Our products
Cómo conservar anchoas abiertas: guía completa para no desperdiciar - Bacalalo

How to Store Opened Anchovies: A Complete Guide to Avoiding Waste

March 18, 2026Lalo González Rodríguez⏱ 2 min de lectura
Summary: Once opened, proper storage of anchovies is key to maintaining their flavor and quality. Learn the correct method to make anchovies last for weeks without losing their properties.
Conservar anchoas del Cantábrico una vez abiertas
📋 Table of contents
  1. The basic rule
  2. Storage methods
  3. Signs of spoilage
  4. Unopened preserves
  5. Frequently asked questions

The basic rule

Once a can of Cantabrian anchovies is opened, the metal can transfer metallic flavors to the oil. The golden rule: never store anchovies in the original can once opened. Immediately transfer them to an airtight glass container.

🛒 Cantabrian Anchovies in Different Formats

Available in various sizes and weights so you always have the right format for your consumption. Without waste.

View product →
Method Duration Quality preserved
Glass + oil + fridge 2-3 weeks Excellent
Cling film + fridge 3-5 days Acceptable
Freezing 3 months Good (texture changes slightly)
In the can (not recommended) 1-2 days maximum Metallic taste

Storage methods

Optimal method in glass:

  1. Transfer leftover anchovies to a small glass jar
  2. Cover them completely with quality EVOO
  3. Ensure they are not exposed to air
  4. Seal hermetically and store in the fridge
  5. Remove 10-15 min before consuming (the oil solidifies when cold)

Signs of spoilage

Spoiled anchovies show:

  • Rancid or ammoniacal odor (beyond the normal anchovy smell)
  • Viscous or slimy texture
  • Grayish color (normal is reddish-brown)
  • Excessively bitter or metallic taste
  • Visible mold on the oil surface

Unopened preserves

Unopened cans and jars can be perfectly preserved at room temperature away from heat sources. The expiration date for Cantabrian anchovies in preserves is typically 3-5 years from the packing date. The ideal storage temperature is 15-20°C (59-68°F).

🛒 Products mentioned in this article

"00" Gourmet Selection Anchovies

Caliber 00, artisanally made

€38.90

View product →

EVOO Anchovies — 50g

To try: premium mini format

€3.95

View product →

View Cantabrian anchovies →

⭐ 4.9/5 · Chilled delivery 24-48h · Since 1990 at Mercat del Ninot

Frequently asked questions

Can opened anchovies be frozen?
Yes, although the texture changes slightly upon thawing: they become a bit softer. To freeze, place them in a single layer on baking paper, freeze for 1 hour, then transfer to an airtight bag. This prevents them from sticking together. Thaw in the refrigerator the night before use.
Can I reuse anchovy oil?
Absolutely yes — it's the secret of many chefs. Anchovy oil is packed with umami flavor. Use it to dress salads, sauté vegetables, make vinaigrettes, or mix into sauces. Never throw it away.
How long do unopened anchovies last in the pantry?
Unopened canned or jarred anchovies easily last 3-5 years in a cool, dark pantry. In fact, like cheese or wine, the best Cantabrian anchovies improve with age: artisanal producers cure and store them for years before selling them.

Discover our premium selection

Seafood products carefully selected since 1990 at Mercat del Ninot, Barcelona. Refrigerated delivery in 24-48h.

View collection →

Lalo González Rodríguez

Lalo González Rodríguez

Master Cod Craftsman · Founder of Bacalalo

Expert in salted fish and founder of Bacalalo with over 35 years of experience selecting the finest pieces of Icelandic cod and gourmet seafood at the Mercat del Ninot in Barcelona.

Know our story →
Product listYou can see the products we have in our store.
Surtido "Pulpo & Bacalao" - envase y embalaje premium
Filetes de anchoa del Cantábrico "00" Premium - detalle del producto
Regular priceFrom 38,90 € Unit price77,80 € / kg
Rating: 4.8 out of 5
Cantabrian Anchovies "0" Gourmet Selection
Default Title
Morro Extra de Bacalao Desalado Limpio (2ud) - 500g - detalle del producto
Regular price 24,97 € Sale price25,95 € Unit price49,94 € / kg
Rating: 5.0 out of 5
Extra Clean Desalted Cod Snouts (2 units) - 500g
-4%
30gr
Caviar Beluga Iraní 000 Calidad Premium - detalle del producto
Regular priceOn Sale from 90,00 €
No reviews
Imperial Iranian Beluga Caviar 00
Up to -42%
Default Title
Lomitos de Bacalao Desalado Limpio (2ud) - 500g - detalle del producto
Regular price 21,45 € Sale price22,95 € Unit price42,90 € / kg
Rating: 5.0 out of 5
Cleaned Desalted Cod Loins (2 units) - 500g
-7%

Related articles