How old it TOO old for sealed, packaged smoked salmon???

[Atlas Mugged]

Cleaning the fridge I ran across a package of smoked salmon. A big 1 pound package of very high quality salmon. The use by date is 4/18/05. Is it too old to use safely? I'm extremely paranoid about spoiled food so I don't want to take a chance. My SO, on the other hand insists that it's fine and if I throw it away there's something wrong with me; not that isn't there isn't enough evidence of that already.

[short bus president]

1. Easy - give yer SO a slice, and watch

If after 10 minutes or so there has been no violent regurgitation, dig in!

[Atlas Mugged]

4. He won't touch the stuff, period!

How else would I have a lb of smoked salmon sitting for that long in the fridge? On the other hand, he eats raw oysters, clams and mussels. But he won't touch smoked salmon.

Good suggestion, though. If only....

[pscot]

2. If the package hasn't been opened it should be OK

If you're really worried heat it gentlyto about 150 degrees. If you're really worried, send it to me and I'll let you know if it was OK.

[alittlelark]

3. I test anything questionable w/ my cats.. they are much more

picky about freshness. If they won't eat it, I won't either.

[stellanoir]

5. They generally low ball expiration dates

Eat a tiny piece. Wait 20 minutes or so. If you feel no mild discomfort it's fine.

Wild salmon is far better for you though. But enjoy nonetheless. It's tough to get wild smoked salmon unless you live in an area where it is caught locally. I eat both kinds. Usually the smoked stuff is not wild.

FYI. . .For fresh salmon I find the wild stuff so much richer. I marinade it in orange juice and ginger soy sauce (house of tsang). It's exquisite.

[Atlas Mugged]

9. Oh, yes...

I wish! I lived in Seattle for years and it was a whole different world at the fish markets. Especially if one traveled into the rain forests and went to the local markets there. Also, I lived in New Orleans for many years and both places gave me a major appreciation of what "fresh" really was all about. Since I've moved to WNY I rarely touch fresh seafood since it's not even remotely fresh; and I can tell by looking at it that it's not worth smelling. I do miss fresh seafood....

[mark414]

6. how long has it been in there?

a well smoked salmon can be good for up to three weeks

as long as it looks fine and doesn't smell *fishy* you'll be alright

[Atlas Mugged]

7. Oh...uh.....since Februrary?

But, since it's in a very well sealed package, and it does say use by 4/18/05, it still might be good.

I've decided to give it a shot, anyway. I opened it and it smells fine and I've got capers, red onion, fresh dill and English cucumber on hand. So, if you never hear from me again.....

[undeterred]

8. You're never too old for sealed, packaged smoked salmon.

Sorry, I really have no idea. :hi:

[pretzel4gore]

10. if you eat it, it's good, if it eats you, then it's nogood...

simple rules to live by always work