Sardines last 3-4 days in the fridge after opening.
How Long Do Sardines Last In The Fridge
Sardines are a terrific little fish with a huge nutritional punch! Whether you love them straight from the can or incorporated into recipes, they’re a pantry staple. But if you don’t use an entire can or jar at once, how long will those leftovers stay fresh? Let’s dive into the best ways to store sardines and how long you can enjoy their delicious benefits.
Fresh Sardines
If you’re lucky enough to pick up some fresh sardines, it’s essential to use them fast. Like most fresh seafood, they’re incredibly perishable. Here’s what you need to keep in mind:
- Ideal Storage: Store fresh sardines on a bed of ice in your refrigerator, ideally within a sealed container.
- Maximum Freshness: Fresh sardines should be used the same day you buy them, or within 2 days at the absolute most.
Opened Canned Sardines
Canned sardines have a good shelf life unopened, but how long do they last after the can’s been cracked? Here’s the scoop:
- Transfer to an Airtight Container: Don’t leave your leftover sardines in the can. Transfer them to an airtight glass or plastic container to avoid metallic flavors and potent smells in your fridge.
- Refrigerate Promptly: After opening, refrigerate your sardines immediately.
- Maximum Storage: For optimal flavor and texture, use your opened canned sardines within 3-4 days.
Factors Affecting Shelf Life
The freshness of your leftover sardines can also be affected by:
- Type of Sardines: Sardines packed in oil tend to last a little longer than water-packed ones. Sardines packed in flavorful sauces, like tomato, tend to depend on the sauce’s storage recommendations.
- Refrigerator Temperature: Your refrigerator should be set at or below 40°F (4°C) to ensure your sardines (and all foods) stay fresh.
How to Tell if Your Sardines Have Gone Bad
The best way to tell if your sardines are past their prime is to use your senses:
- Sight: If the sardines look slimy, discolored, or have any signs of mold, they’re not safe to eat.
- Smell: Fresh sardines have a mild, fishy smell. If they have a strong, unpleasant, or sour odor, they’ve turned.
- Taste: Never try to taste test sardines that seem questionable. When in doubt, toss them out.
Types of Sardines
When we talk about storing sardines, it’s helpful to remember that they come in a few different forms and packaging options. It’s great to know what you have, so here’s a quick breakdown:
| Type of Sardines | Packaging | Notes |
| Fresh Sardines | None | Must be bought on the day you wish to consume. |
| Canned Sardines (packed in oil) | Metal Can | Often enjoyed straight from the can. |
| Canned Sardines (packed in water) | Metal Can | Lower in calories and fat than oil-packed. |
| Canned Sardines (packed in sauce) | Metal Can | Flavors can vary greatly (tomato, mustard, etc.) |
| Jarred Sardines | Glass Jar | Typically packed in oil, can be more expensive. |
Can You Freeze Sardines?
Technically, yes, you can freeze both fresh and opened canned sardines. However, freezing changes the texture of the fish, making them softer and mushier. If you plan to use your sardines in a cooked dish where texture matters less, freezing might be an option.
Storing Sardines for Maximum Freshness
Here are some extra tips to ensure your sardines stay fresh and delicious:
- Cover the Sardines: In your airtight container, add a little of the original oil, water, or sauce to keep the sardines moist. Covering them also helps reduce fishy smells in your fridge.
- Choose the Right Container: Glass containers are usually best for storing food, as they don’t absorb smells or flavors like plastic can sometimes do.
- Label and Date: Put a label on your container with the date you opened the sardines, so you can easily track their freshness.
- Don’t Forget About Them: Get those tasty leftovers out of the back of the fridge and use them up within a few days – it would be a shame to let them go to waste!
Serving and Recipe Ideas
Sardines are shockingly versatile and packed with healthy omega-3s. Here are some ways to enjoy them:
- Straight from the container: A classic, simple way to enjoy them, maybe with a few drops of lemon and some crackers.
- Sardine salad: Similar to tuna salad, but with a richer, fishier flavor.
- Pasta dishes: Enhance your pasta sauces with sardines for a burst of savory, salty goodness.
- Pizza topping: If you love bold flavors, consider adding sardines to your pizza!
- Grilled or pan-fried: Fresh sardines can be lightly grilled or pan-fried for a delicious, crispy treat.
Nutritional Benefits of Sardines
Sardines are little nutritional powerhouses. Here’s what you get in a typical serving:
| Nutritional Component | Amount | % Daily Value* |
| Calories | 177 | 8% |
| Protein | 20g | 40% |
| Fat | 10g | 15% |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 2.2g | – |
| Vitamin D | 271 IU | 68% |
| Vitamin B12 | 8.5mcg | 354% |
| Calcium | 351 mg | 32% |
| Iron | 2.5 mg | 14% |
*Based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
A Note on Sustainability
Sardines are a great example of a sustainable seafood choice. Because they’re small and lower on the food chain, they reproduce quickly and their populations are less prone to overfishing. If you’re looking for eco-friendly seafood options, sardines are a fantastic choice.
Conclusion- How Long Do Sardines Last In The Fridge?
Whether you’re a seasoned sardine lover, or new to exploring the world of these flavorful little fish, knowing how long sardines last in the fridge is key to making the most of them. By following the simple storage guidelines outlined in this article, you can enjoy the delicious taste and nutritional benefits of sardines for days to come!