How Long Do Sardines Last In The Fridge? Your Guide.

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How long do sardines last in the fridge? Opened canned sardines usually keep for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge when stored properly in a separate container. Fresh sardines, on the other hand, are more delicate and should ideally be cooked within 1 to 2 days of buying them and storing fresh sardines in fridge.

Sardines are small, oily fish packed with flavor and nutrition. People eat them fresh or, more commonly, from a can. Knowing how to store them right is key. This helps keep them safe to eat and taste good. It also helps you avoid wasting food. This guide will tell you how long different types of sardines stay good in your fridge. We will cover both canned and fresh ones.

How Long Do Sardines Last In The Fridge
Image Source: fridge.com

Fathoming the Life of Canned Sardines

Canned sardines are a pantry staple for many. They come in oil, water, tomato sauce, or mustard. The canning process seals the fish. This keeps them good for a long time before opening. But once you open the can, things change fast.

Shelf Life of Canned Sardines Before Opening

Unopened canned sardines last a very long time. They are a type of food that lasts on the shelf. Look at the can for a ‘Best By’ or ‘Expiration Date’. This date tells you how long the quality is best.

  • Before the Date: Canned sardines are usually fine to eat for years past the ‘Best By’ date. This is because the canning process kills harmful germs. The can also keeps new germs out.
  • After the Date: The date is about quality, not always safety. Sardines stored well (cool, dry place) might be safe to eat long after the date. But the taste and texture might change. The oil might go bad, or the fish might get soft.

Think of the ‘Best By’ date as a suggestion for the best quality. Unopened canned goods are often safe for a long time past this date. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) says most canned goods are safe “indefinitely” if stored right. But they suggest eating them within 1 to 2 years for the best quality. So, the shelf life of canned sardines is quite long before they are opened.

How Long Do Opened Sardines Keep?

This is the big question after you pop open a can. Once air hits the sardines, they start to spoil. Harmful germs can also get in.

  • The Time Limit: Most experts say opened canned sardines last 3 to 4 days in the fridge. This applies if you store them right.
  • Why So Short? The air lets mold and bacteria grow. Fish spoils faster than some other foods. The oil or sauce in the can can also go bad once open.

Knowing how long do opened sardines keep helps prevent food poisoning. Never just put the open can back in the fridge. This is not safe.

Opened Sardine Can Shelf Life: Proper Storage is Key

Leaving sardines in the opened can in the fridge is a bad idea. The metal of the can can pass into the fish. This can make the sardines taste bad. It can also be unsafe over time.

  • Transfer: Always move leftover sardines to a clean, airtight container. Glass or plastic containers work well.
  • Cover: Make sure the sardines are fully covered in their liquid (oil, water, sauce). If not, add a little fresh oil or water. This helps keep them moist and slows down spoilage.
  • Seal: Put a tight lid on the container. This keeps air out and smells in.
  • Refrigerate: Put the sealed container in the coldest part of your fridge. The back of the main shelf is often coldest.

Following these steps helps ensure you get the full 3 to 4 days of refrigerated sardine storage. It extends the opened sardine can shelf life beyond just a few hours.

Signs of Spoiled Canned Sardines

Even when stored right, sardines can go bad. Look for these signs before eating leftovers:

  • Bad Smell: Fresh sardines smell like the sea. Spoiled ones smell very fishy, strong, or like ammonia. If it smells bad, throw it out. Smell is often the first sign of spoilage.
  • Strange Look:
    • Color: The fish might look dull, grey, or brown. Fresh sardines are usually shiny and grey-blue.
    • Texture: They might be mushy, slimy, or falling apart more than usual. Good sardines hold their shape somewhat.
    • Mold: Any fuzzy spots or mold mean they are spoiled.
  • Leaky Container: If the storage container is leaking or bulging, this is a bad sign.
  • Sour Taste: Never taste a large amount to check. A tiny bit can tell you. If it tastes sour, bitter, or off, do not eat it. But tasting can be risky if many bad germs are present. It’s better to trust your eyes and nose.

