Fish

By John Gregerson

Jun 23, 2009

 Fish is not only rich in protein but low in saturated fats. Many varieties also contain omega-3 fatty acids, which studies suggest may reduce risk for heart disease. A well-balanced diet that includes a variety of fish and shellfish also promotes the growth and development of children.

Fish is also extremely versatile. Depending on the type, it can be baked, steamed, broiled, fried or poached--something for everyone.

 
Fish Shelf Life
PantryRefrigeratorFreezer
Fatty Fish (e.g. bluefish, salmon, mackeral)- -1-2 days2-3 months
Lean Fish (e.g. cod, flounder, haddock)- -1-2 days6 months
Commercially Frozen Fatty Fish- -- -7-9 months
Comercially Frozen Lean Fish- -- -10-12 months
Breaded Fish- -- -4-6 months
Cooked Fish- -3-4 days3 months
Canned Fish, opened- -1-2 days- -
Canned Fish, unopened1 year- -- -
Smoked Fish- -2 weeks4-5 weeks
Tuna Salad, homemade or store prepared- -3-5 days- -
Dry Pickled Fish- -3-4 weeks- -
Fresh Fish Fillets and Steaks, cleaned- -1 day- -
Gefilte Fish (in jars), unopened4 years- -- -
Gefilte Fish (in jars), opened*- -3-5 days3 months
Handling Tips: 
*Leftover gefilte fish should be frozen with the liquid or jell from its jar.
Fatty fish include: Arctic Char, Bluefish, Mackerel, Mullet, Perch, Pollock, Rockfish, Salmon, Sea Bass, Sea Trout, Striped Bass, Swordfish, Trout, Tuna, and Yellowfin Tuna
Lean fish include: Carp, Catfish, Cod, Flounder, Grouper, Haddock, Halibut, Mahi Mahi, Monkfish, Shark Steak, Skate, Snapper, Sole, and Tilapia
Source(s): 
Boyer, Renee, and Julie McKinney. "Food Storage Guidelines for Consumers." Virginia Cooperative Extension (2009): n. pag. Web. 7 Dec 2009.
"Cupboard Storage Chart." K-State Research and Extension n. pag. Web. 23 Dec 2009. <http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/humannutrition/hrap/storage/cupstor.htm>.
The Manischewitz Company http://www.manischewitz.com/misc/contactus.php
by RossTheBoss - 02/24/2010 - 16:14
It amazes me how short fish stay good in the fridge. If I don't eat fish the day that I get it at the grocery store, I'm definitely going to be putting it in the freezer.
by askann - 01/16/2011 - 00:35

Once a can or jar of anchovies in olive oil is opened, how long can you use the anchovies?
How long is it OK to use the anchovy paste in a tube once its opened?

by Ethel Tiersky - 02/04/2011 - 16:12

The food scientists on our site's Advisory Board said that, depending upon how they're packaged and processed, there's some variability in the shelf life of anchovies. However, if they're salted and packed in oil, microbial growth is restricted, so they should last a long time. Here are some storage tips our scientists supplied: If the anchovies are in a can, remove them. (A jar is fine.) They should be refrigerated and stored under the oil. For specific information on the shelf life of a particular brand of anchovies or anchovy paste, call the manufacturer and ask for customer service. The phone number is probably on the container. If not, you should be able to find it on the website by clicking on "Contact Us" or "About Us."

by rrbbvg - 08/21/2011 - 02:51

when starts the shelf life ? from the day they catch the fish or when i buy the fish by my retailer?, and how can my retailer know how long the (fresh) fish is already on the way until they get it to sell it, can they check if the fish is stored, before even my retailer or grocery store will get the (fresh) fish

 

by admin - 12/13/2011 - 19:56

Here is an answer from Karin Allen, PhD, one of our Advisory Board members: 

"The shelf life starts the second it’s pulled from the water.  Retailers may have different suppliers with different delivery schedules and policies, so the best thing is to ask them directly.  They should be able to tell you which day(s) their product is delivered and how quickly they get it after being caught."

 
 

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