How Long can Fish Stay in the Freezer

There are different views on how long you can keep fish frozen, especially cooked fish. This article walks you through the proper process of freezing fish, following all food safety practices.

Why Freeze Fish?

Fish is a popular seafood – it is tasty and nutritious. Fish is a high-quality, protein-rich seafood that is low in fat. It includes nutrients, vital omega-3 fatty acids, and minerals.

But what do you do if you can’t get fresh seafood every day? The most obvious option is to store seafood in your refrigerator or freezer.

Various Freezing Methods

When freezing fish, the most crucial thing to remember is that oxygen is your adversary. You need an airtight container in order to retain the flavor and freshness. The taste and aroma of the will degrade if there is any air in the packaging.

Vacuum Seal Method

Vacuum-sealing is the ideal approach for freezing fresh fish immediately. Properly vacuum-sealed fish from a vacuum sealer can last for up to two years in the freezer.

Glazing to Freeze Fish

You can preserve lean fish by coating the fish in ice. Dip the fish in water and place on a plate in the freezer. Re-dip the fish and freeze over and over until you have a uniform coating of ice. Ice-glazed fish can be stored in the freezer for up to six months and stops the fish becoming freezer burnt.

Wrap it Up

Wrap each fish securely in a plastic wrap then put them in a ziplock freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as you can from the plastic bag. Don’t forget to label the bag so you know how long the fish lasts.

By following this freezing process, fish fillets will be properly stored and you’ll be preserving fish quality as well. Wrapped fish can last for six months.

How Long Can Fish Stay In The Freezer?

Good quality and fresh fish should be glossy and vibrant, not greyish or dried, and will last longer in your freezer.

Fish that has been adequately frozen and vacuum packed can last up to two years. Fatty fish like trout and salmon have a lower frozen shelf life. They are only good for three to six months.

Sometimes you may have leftover food with cooked fish like tuna and while you can also freeze it, the shelf life will be around a month, and it should be eaten as soon as it is defrosted.

Does Freezing Affect Nutrition?

Fresh fish may appear to be a lot better than frozen fish, but the fact is that both preserved and frozen fish may be healthy choices if stored and cooked before eating. The nutritional value and freshness of the fish is not affected by freezing.

How to Defrost it

Running cold water over the packaging until the ice melts is the ideal way to defrost fish. You may also defrost it in the refrigerator. Seafood should never be microwaved or left out on the counter to thaw.

Final Thoughts

One of the problems with long-term storage is that freezer burn happens and fish will lose its taste, flavor, and texture over time. However, by following these guidelines, you can safely freeze seafood and enjoy it months later.