Shelf Life Tips
- How long do frozen smelts last? The precise answer to that question depends to a large extent on storage conditions - keep smelts frozen at all times.
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Properly stored, frozen smelts will maintain best quality for about 9 months in the freezer, although they will usually remain safe to eat after that.
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Are frozen smelts safe to eat after the ‘expiration’ date on the package? Yes, if properly stored - commercially frozen smelts will typically carry a Best By, Best if Used By, Best Before, or Best When Used By date but this is not a safety date, it is the manufacturer's estimate of how long the frozen smelts will remain at peak quality.
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How long will frozen smelts remain safe to eat? Frozen smelts that have been kept constantly frozen at 0°F will keep safe indefinitely, as long as they have been stored properly and the package is not damaged.
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How to tell if frozen smelts are no longer good? If dry spots or discolorations have developed on the frozen smelts, freezer burn has begun to set in - this will not make the frozen smelts unsafe to eat, but it will harm the texture and taste.
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Sources: For details about data sources used for food storage information, please click here
