How to store fish in a refrigerator

Storing fish requires specially designed equipment with precisely controlled temperatures in order to ensure that it remains in peak condition for as long as possible. Fish is more delicate than other proteins, and if stored incorrectly it can affect the taste and texture, allowing dangerous bacteria to form, putting your customers at risk. If it’s not kept at a certain temperature it releases ammonia quicker, likely damaging your equipment. It needs precisely calibrated equipment to reduce and manage these issues.

How to prepare fish for storage

Before being refrigerated, whole fresh fish needs to be rinsed in cold water to remove any loose scales and dirt, before being patted dry with paper towels. This removes any of the protective slime fish secrete and will help to prepare it for cooking.

Can fish be stored in a standard fridge?

To keep fish fresh for as long as possible it needs to be stored within -2 / +2°C. Standard refrigeration runs at 3-4°C, at which temperature the shelf life of the product is greatly reduced as well as causing the increased release of ammonia.

Ammonia is corrosive to metals like aluminium and copper, and if a standard refrigerator is used this will lead to degradation of the cabinet’s interior and refrigeration system and could lead to costly refrigerant leaks. Also, wet, raw fish can be very heavy, and standard equipment may not be sturdy enough to hold it.

How to make fish last longer?

Garnet FG1T / FG2T and the Zircon FZ18 feature stainless steel throughout the interior, with the liner evaporator integrated into the structure, ensuring the entire internal space is easy to wipe clean. Copper piping serving the evaporator is protected from exposure to ammonia by being positioned within the insulation foam surrounding the interior. There are no internal fans or fin coil evaporator, thereby reducing the risk of corrosion.

To ensure they can handle the extra weight of fish, specialist cabinets need to be constructed with a higher load capacity than standard units, with a robust internal frame for holding containers. Slime trays are important, too. The Zircon is supplied with seven easy clean polypropylene trays which come with removable slime trays that catch any residual liquids that fall off the fish. These have holes in the bottom so fish are not left to sit in their juices, helping to keep them in peak condition. Fish cabinets are fitted with a standard waste drain on the base of the unit that allows it to be connected to the main drain.

Explore our fish cabinets here:
www.williams-refrigeration.co.uk/products/cabinets/zircon/Z18