How to store salted cod?
Salted cod is a famous dish in Portugal and I would like to prepare it. It is common here to see the whole of a fish (well, without head, guts etc obviously) in supermarkets - like this:
I expect that it can be stored at home for quite a long time without refrigeration. However I'm not sure. What is the best way to store salted cod? For how long can it be stored? And, as a bonus question: what to do against the whole house smelling like codfish? ;)
Best Answer
According to Still Tasty, 10-12 months, refrigerated.
To prevent odors, it should be left sealed in its original packaging, or put into an airtight container such as freezer bag (the freezer ones are better sealed and less permeable than the regular zip lock type bag).
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Quick Answer about "How to store salted cod?"
Salt cod will keep almost indefinitely refrigerated or at room temperature. You may want to wrap it in several plastic food bags to control the smell. Salt cod must be soaked overnight before cooking to remove the salt.Do you have to refrigerate salted cod?
Once considered a delicacy, salt cod has lost much of its favor with the age of refrigeration. This dried and salted fish predates refrigeration, and while it was traditionally stored at room temperature, modern sources recommend that you keep salt cod in your refrigerator for safety.How long can you keep salted cod in the refrigerator?
Salt cod can stay in your refrigerator almost indefinitely -- bringing a whole new meaning to a pantry meal. Before it can be eaten, the product must be soaked in cold water for one to three days, changing the water two to three times a day.How do you store salted fish?
Storing Salt FishKeep the salt fish cool and dry. It does not like humidity. Don't pack the fish in plastic: this synthetic material can turn the salt fish wet and soggy. At high storing temperatures, the fish will change colour from the more white and delicate to red/orange, losing the flavour.How do you store salted fish in the fridge?
The simplest method is to wrap it in paper or tissue and store it in a dark, cold, well-ventilated area. -Use glass jars to keep dried fish for a long time. If there is much fish, they should be put in cardboard or wooden crates. To keep dust and insects out, the container's top must be covered with fabric.How to make salted cod
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Answer 2
If you have space in your freezer, it's not uncommon in Portugal to see frozen "bacalhau demolhado" in portions. You can execute the soaking process, cut and store the fish in the freezer with skins and bones, well wrapped and it will keep good for a while. This will also give you the big advantage of having the fish ready to cook anytime you need it!
Answer 3
I'm a cod retailer. How long you can store it depends on where the fish comes from:
Norwegian cod is salted and extra dried. When you soak it in water, it will expand into nice, thick steaks and it does last longer, 8 to 10 months when refrigerated.
Nova Scotia, Canada cod is semi-dry and, therefore, best when consumed within 3 to 4 months. When you soak it, its thickness will not change.
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