How and where to store cod correctly?

Cod is a fish that is distinguished by its impressive size and white layered meat. It is purchased, as a rule, in the form of fillets or as a whole. Like other types of fish, cod belongs to the category of perishable food, therefore it does not have a long shelf life.

Chilled cod can be refrigerated or deep-frozen. At the same time, it is important not to allow winding and the appearance of the first signs of corruption.

The nuances of storing cod:

• cod is not stored at room temperature (it is recommended to cook the fish immediately after thawing or removing it from the refrigerator);
• in the freezer, cod is placed in plastic bags or cling film (it is important that the air from the bag is first evacuated);
• if the cod is stored with caviar, then the fish should be eaten within 24 hours or cut and frozen (fresh cod liver can be stored for no more than XNUMX hours, therefore, in a day, not only the liver, but the fish itself will begin to deteriorate);
• cod cut independently and fillets sold in the store will have different shelf life (in the first case, the fish can be stored for no more than two days, in the second – several days);
• in the refrigerator, it is better to store cod in a bowl filled with crushed ice (such a technique to exclude the fish’s premature loss of its taste properties);
• if the cod is large, then it must be frozen in the form of separate pieces (after thawing, the process of freezing any fish cannot be repeated in any case);
• in the refrigerator, cod must be stored on the upper shelf (the lower compartments are most often characterized by an increased level of temperature, and the indicator of +5 degrees and above is not suitable for fish);
• – if the cod fillet is bought in a package, then it is not recommended to open it before the fish is cooked (less cod will remain in an open package because of the special techniques that manufacturers use when packing);
• – before freezing or refrigerated storage, the cod does not need to be washed (it is not necessary to wash the fish even if it was cut yourself before placing it in the freezer or refrigerator, and the excess moisture is removed with a napkin);
• it is better to defrost frozen cod gradually (at first it is left in the refrigerator, and after significant thawing, the fillet can be placed in cold water);
• before placing the cod in the refrigerator, it is better to put the fish in a deep bowl or container, and wrap the container on top with cling film;
• if you defrost frozen cod with heat treatment, then its taste will be radically disturbed and spoiled (in addition, during the cooking process, the cod will fall apart and will not be able to maintain its shape).

How much and at what temperature to store cod

In the refrigerator, the shelf life of cod will not exceed 3 days. After this time, the taste of the fish will begin to deteriorate. If you do not plan to cook cod in the coming days after purchase, then it must be frozen immediately.

When storing cod in the refrigerator, it is necessary that the temperature regime be in the range from -2 to 0. Under these conditions, the fish will retain its freshness for three days. If you change the temperature in the refrigerator yourself, then there may be a problem with the safety of other food products, so the fish must be eaten as soon as possible or frozen. At a stable temperature of -2 degrees, cod can be stored for four days.

In the freezer, cod can be stored for 7-10 months… Repeated defrosting and freezing should be avoided. Otherwise, the fish will not only spoil the taste and texture of the planned dish, but can also harm digestion.