How Long Does Smoked Salmon from the Fish Counter Last?

Smoked salmon is a popular deli item that you’ll often find at the fish counter of your local grocery store. With its characteristic smoky flavor and silky texture, smoked salmon makes a delicious and easy protein to add to everything from bagels to pasta dishes. But with its high price tag, you’ll want to make sure you store and use it properly so none goes to waste. So how long does packaged smoked salmon from the fish counter really last? Let’s take a closer look.

Overview of Smoked Salmon Sold at Fish Counters

At the seafood counter or deli, smoked salmon is usually sold in vacuum-sealed plastic with a label that says “use by” date. That’s because it was cold-smoked, which adds flavor without cooking the fish and leaves it raw and tender.

This packaged smoked salmon is convenient to grab and go. But once opened it has a shorter shelf life than unopened smoked salmon. So proper storage is key to maximize its freshness.

Shelf Life of Unopened Smoked Salmon Packages

If smoked salmon is continuously refrigerated unopened packages can last past the sell-by date printed on the label. According to sources like Chef’s Resource and A Table Full of Joy

• An unopened package will stay fresh for around 2-3 weeks from the pack date

• If you keep it in the fridge, it should still be good for two to three days after the sell-by date.

• For longer shelf life products, it may last up to 1 week beyond the date on the label.

So buying smoked salmon up to a week before the sell-by date gives you about 2 weeks total to use it, if it stays sealed. Just make sure to keep it chilled at 40°F or below.

Shelf Life After Opening Packaged Smoked Salmon

Once opened, the shelf life drops significantly since oxygen can interact with the fish. Here’s how long smoked salmon lasts after opening:

• Keep refrigerated and use within 3-5 days for best quality and freshness.

• Toss out any leftovers after 1 week – bacteria can start growing even when chilled.

• Don’t let sit more than 2 hours at room temperature once opened.

So it’s best to plan to eat smoked salmon within a few days of opening the package. Only thaw as needed.

Signs Your Smoked Salmon Has Spoiled

Safely determining when smoked salmon has gone bad comes down to using your senses:

• Look for dull or faded color, slimy texture, or white/green mold spots. Discard if present.

• Smell for sour, offensive odors. Toss if it smells “off.”

• Note any soft or mushy spots – this indicates bacteria growth.

Trust your senses – you’ll know bad smoked salmon when you see or smell it! When in doubt, remember the old saying: “When in doubt, throw it out!”

Food Safety Tips for Smoked Salmon

To safely enjoy smoked salmon:

• Keep refrigerated below 40°F at all times, even when serving.

• Remove any discolored portions or bones before serving.

-Cook to 145°F if serving to those with weakened immune systems.

• Rinse hands, surfaces, and utensils after handling raw salmon.

Following basic food prep guidelines helps protect you from potential bacteria on raw fish.

Storing Leftovers Properly

Only take out the portion of smoked salmon you’ll eat in 1-2 days. Here are some storage tips for leftovers:

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in airtight container.

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

• Use within 3 days for best quality.

• You can freeze for up to 2 months – just wrap well or place in air-tight bags.

With proper refrigeration and handling, packaged smoked salmon from the seafood counter can stay fresh for around 2 weeks total. Just remember to eat any leftovers within 3-5 days after opening for peak deliciousness! Following these simple guidelines lets you enjoy every last bit.