell-by date really means, signs that salmon has gone bad proper storage methods, how to freeze salmon for longer shelf life, and how long you can expect salmon to last after the sell-by date. Let’s dive in!
Understanding the Salmon Sell-By Date
The sell-by date printed on fresh salmon is not an expiration date. Rather it’s the last day that the retailer can display the salmon for sale. The sell-by date allows them to ensure rotation of stock so that shoppers are getting the freshest fish possible.
Because the sell-by date is not a safety date, it’s still possible for salmon to be consumed for a short period after that date, provided it was properly handled and stored However, quality and freshness will start decreasing, so it’s ideal to either cook or freeze the salmon by the sell-by date.
How to Tell If Salmon Has Gone Bad
Because the sell-by date alone doesn’t confirm safety, you’ll need to rely on your senses and inspect the salmon carefully. Here’s what to look for:
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Color – Fresh salmon is translucent and deep pink or orange. Discoloration, dullness, or graying are red flags.
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Texture – Salmon flesh should be firm yet moist. Slippery, mushy, or overly soft textures indicate spoilage.
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Smell – Fresh salmon has a mild, sea-like smell. A strong “fishy” or ammonia-like odor means toss it!
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Sliminess – The flesh should not be overly wet or slimy. Stickiness or slime means bacteria is present.
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Packaging – Leaking, ripped, or ballooned packages can compromise safety.
When in doubt, remember the saying “When in doubt, throw it out!” It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to seafood.
Proper Salmon Storage
To get the maximum freshness window after the sell-by date, proper storage is crucial. Here are some tips:
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Keep salmon chilled at 40°F or colder. Use ice packs if your fridge tends to run warm.
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Wrap salmon tightly in plastic wrap, parchment paper, or place in a covered dish. Limit air exposure.
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Place salmon on the bottom shelf of the fridge, away from other foods. Avoid cross-contamination.
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Prep and freeze excess salmon right away if you won’t use within 1-2 days.
Following a “first in, first out” system will also help ensure you eat the oldest salmon first.
Freezing Salmon for Extended Shelf Life
Freezing is an excellent way to extend the shelf life of fresh salmon while preserving quality. Here’s how to freeze it properly:
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Make sure the salmon is very fresh, ideally right at its sell-by date.
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Clean, portion, and pack the salmon in airtight freezer bags or containers. Remove air.
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Label bags with the type of salmon and date.
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Freeze at 0°F or colder for 3-6 months of storage.
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Thaw in the fridge, not at room temp to prevent bacterial growth.
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Use thawed salmon within 1-2 days for safety and quality. Do not refreeze.
How Long Does Salmon Last After Sell-By?
With proper refrigeration, fresh raw salmon can typically be enjoyed for 1-2 days past the sell-by date before noticeable decline in texture and flavor. Cooked salmon generally lasts 3-4 days past the sell-by date if stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
For maximum safety, I recommend cooking or freezing salmon by the sell-by date whenever possible. But with careful inspection for signs of spoilage, high-quality salmon that has been continuously refrigerated can sometimes last up to 3 days past that printed date.
If there is any doubt about the freshness or you see any signs of spoilage, it’s safest to toss it out. Consuming spoiled salmon can result in food poisoning. Your health is not worth the risk!
Following proper purchasing, handling, storage, and cooking guidelines will help ensure your salmon stays optimally fresh and safe to enjoy. Trust your senses, follow safety best practices, and enjoy this healthy and delicious fish while avoiding the dangers of spoiled seafood.
How Can You Tell If Salmon is Bad?
The best way to tell if salmon is bad is to check the label for the expiration date. If the date has passed, discard it. If it’s still valid, look for warning signs. A strong fishy, sour, or ammonia-like smell means it has spoiled. A dull or gray color, dark spots, or a slimy texture are also signs that the salmon is no longer safe to eat.
What Does Bad Cooked Salmon Look Like?
When cooked salmon spoils, it transforms from moist and flaky to dry and chalky in appearance. Watch for a slimy film developing on the surface—a clear indicator of bacterial growth. Color changes are equally important warning signs: fresh cooked salmon should maintain its pinkish-orange hue, but spoiled salmon may develop a greenish tint or fade to a dull gray. The most obvious red flag is the presence of mold, which appears as fuzzy spots on the fish. If you notice any of these visual changes, discard the salmon immediately, regardless of when it was cooked.
What Do ‘Sell By’ Dates Really Mean?
FAQ
FAQ
Can I eat salmon past the sell-by date?
As a general rule, refrigerated fresh salmon will keep for 1–2 days after its “sell by” date.
Can you eat salmon 3 days after the sell-by date on Reddit?
It’s fine 3-4 days, 4 days being fine to cook. 5+ is when you start asking questions. Having said that, I always buy fish and shrimp day of and cook.
How long is fish good for after the sell-by date?
How long does raw salmon last after the sell-by date?
After salmon is purchased, it may be refrigerated for 1 to 2 days – the “sell-by” date on the package may expire during that storage period, but the salmon will remain safe to use after the sell by date if it has been properly stored.
How long after a sell-by date can you eat salmon?
Some salmon is still safe to eat one to two days after the sell-by date, as long as it was stored properly. Sell-by dates are not expiration dates. Salmon will not immediately spoil or become unsafe once the date has passed. Sell-by dates indicate to grocery stores when an item is no longer at peak freshness.
Does salmon expire?
If you buy salmon directly from the seafood counter, it may not have an expiration date. In that case, follow the USDA guidelines and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days maximum. If you’re not sure if your salmon has gone bad, you should check the date it was bought, how it looks, how it smells, and how it feels.
How long does salmon last after its printed date?
The shelf life of salmon past its printed date is approximately Of course, salmon lasts for a shorter period of time if it is not stored properly. But remember that salmon, like a lot of other proteins, usually has a sell by date and not a use by date or expiration date.
Can You thaw frozen salmon after sell-by date?
Yes, frozen salmon can be used even after the sell-by date, as long as it has been properly stored in the freezer. 11. What is the best way to thaw frozen salmon?
How long does salmon last in the fridge?
Fresh, raw salmon can typically last in the refrigerator for about 1 to 2 days. If the salmon is vacuum-sealed or packaged properly, it may last a day or two longer, but it’s always best to consume it as fresh as possible. Stored at temperatures below 40°F, this timeframe helps prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.