To ensure that the fish develop an optimal taste and do not spoil, there are a few things to keep in mind when storing and refrigerating them.
Fresh fish must be well covered with ice when purchased, this is the only way to ensure freshness quality. (Photo by: LVDESIGN / fotolia.com)
As is well known, fish not only tastes delicious, but is also very healthy. Nutrition experts therefore recommend to eat at least fish once a week to eat.
Thereby applies the wisdom that fresh fish tastes best. Nevertheless, of course, it happens that you want to keep the fish or seafood for a few days until preparation.
Elisabeth Aibler, Fish expert and purchasing manager of Eishken Estate knows five useful tips for proper storage of fish and seafood:
How to store fish properly
1. The main thing is fresh
To be able to store fish ideally, the freshness of the fish is the be-all and end-all when buying it. Only thereby a problem-free and long durability is ensured. The fishmonger has to make sure that the fish is stored and smoked properly Cooling to be respected: This is how the fish and seafood should be covered with ice, both from below and from above.
Recognize fresh fish:
- The fish should be odorless and at most smell of the sea.
- The surface should be shiny, elastic and firm.
- The eyes of the fish should be bulging, shiny and translucent (not cloudy).
- The inside of the gills should be bright red and shiny.
- The fish should have a firm flesh and immediately regain its original shape after being pressed with a finger.
- The fish should be stored at the dealer, in the ice and not on the ice.
2. No longer than two days!
If you want to eat the fresh fish within 1-2 days after buying it, you can store it in the Refrigerator store. However, it is strongly recommended to remove the packaging, gut the fish, place it in a plate, cover it with cling film and put it in the coolest place in the refrigerator. Vacuum-packed fish, on the other hand, can be stored in the refrigerator until the specified date.
Tip: After storing in the refrigerator, you should test if the fish is still fresh by smelling it:
- If fish smells intensely and unpleasantly, it begins to spoil and is therefore no longer edible.
The optimum storage temperature for fish and seafood is between 0 and -2 degrees Celsius. Stored this way, they are also edible for up to 5 days.
3. Keep cool
With the right freezing method, fish is stored properly in the freezer compartment. (Photo by: hiphoto39 / fotolia.com)
For a longer shelf life it is advisable to use the freeze fish. Here, too, it is essential to gut the fish beforehand and then wash it thoroughly.
Frozen fish keeps particularly well if it is first frozen on cling film in the freezer and then briefly immersed in cold water. This way a thin layer of ice forms on the surface, which protects the fish from drying out and frostbite. Afterwards, wrap the fish with aluminum foil and put it in the freezer.
For those who find this process too complicated, the fish can be prepared in advance Vacuum packed when purchased packaged and immediately placed in the freezer at home.
Depending on the fat content, frozen fish can be kept between 6-12 months. The lower the fat content, the longer the fish can be stored.
Tip: Before preparation, the fish should ideally be defrosted slowly in the refrigerator and then processed quickly. Half thawed fish can be used for soups and casseroles, if it is to be grilled, it must be completely thawed.
4. Equal rights for all
A careful storage applies not only to fish, but also to Seafood. Again, it is important to consume fresh products as soon as possible and not to store them in the refrigerator for more than one day. Frozen seafood can be stored in the freezer until the indicated expiration date.
Tip: In the case of mussels, it is also advisable to freeze them only cooked, otherwise they lose their aroma. Just like fish, seafood should also be defrosted in the refrigerator.
5. 1-day rule
The 1-day rule does not only apply to fresh products from freshwater and seawater. Even prepared dishes with fish and seafood should not be kept in the refrigerator for more than one day.
Tip: If fresh ingredients are used (=no frozen goods), it is also possible to freeze the fish dish.