In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “How long does a tuna sandwich last in the fridge” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of tuna sandwiches. Moreover, we are going to discuss the different ways to spot spoiled tuna sandwiches.
So without much ado, let’s dive in and figure out more about it.
How long does a tuna sandwich last in the fridge?
A tuna sandwich lasts in the fridge for 3-5 days if kept at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit but it is recommended to devour it within the first 24 hours to enjoy the optimum quality of the tuna sandwich. It should be kept in plastic zipper bags on one of the refrigerator’s shelves.
It’s worth noting that the values given above are for the tuna sandwich’s expected shelf life.
As the tuna sandwich contains tuna, which belongs to the fish group and is a highly perishable commodity, as well as mayonnaise, therefore care should be taken while handling and storing the tuna sandwich.
What is the best temperature to keep a tuna sandwich at?
A tuna sandwich should be kept at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower at all times. Bacterial development is more rapid between the temperatures of 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, therefore it’s best to keep your tuna sandwich at a lower temperature to keep it fresh for longer.
How long does a tuna sandwich last at room temperature?
When kept at room temperature, tuna sandwiches last for around 2 hours.
Because bacterial growth occurs at a quicker rate between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, tuna sandwiches left out for more than 2 hours should be discarded.
Furthermore, if the surrounding temperature is around 90 degrees Fahrenheit, the rotting process is accelerated, and tuna sandwiches left out in the open for more than an hour at such temperature should be discarded.
How to vacuum seal tuna sandwiches?
You may even vacuum seal your tuna sandwich at home to extend its shelf life. It involves placing the tuna sandwich in a plastic zipper bag, eliminating the air, then nearly sealing the bag with a small amount of space remaining while lowering it into water.
After that, start pressing out the bubbles starting from the bag’s bottom and work your way up to the sealed end, closing the bag’s seal.
A vacuum sealer pump can also be used to easily vacuum seal tuna sandwiches at home.
What are different ways to spot spoiled tuna sandwiches?
There are a few clear indicators that indicate if your tuna sandwich has gone bad. To determine if a tuna sandwich has gone bad, look at its appearance, texture, and smell.
Appearance
If you see mold or other organic growth on your tuna sandwich or if it has discolored (brown, green, or gray), it’s time to throw it out.
It’s worth noting that you should avoid smelling moldy tuna sandwiches since molds can produce mycotoxins, which can disturb your gut microflora and damage your immune system if they enter your body by inhalation.
Texture
If you touch the tuna sandwich and it feels sticky, slimy, or gooey, it’s time to throw it out.
Smell
If you smell something sour or ammonia-like while sniffing your tuna sandwich, it’s time to throw it out.
Lastly, I do not recommend tasting tuna sandwiches with a foul odor, but if you are brave (and silly) enough, you will notice a significant change in the texture and mouthfeel of the spoiled tuna sandwich. It will have an off-flavor.
Thus, if the microbes have somehow gotten into your tuna sandwich and spoiled it, the best thing you can do is throw it out.
How to properly store tuna sandwiches?
- A tuna sandwich should be stored on one of the refrigerator shelves rather than the door, as there is a lot of temperature variation at the fridge door, which might affect its quality.
- Because microscopic organisms grow quickly at temperatures between 40°F and 140°F, it is best to refrigerate the sandwich, within 2 hours it is prepared, in airtight containers to extend its shelf life while keeping its quality.
- Tuna sandwiches should be stored in shallow compact air-tight containers to allow them to cool quickly.
- Tuna sandwiches should be wrapped in wax paper or parchment paper before being stored.
- Tuna sandwiches should also be kept away from strong-smelling foods like garlic and onions.
You can read how to make a tuna sandwich here.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the question “How long does a tuna sandwich last in the fridge” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of tuna sandwiches. Moreover, we discussed the different ways to spot spoiled tuna sandwiches.