Expiration & Storage Tips
When does white fish expire?
White fish has a fairly short shelf life. If you store it in your home fridge unopened, it should be good for 1-2 days after buying. Always check the printed date on the package if you're not sure when it was packed. Once opened and out from the package, the fish should be consumed within the same day for best taste and safety. If you've frozen it, you can expect the fish to keep its quality for up to six months.
How do you tell if white fish is bad?
If your white fish has spoiled, it will have a strong fishy or sour smell - fresh white fish should have a mild, ocean-like smell. The color is another giveaway: if you see discolorations or dark spots on the flesh, throw it away. The fish may also feel slimy or mushy when touched. If you taste it and it has an unusually strong or 'off' flavor, don't continue eating. These are all signs the fish has turned bad and can potentially make you sick.
Tips for storing white fish to extend shelf life
• Always store white fish in the coldest part of your refrigerator, preferably in the bottom back shelf.
• Use vacuum sealed bags for best results if planning to freeze the fish to extend its shelf life. This reduces air contact, which slows down freezer burn and keeps the fish tasting fresh.
• If you don't have vacuum sealing options, wrap the fish tightly in freezer paper or plastic wrap before storing it in plastic freezer bags.
• Don't forget to label and date each package so you can keep track of their freshness.
• If you've pre-cooked the white fish, you can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days, but make sure to cool it at room temperature before refrigerating to avoid increasing the fridge’s temperature.
• Always thaw frozen fish in the refrigerator rather than at room temperature to avoid bacteria growth.