How Long Can Fish Be Frozen? Scientists Say It Depends
How long can fish be frozen? Scientists say it depends on the type of fish, the quality of the fish, and how it was frozen. Fatty fish can be stored longer than lean fish, and properly handled and frozen fish will last longer than poorly handled and frozen fish. Flash freezing provides the longest storage time, followed by home freezer storage.
Length of time fish can be frozen depends on type of fish.
Fish with higher fat content can be stored longer.
Fish that have a high fat content can be frozen for a longer period of time than leaner fish. This is because the fat acts as an insulator, and helps to keep the fish fresh. Fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and herring can be stored in the freezer for up to six months.
Lean fish should be used sooner.
Leaner fish such as cod, flounder, and sole should be used within two to three months of being frozen. This is because they do not have the same level of fat insulation, and therefore their quality deteriorates more quickly.
Quality of fish also plays a role in how long it can be frozen.
Fish that has been properly handled and frozen will last longer.
Proper handling of fish prior to freezing is essential to maintain quality and extend storage life. Fish should be cleaned and gutted as soon as possible after being caught. They should then be rinsed with cold water and iced immediately. The fish should be kept cool (0°C/32°F or lower) until they are ready to be frozen.
Fish that are properly handled and frozen can be expected to have a good quality for 6-12 months, although there may be some loss of flavor and texture after this time.
Poorly handled and frozen fish will not last as long.
If fish are not handled properly, they will deteriorate quickly and will not keep well in the freezer. Fish that have been stored at warm temperatures (above 0°C/32°F), thawed and refrozen, or allowed to bleed extensively before freezing will have a shorter storage life than properly handled fish. These fish should be used within 1-2 months for best quality.
Methods of freezing fish also affect how long it can be stored.
Flash freezing provides the longest storage time.
Flash freezing is a process where fish are quickly frozen at extremely low temperatures. This method of freezing preserves the quality of the fish and allows for it to be stored for longer periods of time.
Home freezer storage times are shorter.
Home freezers are not as cold as commercial flash freezers, so fish stored in them will not last as long. However, if properly wrapped and sealed, fish can still be stored in a home freezer for several months without significant loss of quality.
Fish can be frozen for different lengths of time depending on the type of fish and the quality of the fish. Flash freezing provides the longest storage time, but home freezer storage times are shorter. When storing fish, it is important to handle it properly to ensure that it keeps its quality.