If you see any of these signs, throw the sardines away. It is not worth getting sick. These are clear signs of spoiled canned sardines.

Grapsing the Fresh Sardine Storage Time

Fresh sardines are a different story. They are much more delicate than canned ones. They spoil very quickly if not handled right.

Buying Fresh Sardines

When you buy fresh sardines, look for these signs of freshness:

  • Bright Eyes: The eyes should be clear and bulging, not cloudy or sunken.
  • Shiny Skin: The skin should be bright and metallic, not dull. Scales should be attached firmly.
  • Firm Flesh: The fish should feel firm when you touch it gently. If it feels soft or mushy, it’s not fresh.
  • Clean Smell: They should smell like fresh ocean water, not overly fishy or bad.
  • Red Gills: Gills should be bright red or pink, not brown or slimy.

Storing Fresh Sardines in Fridge

Fresh fish needs to be kept very cold. This slows down the growth of bacteria that cause spoilage.

  • Keep Them Cold: Transport them home quickly, ideally on ice.
  • Clean Them: If you plan to keep them for a day or two, clean them first. Remove the guts. Rinse them well inside and out with cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels. This step helps them last a little longer.
  • Wrap Them Right: Wrap each fish loosely in parchment paper or wax paper. Then, place them in a single layer in a shallow dish or container.
  • Add Ice: The best way to store fresh sardines in fridge is on a bed of ice. Put ice in a tray. Put the wrapped fish on top of the ice. Cover the dish loosely with plastic wrap or a lid. This keeps the fish extra cold.
  • Coldest Spot: Put the dish in the coldest part of your fridge. This is usually the meat or vegetable drawer, or the very back of the bottom shelf.

This method helps extend fresh sardine storage time slightly, but they still won’t last long.

How Long Do Fresh Sardines Last?

Fresh sardines have a very short fridge life.

  • Ideal Use: It is best to cook fresh sardines the same day you buy them.
  • Maximum Time: They can be stored in the fridge for maybe 1 to 2 days if stored very cold and properly.
  • Beyond 2 Days: After 2 days, the risk of spoilage and harmful bacteria grows quickly. It’s generally not safe to eat them raw or cooked after 2 days in the fridge.

So, plan to cook fresh sardines soon after you get them. Fresh sardine storage time is very limited compared to canned ones.

Signs of Spoiled Fresh Sardines

It’s easy to tell when fresh sardines have gone bad.

  • Strong Fishy Smell: This is the most obvious sign. A bad smell means they are spoiling.
  • Cloudy or Sunken Eyes: The eyes lose their brightness and become dull or sunken.
  • Dull Skin: The skin loses its shine and can feel slimy.
  • Soft Flesh: The fish feels soft, mushy, or leaves a dent when you touch it.
  • Discolored Gills: Gills turn from bright red to brown or grey.

If you see any of these signs, do not cook or eat the fresh sardines. Throw them away.

Interpreting Sardine Expiration Date and Other Dates

Food labels can be confusing. There are different types of dates. The sardine expiration date is often not what you think.

  • ‘Best By’ or ‘Best Before’: This date is about quality. The food is at its best flavor and texture before this date. It is usually safe to eat after this date, but the quality might drop. This is common on canned sardines.
  • ‘Sell By’: This date tells the store how long to display the product for sale. Buy it before this date. You still have time to use it at home after this date. This is more common on fresh fish packaging.
  • ‘Use By’: This date is about safety and quality. It’s the last date recommended for the best quality. After this date, the quality might drop, and it might become unsafe. This is like an expiration date for many foods. You often see this on fresh packaged foods.
  • ‘Packed On’: This date tells you when the food was packed. It helps you guess freshness for fresh items.

For canned sardines, the ‘Best By’ date is most common. As discussed, they are usually good long after this date if the can is not damaged. For fresh sardines, you might see a ‘Sell By’ or ‘Use By’ date on packaged ones. Pay close attention to the ‘Use By’ date for fresh fish.

Remember, the sardine expiration date, if listed as ‘Use By’, should be followed for safety. If it’s ‘Best By’, use your judgment based on how it was stored and the signs of spoilage.

