Delicious and delicate, sushi is also a highly perishable item. The proper storage of sushi, whether from a restaurant near you or one of your homemade creations, is hence very important to ensure that the sushi is safe for consumption. For how long exactly can one keep sushi? This depends on sushi ingredients, storage conditions, and preparation time.
So, let us get to that bit and include some wise storage procedures to carry your safe sushi munching.
How Long Does Sushi Remain Good To Eat?
Sushi with Raw Fish (Sashimi, Nigiri, Raw Rolls)
- Best eaten within: 24 hours
- Refrigeration needed: Yes, immediately when bought or prepared
Why? Raw fish is highly sensitive to bacterial growth and spoils quite rapidly, even in the fridge.
Cooked Sushi (California Roll, Tempura Roll)
- Best eaten within: 24-48 hours
- Refrigeration needed: Yes
Why? Although they are less stable than raw kinds, rice and seafood will spoil even cooked sushi, too.
Vegetarian Sushi (Avocado Roll, Cucumber Roll)
- Best eaten within: Up to 48 hours
- Refrigeration needed: Yes
Why? Rice dries up and loses its texture quickly, even though it does not contain any fish.
Well-Store Sushi Safety Tips
1. Refrigerate Immediately
Don’t let sushi sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours (or 1 hour if it’s hot out). As soon as possible, place it in the fridge in an airtight container.
2. Wrap It Right
Wrap in plastic wrap or seal inside a container so that the rice does not dry out and air is kept away, which promotes spoilage.
3. Use A Thermometer(If Necessary)
Sushi should be kept chilled in the fridge at a temperature of about 40°F (4°C). This effectively slows down bacterial growth and prolongs the safety of the raw fish.
4. Avoid Freezing Sushi
Sushi’s texture and taste are affected by freezing, especially the rice. Only freeze sushi if it has cooked ingredients, and you do not care about the texture change.
Signs Of Spoilage In Your Sushi
When in doubt, junk it. Look for:
- Sliminess on fish or rice
- A sour or ammonia-like odor
- Due to discoloration, fish may turn dull or gray
- An excessively mushy or dry rice
And even if the sushi appears fine, some might have gone bad during a long sitting time.
Sushi Inc. is a vibrant restaurant that offers what is considered the best sushi in St Pete. Opening its doors in 2013 and becoming a local staple by offering live music, traditional hand-rolled sushi, and a friendly atmosphere, our guests always have a top-notch experience. Customers love our award-winning, fresh, and creative Sushi rolls, Nigiri, and Sashimi. With a larger selection of tempura, non-Sushi, and teriyaki options, we can accommodate every taste.