It’s a good idea to keep salmon on hand so you can use it in your favorite recipes or make it quickly when you don’t know what else to make. But if you keep salmon around for a long time, you’ll eventually have to ask yourself, “Has this salmon gone bad?” This is a tough question.
No one wants to eat fish that’s off. That’s just a recipe for a nasty case of food-borne illness. So how do you know if salmon is bad? Here’s what to watch for.
Trader Joe’s is a go-to destination for quality groceries at affordable prices. Their fresh salmon is no exception – it’s tasty, convenient, and won’t break the bank. But how long does it actually last before going bad?
When stored properly, Trader Joe’s fresh salmon can stay fresh in your fridge for up to 3-5 days. For longer term storage, freezing is your best option Read on for tips to maximize the shelf life of Trader Joe’s fresh salmon
Overview of Trader Joe’s Salmon Freshness
Trader Joe’s offers both wild caught and farm-raised salmon options. Here’s how long they stay fresh:
- Refrigerated: 3-5 days after purchase
- Frozen: 2-3 months in airtight packaging
- After thawing: 1-2 days
- After cooking: 3-4 days refrigerated
Proper storage is key to maintaining freshness and quality. Follow these guidelines when storing Trader Joe’s salmon.
Refrigerating Trader Joe’s Fresh Salmon
Keep refrigerated salmon cold at 40°F or below Here are some fridge storage tips
- Leave salmon in original store packaging until ready to use
- Place on a plate to catch leaks if not using original wrap
- Store in the coldest part of the fridge (bottom shelf)
- Avoid keeping longer than 3-5 days
The cold environment helps slow bacteria growth that causes spoilage. Monitor your fridge temperature to optimize freshness
Freezing Trader Joe’s Salmon for Long Term Storage
For enjoying Trader Joe’s salmon beyond 5 days, freezing is your best bet. Here’s how:
- Double wrap salmon in plastic wrap or foil
- Place in freezer bags, removing excess air
- Freeze for 2-3 months maximum
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before use
- Avoid refreezing thawed salmon
Freezing stops bacteria growth that makes salmon go bad. Use frozen salmon within 2-3 months for best quality.
Handling Thawed Trader Joe’s Salmon
Once thawed, Trader Joe’s salmon has a shortened shelf life. Use within:
- 1-2 days maximum in the fridge
- 24 hours after partial thawing in the microwave
Don’t refreeze thawed salmon. Eat ASAP for safety and quality.
Storing Leftover Cooked Trader Joe’s Salmon
For cooked salmon leftovers:
- Refrigerate for 3-4 days max
- Freeze for 1-2 months in airtight containers
- Discard if moldy, slimy, or smelly
Follow standard food safety practices for cooked seafood. When reheating, ensure it reaches 165°F internally.
Signs Your Trader Joe’s Salmon Has Spoiled
Watch for these signs of spoiled salmon:
- Off-putting dull or milky flesh
- Strong fishy smell
- Slimy texture
- Discoloration or graying
- Mold growth
When in doubt, remember the old adage: “When in doubt, throw it out!” Don’t risk eating spoiled salmon.
Tips for Maximizing Trader Joe’s Salmon Freshness
To maximize the shelf life of Trader Joe’s salmon:
- Refrigerate promptly at 40°F or below
- Freeze for long term storage past 3-5 days
- Thaw frozen salmon properly in the fridge
- Use thawed salmon ASAP, within 1-2 days
- Store cooked salmon for only 3-4 days
- Discard any salmon with an off smell or appearance
Following proper storage methods, you can enjoy delicious Trader Joe’s salmon for days after purchase. Just be diligent about temperature control and re-wrapping to optimize freshness duration.
So head to your local Trader Joe’s, grab some fresh salmon, and get cooking! With the right storage, you can make this budget-friendly fish last.
How to Tell if Salmon Has Gone Bad: APPEARANCE
How do you know when salmon is bad? One of the key giveaways is appearance. So what does bad salmon look like?.
Fresh, high-quality salmon is bright pink, but salmon that is old or spoiled will often look dull or gray. Not only does the salmon look bad in general, it may also have dark spots, mold, or other white, filmy residues.
If you look at a whole salmon, you can see more than just the color. You can also see the eyes. The eyes may seem sunken or filmy if your salmon has gone bad.
Look at the shape, too. Does the salmon have a slight curve to it instead of being straight? That could also mean it’s gone bad.
How to Tell if Salmon Has Gone Bad: TEXTURE
Is the way your whole salmon or salmon filet looks not enough to tell you if it’s spoiled? You can also feel the salmon to see if it’s spoiled.
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 thats gone bad will often feel almost like it’s about to fall apart, or sometimes mushy.
When you touch your fish, look out for slimy or sticky residues, which are both signs that it has gone bad.
Trader Joe’s Salmon vs. “Sushi-Grade”: Is It Worth the Splurge?
FAQ
How long is Trader Joe’s salmon good for in the fridge?
Can I eat salmon 5 days after buying?
Can you eat salmon 4 days after use by?
How long will vacuum packed salmon last in the fridge?
Is Trader Joe’s Fresh Atlantic salmon good?
Product Description: Trader Joe’s Fresh Atlantic Salmon is a solid farm-raised fresh fish option in the refrigerated case of Trader Joe’s. If you are looking for a quick and easy dinner and aren’t near a solid fish market then this is one of the best farm-raised salmon I’ve tried. For some, only wild will cut it.
What is Trader Joe’s BBQ cut fresh atlantic salmon?
Trader Joe’s BBQ Cut Fresh Atlantic Salmon Fillets with Skin are from salmon that have been carefully raised in some of the world’s most pristine salmon farms, at the foot of the Atlantic Ocean in northern Norway.
Does Trader Joe’s have salmon fillets?
Does Trader Joe’s have Salmon Fillets?Yes. TJ’s has fillets in the refrigerated section and the frozen section! Does Trader Joe’s have Alaskan salmon?Yes, they do! Just be sure to look at the label to ensure you’re getting the highest quality. “Alaskan Salmon,” “Wild Salmon,” “Wild Sockeye,” the list goes on.
Is Trader Joe’s wild salmon the same as farm-raised salmon?
Trader Joe’s Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon is an affordable way to try wild salmon. Tastes pretty different from farm-raised so if you have been curious about the differences this is worth a try. This is priced higher than the farm-raised salmon. No cooking directions on the package beyond suggestions of bbq, pan-fry, or broil.