Buy Fresh Fish

There are a few places that you can buy good quality fish from. Visit the fish market, and you have a choice of really fresh fish, right off the boat. Another option is buying it in a fish store, or in the fish section of the supermarket. The choice is entirely up to you, but make sure that the fish is fresh.

Steps

  1. Go to a reputable store or fishmonger.
  2. Ask what is the freshest or check what the catch of the day is.
  3. Don't be misguided by the term "fresh." Most landlocked areas selling fish usually have two types of fish - thawed or frozen, unless it is an upstanding vendor who really likes freshness.
  4. Look for firm, shiny flesh. It should bounce back when touched.
  5. Sniff the fish. A "fresh" fish should not smell "fishy", but should have the odor of the ocean - such as a fresh ocean breeze.
  6. Check the eyes. If the head is on, fresh fish should have clear eyes, no cloudiness should be present. They should bulge a little.
  7. Check the gills. If whole, they should be bright pink/red and wet, not slimy or dry.
  8. Check cuts of fish. Fish fillets and steaks should be moist and without change of color
  9. On Fillets and steaks, look for flesh separation and gaps. If the meat separates from itself it's not fresh.
  10. Look for discoloration, brown or yellow edges, and a spongy consistency, these are all signs of aging fish.



Tips

  • The best way to get fresh fish is find a reputable vendor and get to know them, if they know that you really want good fish and know you know your stuff they'll usually oblige.
  • In herrings, the eyes should be red, not clear.

Warnings

  • If using for sashimi or sushi, only buy sushi-grade fish or frozen vacuum-sealed fish.

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