Can i refreeze fish

Always err on the side of caution when it comes to food. The USDA developed these guidelines for a reason. Fish that is packaged correctly can last up to 8 months in a freezer.

With a little care, you'll be a lot happier with the quality when you pull it out later. Air is enemy No. It's what causes things to develop freezer burn. So wrap your fish in freezer paper or a freezer bag. The thick layer will help to keep air out. If you use a freezer bag, squeezing the excess air out of the bag before you seal the top can also go a long way toward preventing freezer burn.

Freezing food preserves it in its current state, but it doesn't turn back the clock. Quick-thawed proteins ought to be cooked as soon as they are defrosted. The only way to destroy any pathogens in the fish that may cause foodborne illness is to cook it through to degrees. One thing to keep in mind is that thawing and refreezing fish impacts its quality.

The question is whether this impact is negligible or noticeable to you. There will always be some loss of moisture when ice crystals form and melt, leaving the seafood a little less succulent each time and damaging the texture of the protein itself. The less efficient the freezing process — in other words, the longer it takes for seafood to freeze — the more the product will suffer as a result.

Even good purveyors of high-quality seafood typically thaw and refreeze fish at least once before it reaches you. The safest way to thaw fish is to do it slowly in the fridge overnight. Make sure to change the water every half hour so it stays cold. You can also thaw fish in the microwave if absolutely necessary.

Use the defrost setting and turn off the microwave when the fish is soft but still icy. Just make sure you cook it immediately after thawing, as some parts may start to cook. And if previously cooked foods are thawed in the refrigerator, you may refreeze the unused portion. Do not refreeze any foods left outside the refrigerator longer than 2 hours. If you purchase previously frozen meat, poultry or fish at a retail store, you can refreeze if it has been handled properly.

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