How and where to store capelin correctly?

How and where to store capelin correctly?

Capelin, like any fish, belongs to the category of perishable foodstuffs. It can only be stored in the cold, and temperature drops should not be allowed under any circumstances.

The nuances of storing capelin at home:

  • if the capelin was bought frozen, then it must be thawed and eaten or immediately placed in the freezer (you cannot re-freeze the fish after thawing);
  • re-frozen capelin will not only change its consistency, but also become hazardous to health (in the process of thawing, bacteria form on the surface of the fish, which, under the influence of low temperatures, not only do not disappear, but also continue to multiply);
  • fish poisoning is considered the most dangerous, therefore, with the slightest changes in capelin of its aroma and appearance, you should refuse to eat it);
  • if the capelin was bought chilled, then it is not worth washing it before freezing (it should be placed in the freezer as soon as possible, using plastic or plastic bags, containers or foil as packaging;
  • it is not worth storing capelin open in the refrigerator (the fishy smell will quickly spread to other food products, and the aroma of cooked dishes will spoil the taste of capelin);
  • you should not store capelin in a plastic bag (it is better to use plastic bags or containers);
  • the ideal dish for storing capelin in the refrigerator is glassware (glass retains all the traditional taste properties of capelin throughout its shelf life);
  • if the capelin was washed before being placed in the refrigerator, then it must be dried with a towel or napkin and only then placed in a container or packaging;
  • if yellow spots appear on the surface of capelin, then this is a sign of too long storage in the open form, repeated freezing or other violations (capelin with yellow spots is not suitable for eating);
  • if the capelin is thawed, but before the cooking process it will need to be stored for some time, then it is better to sprinkle the fish with a small amount of coarse salt;
  • at room temperature, capelin should not be left even for several hours (under the influence of heat, bacteria instantly form on the fish, due to which its smell changes, and the taste properties gradually deteriorate;
  • capelin does not need to be gutted, and the presence of entrails makes it more prone to rapid rotting;
  • if during storage an unpleasant smell began to be felt from capelin, then the fish is spoiled and should not be eaten.

It is better to defrost capelin in the refrigerator. It is not recommended to do this at room temperature due to the risk of exposure to too high temperatures and winding the fish. If the capelin is purchased in containers, then you need to open them only before starting the cooking process.

How much and at what temperature can capelin be stored

When frozen, capelin can be stored for several months. Flavoring properties and vitamins will begin to decrease in their level only after the fourth month of freezing. In addition, when stored frozen for a long time, capelin can become crumbly after thawing and lose its consistency.

In the refrigerator, capelin can be stored for up to two weeks. Unlike other fish species, capelin can be washed. It is even recommended to do this. After thorough rinsing, the fish is transferred to a container with a lid and placed in the refrigerator on the coolest shelf.

You can freeze capelin in ice glaze. It is done quite simply. The fish is first placed in water, and the container is placed in the freezer. Then, after the formation of the ice crust, the capelin is taken out of the container, wrapped in foil, cling film or placed in a plastic bag. The preparation will help keep the fish fresh in the freezer for 2-3 months.

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