How long freeze fish

Writing the date on the package when you freeze fish is incredibly important. Even though freezing extends its shelf life, it will begin to lose its texture and flavor over time just as chicken or steak will. Labeling each package with the date it was frozen will help you keep track of its freshness. Properly frozen fish will stay good in your freezer for up to 6 months. There are a few exceptions to this rule.

Fatty fish like trout and salmon have a shorter shelf life in the freezer. They will only last for up to 3 months.

The texture of an especially fatty fish, like bluefish, will change after it has been frozen. It will still taste wonderful in fish cakes or pasta. The best way to defrost fish is to run cool water over the packaging until it thaws.

You can also let it thaw in the fridge. When frozen in an at-home refrigerator, a fatty fish like tuna or salmon will last two to three months. A leaner fish like cod will last up to six months. When vacuum-sealed and properly stored in the freezer, fish can last for as long as two years.

If frozen fish is properly thawed , there should be little to no difference in texture when compared to fresh fish. Freeze your fish as soon as possible after purchasing, preserving it at its peak freshness to increase its shelf life. Canning : Unlike freezing, canning or jarring enables you to store your fish safely without electricity for more than five years. This method preserves the shelf life of fish the longest.

Canning involves soaking fresh fillets in brine, packing them into sterile quart jars and bringing the jars to a boil in a pressure canner. Canned fish has a different texture and flavor than fresh fish but are delicious in their own right. Just be sure to wrap it well. Its best to wrap individual portions in several layers of plastic, and press the plastic close to the flesh to remove as much air as possible.

Put the individually wrapped portions in a freezer-weight plastic storage bag and label the bag with the name, size and date of contents. Recipe: Fish Tacos. How long is frozen fish good for?