How long does cooked salmon last in the refrigerator?

Salmon is famous for being a very nutritious food. In 100 grams of salmon there are about 180 calories, 22 to 25 grams of protein, omega-3 fatty acids along with many other nutrients such as vitamin B6, B12, selenium, niacin, according to nutrition and health website Eat This, Not That! (USA).

After cooking, hot salmon should not be put in the refrigerator immediately. Cooked fish should be allowed to cool to room temperature before being put in the refrigerator. One thing to note is that the time the fish is left at room temperature should not exceed 2 hours.

Improper storage can cause salmon to spoil even in the refrigerator. After cooling, the fish should be wrapped in a sealed bag before being placed in the refrigerator. This will help reduce the spread of bacteria from other foods in the refrigerator and grow on the salmon. If you are careful, you should label the date you started storing it in the refrigerator for easy tracking.

The ideal temperature to store salmon is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, even colder is better. This will slow down the growth of bacteria and keep the fish fresher for longer. This way, cooked salmon can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

In addition, another factor that affects the storage time of cooked salmon is the initial freshness of the fish, the temperature condition of the meat when fresh, and the processing method. If the salmon is of high quality and has no bad smell, the cooked fish meat can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If stored in the freezer, the cooked salmon meat can be stored for 2-3 months.

When removing salmon to prepare for re-cooking, people also need to recognize the signs of spoiled fish and when to throw it away. The most obvious signs of spoiled fish are a sour smell or loose flesh, and a change in color.

In case you forget and have left the fish in the refrigerator for more than 4 days, it is best to throw it away. This is the safest option to avoid the risk of food poisoning, according to Eat This, Not That!.