How to properly store mackerel

The most important thing is to know the rules for storing mackerel purchased in reserve.

Proper storage of fresh mackerel

Usually mackerel is offered to the buyer in a fresh frozen state. Rarely, but still there are lucky ones who have the opportunity to bring home fresh sea fish. Therefore, they need to know that it is better to choose carcasses with heads. In spoiled fish it is always removed so that it is impossible to determine the quality of the mackerel, which is indicated by the eyes (bulging) and gills (red). Unpeeled mackerel can be stored in the refrigerator for 1 day. For two days in the same device you can store fish without entrails, head, tail and black film inside the belly. You can extend this period to 2 weeks by placing the mackerel on ice shards and placing it in the refrigerator.

Self-salted fish in a marinade of salt (3 tbsp), granulated sugar (2 tbsp) and a liter of water will remain in a suitable condition for 1 week. You can add your favorite spices to all this. In the same brine you can cook mackerel, which is called “spring”.After it has been salted (this will take 1 day), it must be hung in a dry place with good air circulation. After 2 days, the mackerel should be removed, wrapped in parchment or cut into pieces, placed in a jar and filled with oil. This fish will delight you with its taste for a whole week.

Proper storage of frozen mackerel

It’s not worth buying many kilograms of such fish for later. After all, there is no certainty that it was frozen quite recently. Having bought such mackerel, you should immediately put it in the freezer. Keeping fish in the device for more than 3 months is prohibited. Before placing in the freezer, mackerel should be wrapped in parchment paper.

Proper storage of salted mackerel

This type of fish is easier to store than fresh or smoked. It is usually impossible to purchase mackerel along with brine. But at home you can fill it with the one mentioned above. At home, without salty liquid, generally unpeeled, in the refrigerator the mackerel will be usable for 1 day. Fish cut into pieces in brine (which can also be replaced with spicy oil) can be stored for up to 5 days.

Salted mackerel can also be stored well for 2-3 months in the freezer, in a hermetically sealed container or in cling film (you need to wrap it tightly around the fish).

Proper storage of smoked mackerel

Mackerel that has been cold smoked is stored longer (3 days) than hot smoked (1 day). If the purchased smoked fish is sealed, it should not be opened until consumed. And when there is no “store container”, the product must be carefully wrapped in parchment paper and stored in the lower compartment of the refrigerator.

The expiration date for canned mackerel is always indicated by the manufacturer on the packaging.You should absolutely not buy swollen cans.

See the video “How to properly store mackerel in the refrigerator”: