Clean an entire fish before or after storing in a freezer?
After buying an entire fish from the supermarket, I was wondering if it is better to clean an entire fish before or after putting it to a freezer for storage (not long, abound a few days)?
Or the solution depends on the kind of fish? Today I bought some butter fishes. Before, I have bought porgy, bluefish, mackerel, pomfrey, ...
Thanks and regards!
Best Answer
Yes the fish should be cleaned and prepared before being frozen. Reference: http://www.helpwithcooking.com/food-storage/freezing-fish.html
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Do you need to clean fish before freezing?
Cleaning your fishThe first thing you need to do before you freeze is clean your fish. This must be done properly to avoid any unwelcome scales, bones, or bacteria. Careful holding the fish. Fins can be sharp and can cut you.Can you freeze whole cleaned fish?
How to Freeze Whole Fish. Do NOT freeze whole un-gutted fish. You must gut and scale the fish before freezing. Then simply rinse off the fish and store it in zip lock bags (removing as much air as possible), or vacuum seal it, or follow the "ice glazing" method.How do you store whole fish in the freezer?
Freezing Fresh FishWhat should be done to fresh whole fish prior to storage?
Before refrigerating a fish, wash it in cold water and dry it with a clean cloth or paper towels. Then wrap the clean fish in waxed paper, plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store it on ice or in the refrigerator.How to Store Fish in Freezer (Up to 2 years)
More answers regarding clean an entire fish before or after storing in a freezer?
Answer 2
I'd say it depends on the type of fish, and how you plan cooking it. I prefer scaling and cleaning the fish before freezing. This way I'm only storing what I will be eating and have no need to worry about additional smells and bacteria in the freezer and whilst defrosting.
Answer 3
Absolutely must be cleaned before freezing. I grew up on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain where my father was a commercial fisherman, shrimper, boat builder. We never, froze fish without gutting and scaling them. Same with shrimp - at least take the heads of but best to take black "vein" out and remove shells.
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