Do you love whipping up poke bowls and sashimi at home? If so, you may have wondered – can you safely eat raw salmon from the seafood counter at Publix?
The short answer is yes you can enjoy raw salmon from Publix. However it’s important to choose the right varieties and handle it properly to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- How to identify “sushi-grade” salmon at Publix
- The importance of freezing to kill parasites
- Proper storage and prep for raw salmon
- Delicious recipe ideas to try
- Alternatives if you avoid raw seafood
Let’s start by looking at how to pick out raw-friendly salmon varieties when shopping at Publix
How to Choose “Sushi-Grade” Salmon at Publix
Behind the seafood counter at Publix, you can find different kinds of fresh salmon. However, not all of it is intended to be eaten raw. Here are some tips for picking out the right kinds:
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Look for labels that say “Sushi-Grade.” This means that the salmon has been frozen to kill any parasites.
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Confirm It’s Previously Frozen – If it doesn’t say “sushi-grade,” check if it’s been frozen, which also makes it safer.
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Inspect the Flesh – It should look firm and moist with no discoloration or fishy odor.
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Avoid “Lightly Smoked” – The smoking process isn’t thorough enough to destroy bacteria.
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Ask the Fishmonger – They can advise which salmon varieties are good for eating raw.
Stick to properly frozen sushi-grade cuts and you can enjoy Publix salmon worry-free. Now let’s discuss why freezing is so important.
Why Freezing Salmon Before Eating Raw Is Vital
Raw salmon can potentially contain parasitic worms that are harmful if consumed alive. However, freezing at a proper temperature kills any parasites present.
The FDA recommends freezing at -4°F (-20°C) or below for 7 days, or at -31°F (-35°C) or below until solid for 15 hours. This cold temperature ensures any parasites are destroyed.
So if the salmon hasn’t been previously frozen, be sure to freeze it yourself before eating raw. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before using. Freezing plus mindful handling prevents foodborne illnesses.
Storing and Preparing Raw Salmon Safely
Once you’ve selected high-quality raw salmon from Publix, be sure to:
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Keep it very cold, ideally on ice or in the coldest part of your fridge
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Wash hands, prep tools, and surfaces thoroughly before and after handling
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Defrost frozen salmon overnight in the fridge if needed
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Slice the salmon just before serving to limit bacterial growth
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Discard any leftovers after 1-2 days
Following safe food handling procedures reduces your risk of any negative reactions. Now let’s look at some fun ways to enjoy Publix’s sushi-grade salmon.
Delicious Raw Salmon Recipes to Make at Home
The possibilities are endless for how to creatively use raw salmon from Publix! Here are just a few recipe ideas to try:
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Poke Bowl – Dice raw salmon and mix with rice, vegetables, ginger, sesame, and soy sauce
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Salmon Tartare – Finely chop raw salmon and mix gently with olive oil, lemon, shallots, and dill
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Carpaccio – Thinly slice raw salmon and serve topped with capers, olive oil, and Microgreens
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Gravadlax – Lightly cure raw salmon in salt, sugar, and dill for a Scandinavian-style delicacy
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Ceviche – “Cook” diced raw salmon by marinating it in citrus juice and spices
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Sashimi – Slice raw salmon paper-thin and enjoy with wasabi, soy sauce, and pickled ginger
The next time you visit Publix, grab some sushi-grade salmon to transform into elegant appetizers and entrees at home.
Safe Alternatives If Avoiding Raw Seafood
Consuming raw fish isn’t for everyone. If you prefer to avoid raw salmon from Publix, try:
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Smoked Salmon – Enjoy fully cooked hot or cold smoked salmon, which kills bacteria.
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Cooked Salmon – Sear, grill, roast, or poach salmon to at least 145°F for food safety.
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Canned Salmon – Opt for canned wild salmon, which has already been cooked.
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Vegetarian “Poke” – Use cooked edamame, avocado, mango, and tofu for a fish-free poke bowl.
So you have plenty of options for making delicious salmon dishes without eating it raw!
The Takeaway: Enjoy Raw Salmon from Publix Safely
To summarize, yes you can definitely indulge in raw salmon from the seafood counter at Publix. Just be sure to choose properly frozen sushi-grade cuts, handle the salmon carefully, and use recipes intended for raw consumption.
Double check any special guidelines if you are pregnant or have a weakened immune system. But for most people, raw salmon from Publix is perfectly safe to enjoy when you take the right precautions.
So go ahead and satisfy your cravings for poke bowls, sashimi, ceviche, and other salmon delights! Just remember to keep food safety as your top priority.
Publix and the Ocean Disclosure Project
Here at Publix, we are committed to seafood sustainability. As it turns out, Publix is the first store in the US to work on the Ocean Disclosure Project with the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership (SFP). We know that our customers care about being honest, and the ODP is a great way for us to talk about the fisheries that provide us with seafood. Find out where your Publix seafood comes from here.
Catch Our New Icons!
We also offer a quick point of reference when you shop at Publix. Simply look for our icons indicating seafood that is responsibly or sustainably sourced. You’ll find them in the fresh seafood case and on shelf tags in the frozen seafood section.
What Types Of Fresh and Frozen Salmon Can You Eat Raw? Walmart? Whole Foods?
FAQ
Is it safe to eat raw salmon from a supermarket?
Can you just eat raw salmon from the grocery store?
Does Publix cook salmon for you?
Can you eat supermarket salmon undercooked?
Can you eat salmon Raw from a grocery store?
Yes, you can eat salmon raw from high-quality grocery stores if it’s been previously frozen. “Sushi grade” doesn’t have a legal definition. It’s simply up to the grocery store to say if something is safe to eat raw. But salmon can contain parasites, so buying previously frozen ensures any parasites are killed.
Can you eat frozen salmon?
But salmon can contain parasites, so buying previously frozen ensures any parasites are killed. But that’s not all there is to know about grocery store fish and sushi. After all, there’s wild-caught, farm-raised, and different types of salmon such as coho, sockeye, or Atlantic. And some may be better than others if you’re eating it raw.
Can you eat wild-caught salmon?
Wild-caught salmon have a higher incidence of infection because they’re at greater risk of eating infected food in the wild (as opposed to a farmed salmon’s man-made, parasite-free diet ). It’s not a good idea to eat raw, wild-caught salmon unless you know it’s been flash-frozen first. Farm-raised salmon
What happens if you eat raw salmon?
Raw salmon may contain parasites, bacteria, or other pathogens that can cause infections. Salmon is also a source of environmental contaminants. If you choose to eat raw salmon, make sure it has been previously blast-frozen to -31°F (-35°C), which kills any parasites in the salmon. Still, blast-freezing does not kill all pathogens.