Canned salmon offers the same delicious taste and health advantages as fresh salmon, making it a practical and cost-effective choice. The question is, would you prefer to consume cold canned salmon, or do you want it cooked and served?
Although it may not be very appetizing due to its wet texture, canned salmon can be eaten cold straight from the can since it is already cooked. Nevertheless, it is important to drain the liquid to reduce the amount of sodium used as a preservative.
If you plan on consuming canned salmon, it is crucial to understand its various characteristics, proper methods for storing any remaining portions, and most importantly, how to combine it with other ingredients to create a well-rounded dish. Continue reading for an overview of what canned salmon entails!
Is It Safe To Eat Canned Salmon Cold?
As long as the can is not damaged, too old, or has instructions to refrigerate or cook it, canned salmon can be eaten directly from the can without any safety concerns.
During canning, the food undergoes a heat treatment that eliminates all bacterial spores by subjecting it to high temperatures. This process not only cooks the food but also renders it safe for consumption and devoid of any impurities.
However, it is important to inspect the can for any bulges, dents, or unpleasant odors as these indicate that the food is not safe to eat. It is crucial that the can remains sealed tightly when purchased to avoid bacterial contamination at room temperature.
Furthermore, you have the option to make a canned salmon salad instead of consuming it chilled, which significantly improves its flavor and taste. For lunch or dinner, you can mix canned salmon with greens to create a delicious salad.
If you want to warm up canned salmon, you can use a microwave, heat it on the stove, or reheat it in a dish. However, it’s important to avoid heating the can directly because this can cause the plastic lining inside to melt and contaminate your food with plastic.
If you want to create a more nutritious salad using canned salmon, mix it with yogurt, chives, and black pepper. On the other hand, if you’re interested in making an Asian-style canned salmon burger, combine it with bread crumbs, chopped scallions, eggs, and ginger before shaping them into patties and baking them.
Is Canned Salmon Nutritious?
Canned salmon contains essential nutrients that are beneficial for the body, particularly for the heart. According to the American Heart Association’s recommendation, consuming two servings of fatty fish like salmon per week is ideal.
Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are heart-healthy unsaturated lipids that help regulate your heartbeat and have anti-inflammatory effects that promote brain health as you get older.
Consuming canned salmon for lunch can provide a feeling of fullness and boost energy levels throughout the afternoon.
Canned Salmon is a highly nutritious seafood that is easily accessible. It’s important to understand that the proteins in fish are not degraded during the canning process. Whether you choose fresh or canned salmon, both options offer protein, heart-healthy omega-3 fats, and various other nutrients.
Sodium is found in canned salmon as well, and a single serving contains approximately 14% of the recommended daily intake.
Although sodium is necessary for maintaining fluid balance in the body, excessive consumption of sodium through diet can increase blood pressure levels. It is advisable to opt for unsalted canned salmon.
How Should Canned Salmon Be Stored?
Salmon has a tendency to spoil quickly because of its high levels of unsaturated fats. Canned salmon that remains unopened and properly preserved can maintain its optimal quality for approximately 3 to 5 years, but it is generally safe to consume beyond that time frame.
Once the can of salmon has been opened, it should not be kept in the container. It is important to put the remaining fish in the refrigerator as soon as possible. If you refrigerate it quickly, then it is safe to eat.
To store canned salmon , put it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit for up to four days.
Another crucial point is to store the salmon in a sealed container and freeze it for a maximum of three months if you require longer storage.
When taking the canned salmon out of the fridge, it is advisable to carefully examine its overall appearance, ensuring that its skin is a bright pink-orange hue and has shiny silver scales.
If the salmon has a dull and lifeless skin, and its flesh has turned grey with dark stains or discoloration, along with a milky-white residue on the filet, it is likely spoiled and should be disposed of properly to prevent food poisoning.
What’s the Best Way To Eat Canned Salmon?
Canned salmon is best enjoyed in the form of cakes due to the endless possibilities for flavoring, allowing you to customize the dish according to your liking.
There are various ways to add flavor to canned salmon, including using fresh herbs and spices or glazes. One delicious way to enjoy canned salmon is by making crispy cakes with flaked salmon mixed with brown rice, cilantro, lime juice, and shallots.
Adding a dollop of Sriracha-infused mayonnaise can make canned salmon a quick and enjoyable meal during the week, and it’s also a great option for appetizers that kids can help prepare.
Although these cakes can be made quickly with pre-cooked rice, they have a better consistency when refrigerated for a period of time.
Preparing canned salmon in advance is an easy way to have a quick, nutritious main course that is both delicious and budget-friendly.
Getting expert guidance is crucial when dealing with highly saturated foods. Dietitians can assist you in different phases of life, including prenatal and maintaining a healthy diet as you grow older.
Seeking advice from a nutritionist can be beneficial in managing and avoiding illnesses like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Your dietician will work with you to offer personalized recommendations that suit your lifestyle and goals.
Does Canned Salmon Have Mercury?
Despite the potential harm of mercury to various bodily systems, including the immune and reproductive systems and the risk of heart attack, it should not discourage you from enjoying a delicious meal of salmon.
It is essential to be aware that most fish species contain mercury elements. The amount of mercury, however, differs depending on the type of fish and its natural environment. Canned salmon is no exception.
Canned salmon contains low levels of mercury because it feeds on organisms that are lower in the food chain, which means it is less exposed to methylmercury found in water and therefore has fewer toxins than other fish species such as tuna.
Despite the presence of mercury in seafood, it is not a significant health risk for the majority of people since they do not consume large quantities of seafood, making the dangers associated with mercury poisoning considerably lower.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have joined forces to suggest sea foods that are low in mercury due to their effect on the developing nervous system.
Typically, this pertains to females who may potentially conceive, lactating mothers, expectant women, and young kids.
It is important to carefully examine the potential harmful substances that may be present in fish. As a general guideline, it is recommended to steer clear of certain varieties of fish and opt for those with lower levels of mercury, including shellfish.
You can also check this video about “Can You Eat Canned Salmon Cold Out of the Can?”