Best Practices for Sardine Storage

No matter the type, storing sardines correctly is vital. Good storage keeps them fresh and safe.

Refrigerated Sardine Storage Tips

  • Keep it Cold: The fridge should be at or below 40°F (4°C). Use a fridge thermometer to check.
  • Use Airtight Containers: For opened canned or leftover cooked sardines, always use a clean container with a tight lid. This protects them from air and other food smells.
  • Store Fresh Fish Coldest: Place fresh sardines (on ice if possible) in the coldest part of the fridge.
  • Don’t Cross-Contaminate: Store raw fish below other foods in the fridge. This stops juices from dripping onto ready-to-eat items. Use separate cutting boards and tools for raw fish.
  • Label and Date: Write the date you opened canned sardines or bought fresh ones on the container. This helps you track how long they have been stored.

Freezing Sardines

Freezing can extend the life of both fresh and cooked sardines.

  • Fresh Sardines:
    • Clean and gut the fish.
    • Rinse and pat dry.
    • Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or freezer paper. Remove as much air as possible.
    • Place the wrapped fish in a freezer bag or container.
    • Label with the date.
    • Fresh sardines can last up to 3-4 months in the freezer. Quality might drop after this time.
  • Cooked Sardines (from opened can or fresh):
    • Let them cool completely.
    • Place in an airtight freezer-safe container or freezer bag.
    • Cover with their liquid (oil, sauce) if possible, or a little extra oil or water.
    • Remove air and seal tight.
    • Label and date.
    • Cooked sardines can last 2-3 months in the freezer.
  • From an Opened Can: Freezing leftover canned sardines is okay. Make sure they are in a proper freezer container, not the can.

To Thaw: Move frozen sardines to the fridge to thaw slowly. This is the safest way. Do not thaw at room temperature. Use thawed sardines right away. Do not refreeze sardines after thawing them.

Food Safety Sardines Fridge: Risks of Eating Spoiled Sardines

Eating spoiled fish can make you very sick. It’s important to follow food safety rules. This includes safe handling and knowing when to throw food out. Food safety sardines fridge storage is key.

Bacteria and Toxins

Spoiled fish can contain harmful bacteria like Listeria or Salmonella. These can cause food poisoning. Symptoms include stomach pain, throwing up, and diarrhea.

Another risk with certain types of fish, especially those not kept cold, is a toxin called scombrotoxin. While more common in larger fish like tuna or mackerel, it can sometimes affect sardines if not stored properly after catching. This toxin causes scombrotoxic fish poisoning, with symptoms like flushing, headache, dizziness, and rash. Unlike bacteria, scombrotoxin is not destroyed by cooking. This is why keeping fresh sardines very cold from catch to cooking is so important.

When in Doubt, Throw it Out

This is the golden rule of food safety. If you are not sure if sardines are still good, do not risk it. The cost of throwing away a can or a few fish is much less than the cost of getting sick.

  • Beyond the Time Limit: If opened canned sardines have been in the fridge for more than 4 days, or fresh ones for more than 2 days, it’s safest to discard them.
  • Signs of Spoilage: Always check for bad smells, strange looks, or textures.

Following the guidelines for how long after opening are sardines good helps lower the risk of foodborne illness. Good refrigerated sardine storage protects you.

Maximizing Sardine Freshness

Getting the most out of your sardines, whether fresh or canned, starts with smart choices and good habits.

For Canned Sardines:

  • Buy Undamaged Cans: Never buy cans that are dented, bulging, or leaking. These can have a broken seal, letting in germs.
  • Store Unopened Cans Right: Keep them in a cool, dry pantry, away from heat and direct sunlight. High heat can spoil canned goods.
  • Use Opened Cans Quickly: Stick to the 3-4 day rule for opened, refrigerated sardines. Don’t try to push it longer.
  • Proper Transfer: Always move leftovers to a clean, sealed container.

