Tuna is one of the top choices for meat lovers. It makes for an exciting range of recipes.
You will find it served in many ways in some of the most popular restaurants. People often wonder about cooking tuna at home.
However, one question may stop that thought. How long does tuna last in the fridge? Because freshness is necessary. Here’s all you need to know!
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How Long Does Tuna Last in the Fridge?
Tuna lasts 3-5 days out of its can. Finishing tuna within 3 days is highly recommended if you open the can. Otherwise, it loses its freshness and starts becoming rancid.
Canned tuna lasts longer way than 5 days. But make sure to finish it before it loses its flavor once opened.
You can transfer tuna to an airtight container when it is out of its can. This way, you can prolong its freshness by up to 5 days.
It also depends on the provided temperature. The ideal temperature for canned tuna is 38 degrees Fahrenheit.
Does Tuna Go Bad in the Fridge?
Yes, tuna can go bad in the fridge for 2 reasons.
The first is that you are storing it in an inappropriate container. Secondly, keeping it in the refrigerator can also affect its quality.
Transferring tuna once its can has been opened is highly recommended to prevent such problems.
If it is in its original can, there’s nothing to worry about. Canned tuna can survive for months in the fridge.
You can also store it in the freezer. It will prolong the shelf life of tuna to 2-8 months.
How Can You Tell if Refrigerated Tuna is Bad?
The easiest way is to check whether tuna has developed an unpleasant odor. Secondly, you can look at its color as it turns dull brown.
Refrigerated canned tuna can also spoil. Check for any signs on the can. If it is rusty, you should discard the tuna right away. That’s because rust also affects the contents of the can.
Additionally, you can look for the color. If it has turned to a dull red or brown, that is the most apparent sign of bad tuna.
How Long Does Tuna Last Out of the Fridge?
Tuna can not last longer than 2 hours out of the fridge.
Canned and opened tuna requires a constant temperature of 38 degrees Fahrenheit. It can quickly spoil at room temperature.
That’s because the fridge slows down bacterial growth. On the other hand, this process speeds up when tuna is outside the fridge.
How to Store Canned Tuna?
Canned tuna does not require a fridge. You can store it in a cupboard or pantry.
Here’s how to store canned tuna outside the fridge:
- Find a cupboard or pantry safe from air ventilation and direct sunlight.
- Store your canned tuna there.
- Make sure it gets the required environment until the can is opened.
Once you have opened the can, follow the steps below:
- Transfer tuna from the opened can to an airtight container.
- Put the container on a central fridge shelf.
At What Temperature Does Canned Tuna Go Bad?
Canned tuna can not last in an environment with a temperature higher than 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 °C).
Canned tuna can be stored in a kitchen cabinet too. All you need to worry about is preventing it from direct sunlight.
Other than that, it can even survive up to years. Once opened, utilize the tuna or transfer it to another container. Otherwise, it will expire within 3 days.
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To Wrap Up
And that’s all there is to know about storing your favorite tuna in the fridge. While the canned one can last longer, it still has some requirements.
On the other hand, opened tuna can is more prone to bacterial growth.
You can prolong the shelf life of tuna by storing it in the freezer. It is a good way to preserve the fish.
Hopefully, that clears all your doubts about keeping tuna in the fridge.
Crystal Hafley is a dedicated writer and content creator for WorstBrands, where she specializes in writing insightful reviews about kitchen appliances and fashion products.
With her expertise, Crystal provides readers with accurate and reliable information to help them make informed decisions about the brands and products they use every day. When she's not researching or writing, Crystal enjoys cooking and exploring the latest fashion trends.