How Long Does Costco Salmon Last in the Fridge?

Salmon is one of the most popular and nutritious fish available With its rich omega-3 fatty acids content and high-quality protein, salmon provides many health benefits The Costco supermarket chain offers fresh, frozen, and smoked salmon options that are budget-friendly for most families. But an important question arises – how long does Costco salmon last in the fridge?

Properly storing salmon is key to ensuring it stays fresh and safe to eat Follow these tips to maximize the shelf life of your Costco salmon

Fresh Salmon Storage Time

Fresh, raw salmon can last in the fridge for 2-3 days if stored properly. Here are some tips for keeping fresh salmon its freshest

When purchasing fresh salmon fillets from Costco, ensure they are cold to the touch and the flesh appears firm and glossy. Avoid fish that smells overly fishy or has discolored flesh.
Fresh fish should be stored immediately in the coldest part of the refrigerator, which is at the back of the bottom shelf. Keep the temperature at or below 40°F.
Place the fresh salmon on a plate and loosely cover it with plastic wrap or parchment paper. This prevents the fish from drying out.
Don’t wash the salmon before storing, as this removes the natural protective slime coating. Simply pat it dry with paper towels.
Use the salmon within 2 days for absolute best quality. It may remain safe to eat for up to 3 days if stored at 40°F.
Monitor the fish for any strong odors, sliminess, or dulling of the flesh. Discard if it shows signs of spoilage.

Following these simple storage steps will help ensure your fresh Costco salmon retains optimal texture and flavor.

Frozen Salmon Storage Time

The freezing process stops salmon from spoiling, allowing it to be stored for much longer periods. Here’s how long frozen salmon lasts:

Frozen raw salmon will remain safe indefinitely if kept constantly frozen at 0°F or below. However, quality will start declining after 3-6 months.
For best quality, use frozen salmon within 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before use.
Previously frozen and thawed salmon can be refrozen safely if done immediately after thawing. But the texture will degrade with each freeze-thaw cycle.
It is not recommended to re-freeze fully thawed raw salmon. Use within 1-2 days.

Proper frozen food storage is important to prevent “freezer burn” and rancidity. Follow these tips:

Store frozen salmon in air-tight packaging at 0°F or below. Consistent cold temperature is key.
Avoid temperature fluctuations which create ice crystals and affect texture. Don’t open the freezer door frequently.
If ice crystals form, they can be minimized by storing the fish with water-resistant barrier packaging.
Label frozen salmon packages with the date for easy tracking. Use oldest packages first.

Storing Costco frozen salmon correctly helps retain its high quality over several months. Handle with care to prevent premature spoilage.

Smoked Salmon Shelf Life

Smoked salmon sold at Costco in vacuum-sealed packs has a longer shelf life than fresh fish. Smoked fish contains salt and smoke compounds that inhibit bacterial growth. Here’s how long smoked salmon lasts:

Unopened, vacuum-packed smoked salmon can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks past the printed use-by date.
After opening, an opened package will stay fresh for about 5-7 days in the fridge.
It’s best to eat refrigerated smoked salmon within 3-5 days for premium quality and taste.
To extend the shelf life, smoked salmon can be frozen. It will keep for 2-3 months in an airtight container.
Wrap smoked salmon tightly in plastic wrap if freezing, as exposure to air can cause rancidity.
Thaw frozen smoked salmon overnight in the fridge before serving.

Thanks to salt-curing and cold-smoking methods, smoked salmon offers extended freshness compared to raw fish. With proper storage, it can be enjoyed long after purchase.

Ways to Tell if Salmon is Bad

Being able to identify spoiled salmon can prevent foodborne illness. Here are some signs that salmon has gone bad and should be discarded:

Strong fishy or ammonia-like odor – Fresh salmon has a mild scent, while bad salmon smells unpleasant and strong.
Slimy texture – Salmon develops a sticky or slippery texture when deteriorating in quality.
Discolored flesh – The flesh loses its sheen and becomes dull or brownish.
Dry, shriveled flesh – Salmon dries out and becomes shriveled as it spoils, compared to firm, moist flesh when fresh.
White film on surface – A thick white mucus-like film on the salmon indicates bacterial growth.
Mold growth – You may see fuzzy mold on spoiled salmon, often in shades of white, green or black.
Expired date codes – Do not eat salmon past the use-by date printed on smoked salmon packaging.

Identifying these signs of spoilage in salmon ensures you discard rotten fish before eating. Rely on your senses of sight, smell and touch to determine safety.

How to Store Salmon for Maximum Freshness

Proper salmon storage is the key to optimizing freshness and shelf life. Follow these tips:

Short-Term Storage

Place fresh raw salmon on ice or in the coldest part of the refrigerator immediately after purchase. Use within 2 days for best quality.
Keep smoked salmon refrigerated in its original vacuum sealed package. Use within 5-7 days of opening.
Store opened smoked salmon tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Limit air exposure.
Lay salmon flat in a dish, avoiding stacking. This prevents crushing and moisture build-up.

Long-Term Storage

Freeze raw salmon if not using within 2 days. Portion into airtight freezer bags.
Seal smoked salmon air-tight before freezing. Use freezer bags, plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Label frozen salmon packages with dates and contents. Track shelf life.
Maintain a consistent 0°F freezer temperature. Avoid thawing and re-freezing raw salmon.

With proper refrigeration and freezing methods, Costco salmon can stay fresh for days beyond the purchase date. Monitor for signs of spoilage and use appropriate storage durations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have some questions about how long Costco salmon stays fresh? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions.

How long is Costco salmon good for after the sell by date?

Raw salmon is typically good for an extra day past the sell by date if kept at 40°F or below. Smoked salmon can last for 1-2 weeks past its printed expiration date thanks to the salt and smoke preserving it. However, it’s best to use any refrigerated salmon as soon as possible for premium freshness and flavor.

Can I freeze and unthaw salmon twice?

It is not recommended to freeze and defrost salmon more than once, as the texture quality declines significantly with each thaw cycle. Frozen salmon is best thawed overnight in the refrigerator and used within 1-2 days.

Does cooking salmon kill bacteria?

Proper cooking will kill potentially harmful bacteria like salmonella. Raw salmon should reach an internal temperature of at least 145°F. However, bacteria can still multiply in salmon prior to cooking if stored improperly at warm temperatures for too long. Proper refrigeration is still important.

How can you tell if thawed salmon has gone bad?

Signs that previously frozen salmon has spoiled include an unpleasant fishy or ammonia odor, slimy mucus-like texture, discolored or dried out flesh, or mold growth. Never eat salmon that smells or appears unappetizing.

Can I freeze smoked salmon?

Yes, smoked salmon can be frozen to extend its shelf life. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in airtight freezer bags before freezing. Frozen smoked salmon will keep for 2-3 months before losing quality. Remember to thaw in the refrigerator before eating.

Following proper refrigeration and freezing techniques is important for preserving your Costco salmon’s freshness and quality. Refer to this guide whenever you need a quick refresher on salmon’s fridge life. With the right storage, you can enjoy the healthy benefits of salmon for days after purchasing.