Salmon is a delicious and healthy protein that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether you prefer it grilled, baked, or smoked, it’s important to know how to properly store and handle your salmon to ensure it stays fresh and safe to eat.
If you’re a fan of Trader Joe’s, you may be wondering how long their salmon lasts and what the best practices are for storing it.
In this article, we’ll dive into the details of how long Trader Joe’s salmon can be kept in the fridge or freezer, how to tell if it’s gone bad, and tips for maximizing its shelf life.
So grab a cup of coffee and let’s get started!
How Long Does Trader Joe’s Salmon Last?
Trader Joe’s offers a variety of salmon options, including wild and farm-raised. The shelf life of their salmon depends on a few factors, such as how fresh it was when you purchased it and how it’s been stored.
If you bought fresh salmon from Trader Joe’s, it’s recommended to eat it the same day you purchase it. However, if you purchased frozen salmon that was flash-frozen immediately after harvest, you can store it in the fridge for up to five days after thawing it out.
It’s important to note that 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 Can You Keep Trader Joe’s Salmon In The Fridge?
If you have opened a package of raw salmon from Trader Joe’s, it’s best to consume it within three days of thawing. Proper storage is key to maintaining freshness, so make sure to remove the salmon from its wrappings, rinse it thoroughly with cold water, and pat it dry with a paper towel before storing it in the fridge.
Raw salmon can be kept in its original packaging when refrigerating to maximize its shelf life. However, if you want to extend its shelf life even further, you can freeze it. When freezing, place the salmon in the freezer before the number of days shown for refrigerator storage has elapsed.
If you have cooked salmon from Trader Joe’s, it will last slightly longer than fresh salmon. Keeping it in the fridge will make it safe for consumption up to three days after it was cooked. However, cooked food items have high moisture content and can deteriorate easily within a short span of time, so it’s best to consume it as soon as possible.
How Long Can You Keep Trader Joe’s Salmon In The Freezer?
If you’re looking to keep Trader Joe’s salmon in the freezer, it’s important to properly store it to maintain its quality and safety. According to the USDA, raw salmon can be stored in the freezer for up to three months before the quality starts to deteriorate. Cooked salmon, on the other hand, can be stored in the freezer for up to six months before it starts losing its quality.
To freeze raw salmon from Trader Joe’s, first rinse it and pat it dry. Then, wrap it tightly in an air-tight container or freezer bag. Be sure to label the container or bag with the date of freezing and use it before three months have passed.
When thawing frozen salmon from Trader Joe’s, it’s best to let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Allow the salmon fillets to thaw for at least 8-10 hours, depending on their size. Avoid thawing salmon at room temperature or in warm water, as this can promote bacterial growth and compromise its safety.
Signs That Your Trader Joe’s Salmon Has Gone Bad
While it’s easy to tell when salmon has gone bad by using your senses, there are specific signs to look for when it comes to Trader Joe’s salmon. Here are some indicators that your salmon may have gone bad:
1. Foul or sour odor: If your salmon emits a rancid, sour, fishy or ammonia-like smell, it’s likely gone bad and should be thrown out. This is particularly important to note if you notice the smell during or after the recommended storage period.
2. Dull appearance: Fresh salmon should have a bright pink-orange color with shiny, silver skin. If the skin looks dull and lifeless, or if the flesh has faded to gray, it is probably not fresh.
3. Discoloration and dark spots: Any dark spots or discoloration are indications of spoilage, as is a milky-white residue on the fillet. However, note that the white stuff on salmon you see after it cooks is safe.
4. Slimy residue: Watch out for slimy or sticky residues on the salmon, as they are both indicators of spoilage.
5. Mushy texture: Press into the filet and then remove your finger. Does the flesh spring back into place? Does it feel firm? If not, your filet may be spoiled. Salmon that’s gone bad will often feel almost like it’s about to fall apart, or sometimes mushy.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to err on the side of caution and discard the salmon immediately. Remember that consuming spoiled salmon can cause sickness due to mold and bacteria growth. Proper storage and handling can help extend the shelf life of your Trader Joe’s salmon, but it’s important to always check for signs of spoilage before consuming it.
Tips For Storing Your Trader Joe’s Salmon To Maximize Shelf Life
To maximize the shelf life of your Trader Joe’s salmon, proper storage is key. Here are some tips to help you keep your salmon fresher for longer:
1. Season with salt: Just like a Michelin star chef, you can season your salmon with salt to extend its shelf life and increase its flavor. Place the salmon fillets in a tray or pan and cover them with salt. This process naturally extracts excess moisture from the salmon and increases its umami flavor. Afterward, drain the pan and rinse off the fillets to remove all of the salt, then pat dry.
2. Store on ice: If you love fresh, never-frozen salmon but can’t use it the same day you buy it, store it as the fish market does — on ice. Fill a dish with ice, then form a barrier over the top with plastic wrap. Place fish on top, cover with more plastic wrap, and chill in the coldest part of the fridge for up to two days.
3. Wrap tightly: After opening your salmon, keep it tightly wrapped in plastic wrap to prevent oxygen from reaching it, which begins the decaying process. Remove the salmon from its wrappings, rinse thoroughly with cold water, and pat dry with a paper towel. Wrap the fish tightly in a layer of plastic wrap, followed by another layer of aluminum foil. You can also add lemon slices for taste before wrapping up the salmon.
4. Freeze properly: Fresh salmon can be stored in freezer wrap/freezer bags or an airtight container in the freezer. Frozen salmon will be safe, but the texture and flavor will change if it sits too long in the freezer. It’s best if used within 3-8 months. The best way to thaw frozen salmon is to let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator – let the salmon fillets thaw for a good 8-10 hours (depending on size).
By following these tips, you can extend the shelf life of your Trader Joe’s salmon and enjoy it for longer without sacrificing quality or taste.
Delicious Ways To Enjoy Trader Joe’s Salmon Before It Expires
Trader Joe’s salmon is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of delicious and healthy meals. Here are some ideas to enjoy your salmon before it expires:
1. Tamarind Salmon: Trader Joe’s Tamarind Sauce delivers maximum flavor with no prep time required. Slather it on a Trader Joe’s Fully Cooked Salmon Fillet and serve atop a bed of rice or salad greens for a protein-packed, positively satisfying meal that’s ready in about a minute.
2. Pan-Seared Salmon: Cook the salmon fillets in a skillet with a couple of important tweaks. Rinse the salmon fillets under cool water to remove any ice that’s formed on the outside, and dry them off with paper towels. Don’t season the salmon before cooking it, instead, wait until you’ve pan-fried it on one side and flipped it before seasoning the cooked fish. Start the salmon skin-side up in a skillet and cook until it’s browned on the flesh side. Flip the salmon so it’s skin-side down, and season the flesh side generously with salt, pepper, and any other spices you’d like. Cover the skillet with a lid to help trap heat and steam the salmon so it cooks through.
3. Leftover Salmon Salad: If you have leftover cooked salmon, use it to make a delicious and healthy salad. Combine the salmon with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, sliced avocado, and your favorite dressing for a quick and easy meal.
4. Salmon Cakes: Mix cooked salmon with breadcrumbs, egg, and seasoning to make delicious salmon cakes. Pan-fry them until crispy on both sides and serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
5. Grilled Salmon Skewers: Cut the salmon into cubes and thread onto skewers with your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. Brush with olive oil and grill until cooked through.
These are just some of the many ways to enjoy Trader Joe’s salmon before it expires. With its versatility and delicious flavor, you can easily incorporate this healthy protein into your meals.
