How Long Does Trader Joe’s Salmon Last? A Guide to Proper Storage

Salmon is one of the most popular and versatile fish you can buy. Rich in healthy omega-3s and protein, salmon works great in everything from weeknight dinners to fancy restaurant dishes Many shoppers turn to Trader Joe’s for their salmon needs But how long does Trader Joe’s fresh salmon actually last?

Proper storage is key to getting the most out of your salmon and avoiding waste. Read on for a complete guide to maximizing the shelf life and freshness of Trader Joe’s salmon fillets.

Overview of Trader Joe’s Fresh Salmon Options

Trader Joe’s sells several types of fresh, raw salmon fillets:

• Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon Lean deep red fillets from wild-caught fish.

• Wild Alaskan Coho Salmon Bright orange fillets from smaller, wild salmon.

• Fresh Atlantic Salmon: Farmed salmon with classic pink-orange color.

• Smoked Salmon Slices: Fully cooked cold-smoked salmon.

• Nova Lox Salmon: Brined and cold-smoked Atlantic salmon.

No matter the type, raw salmon is highly perishable and needs proper refrigeration. Smoked salmon lasts longer thanks to processing.

How Long Does Raw Trader Joe’s Salmon Last in the Fridge?

For raw salmon like the Wild Alaskan and Fresh Atlantic fillets, follow these fridge storage guidelines:

• Unopened: 5 to 7 days from the printed sell-by date.

• Opened: 2 to 3 days.

• Pre-portioned: 1 to 2 days.

The high moisture content of raw salmon makes it prone to spoilage by bacteria. Keep the fish as cold as possible, ideally at 40°F or below.

Raw salmon may last a day or two beyond these timeframes if continuously refrigerated. But it’s generally best to cook or freeze within 3 days of purchasing.

Does Packaging Impact Shelf Life?

Yes, the packaging makes a difference in how long Trader Joe’s raw salmon stays fresh:

• Vacuum-sealed: Lasts longer by preventing exposure to air.

• Open air packaging: Shorter lifespan of just 2 to 3 days.

• Previously frozen: Once thawed, cook within 1 to 2 days.

Re-wrap open packs in plastic wrap or foil to help exclude air and odors. But don’t rely on packaging alone – adhere to printed use-by dates.

How to Tell if Trader Joe’s Salmon Has Gone Bad

Rely on your senses to determine freshness:

• Look: Raw flesh should be glistening and firm. Discoloration, drying, or gaping texture are bad signs.

• Smell: Fresh salmon has a mild, ocean-like scent. A fishy, ammonia, or sour odor means spoilage.

• Feel: The flesh should spring back when pressed. Slime, stickiness, or mushiness are red flags.

• Taste: Saute a small piece. Rancid, bitter, or sour flavors mean the salmon is unsafe to eat.

When in doubt, remember the old adage: “When in doubt, throw it out.” Don’t risk getting sick from consuming spoiled seafood.

Storing Leftover Cooked Trader Joe’s Salmon

Once cooked, here is how long leftover salmon will last refrigerated:

• As leftovers: 3 to 4 days

• In dishes, salads, etc: 3 to 4 days

• Canned, smoked, or pickled: 2 weeks or per can directions

Divide large portions into shallow airtight containers for quick cooling. Frozen cooked salmon keeps for 2 to 3 months.

Freezing Trader Joe’s Salmon

For maximum freshness, freeze raw Trader Joe’s salmon as soon as possible after purchasing, especially if not using within 2 to 3 days. Here are some freezing tips:

• Place fillets in a single layer in a rimmed baking sheet and freeze until firm.

• Transfer to zip-top freezer bags, removing excess air.

• Add a label with type and freeze-by date (3 months after freezing).

• Thaw overnight in the fridge or under cold running water.

• Cook thawed salmon within a day or two. Do not refreeze.

With proper freezing technique, the texture and flavor of the salmon will stay intact for use in future recipes.

How to Shop for Fresh Trader Joe’s Salmon

When buying fresh raw salmon at Trader Joe’s, look for these signs of quality:

• Bright, glistening flesh without discolored patches.

• Firm texture without indentations when pressed.

• Clean, mild seafood scent, not fishy or ammonia-like.

• Packaged salmon should be buried in flaked ice, not sitting in melted water.

• Purchase well before the printed expiration date.

Start with the freshest salmon possible and it will last longer once you get it home.

Safe Handling of Raw Trader Joe’s Salmon

Raw salmon can contain bacteria and parasites, so food safety is crucial:

• Store in the coldest part of the refrigerator, not the door.

• Keep raw salmon separate from other foods to avoid cross-contamination.

• Wash hands, cutting boards, knives, etc thoroughly after handling.

• Defrost frozen salmon in the fridge, not on the counter.

• Marinate raw salmon in the fridge, not at room temperature.

Following safe handling procedures reduces the risks of foodborne illnesses. Cook salmon to 145°F minimum internal temperature.

Enjoying Trader Joe’s Salmon Before It Expires

To enjoy your Trader Joe’s salmon before it goes bad:

• Buy only what you will use within 2 to 3 days.

• Cook half the salmon immediately and freeze the other half for later.

• Marinate overnight in the fridge to use the next day.

• Bake, grill, pan sear, or poach fillets for easy meals.

• Use in sushi, salmon burgers, salmon cakes, pasta, and salads.

With proper storage and handling, Trader Joe’s fresh salmon stays delicious until you are ready to cook it. Follow this guide to maximize the shelf life and safety of your Trader Joe’s wild, farmed, and smoked salmon products.