For Fresh Sardines:

  • Buy from a Trusted Source: Buy fresh fish from a fish market or store you trust. They should keep their fish on ice.
  • Get Home Fast: Go straight home and get the fish into the fridge (on ice if possible).
  • Clean Quickly: If you aren’t cooking them immediately, clean them as soon as you get home.
  • Cook Promptly: Cook fresh sardines within 1-2 days of buying them.
  • Store on Ice: This is the best method for short-term fresh sardine storage time in the fridge.

By taking these steps, you help keep your sardines in the best possible condition for as long as they are safe to eat.

Deciphering How Long After Opening Are Sardines Good

Let’s recap the key timelines.

Canned Sardines

  • Unopened: Lasts years past the ‘Best By’ date if stored correctly. Quality best within 1-2 years of the date.
  • Opened: Lasts 3 to 4 days in the fridge when transferred to an airtight container and covered in liquid.

Fresh Sardines

  • Uncooked: Best cooked the same day as purchased. Can last 1 to 2 days in the fridge if stored properly (cleaned, on ice).
  • Cooked (from fresh): Lasts 3 to 4 days in the fridge in an airtight container.

These times are general guides. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating, even if within the time limit.

Using these guidelines helps ensure you enjoy your sardines safely. It answers the common question, how long after opening are sardines good, with clear time frames.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

This section answers some common questions about storing and using sardines.

h4 What if my opened canned sardines smell a little fishy?

All fish smell fishy to some degree. Fresh sardines smell like the sea. Opened canned ones might have a mild fishy smell. A spoiled smell is very strong, sharp, or smells like ammonia. If you are unsure, check for other signs like dull color or soft texture. If the smell is very strong or bad, throw them out.

h4 Can I leave opened canned sardines out at room temperature?

No. Never leave opened canned sardines (or any cooked or perishable food) out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. If the room is warm (above 90°F or 32°C), the limit is only 1 hour. Bacteria grow very fast at room temperature.

h4 Is it safe to eat sardines past the ‘Best By’ date?

For unopened canned sardines, yes, usually. The ‘Best By’ date is about quality, not safety. As long as the can is in good shape and stored well, they are likely safe long past the date. But the taste and texture might not be as good. Always check the can first for damage and the sardines for signs of spoilage after opening.

h4 How long can cooked fresh sardines stay in the fridge?

Cooked fresh sardines should be treated like any other cooked fish. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will last about 3 to 4 days.

h4 What is the best way to store sardines from an opened can?

Move them from the can to a clean, airtight container (glass or plastic). Make sure they are covered in their liquid (oil, water, etc.). Put a tight lid on the container and put it in the fridge right away. This gives you the full opened sardine can shelf life of 3-4 days.

h4 My fresh sardines were only in the fridge for one day, but they smell very bad. Are they still good?

No. Smell is a key sign of spoilage for fresh fish. Even if it’s only been one day, if they smell strongly bad (not just a mild sea smell), they have likely spoiled. Throw them out. Storage temperature and how fresh they were when you bought them play a big role.

h4 Can I freeze canned sardines that haven’t been opened yet?

Yes, you can freeze unopened canned sardines. However, it’s usually not needed because they last so long in the pantry. Freezing might change the texture of the fish and the liquid (oil or water). It’s best to keep unopened cans in a cool, dry place. Only freeze them if you want to extend their life significantly past the recommended ‘Best By’ date, but accept that quality might suffer.

h4 What does ‘food safety sardines fridge’ really mean?

It means following best practices to store sardines in the refrigerator safely. This includes keeping the fridge at the right temperature, storing opened/cooked sardines in sealed containers, not storing fresh fish above other foods, and following recommended storage times. It’s about preventing harmful bacteria from growing and making you sick.

Conclusion

Knowing how long sardines last in the fridge is important for both food safety and enjoying their taste. Canned sardines are a long-lasting item before opening, but once opened, they become perishable, lasting only 3 to 4 days in the fridge when stored properly. Fresh sardines are very delicate and should be cooked within 1 to 2 days of purchase, needing careful cold storage. Always look for signs of spoilage – bad smell, changed look, or texture – and when in doubt, throw the sardines out. Following simple rules for refrigerated sardine storage helps you enjoy this healthy fish safely.