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How Do I Choose Fresh Fish?

By , About.com Guide

Photo © istock

Photo © istock

Question: How Do I Choose Fresh Fish?

How do I choose fresh fish is simple - make friends with your fishmonger. They are there to help and I have never met one who would not help in choosing fish - how else will they ensure future trade?.

Answer:

Golden Rules on Choosing Fresh Fish

Any fish or seafood you buy should be squeaky fresh and unsure if it is the simplest test is a quick sniff. It should never smell fishy but be an aroma of the sea. As this method isn't popular with fishmongers also look for:-

  • Whole fresh fish will have eyes that are bright and not sunken. The skin should have a shiny, moist, firm appearance.

  • When buying fillets look out for neat, trim fillets and a white translucent appearance.

  • Flesh should be firm to the touch, not soft or mushy.

  • Fish should have no brown spots, which are an indication of the beginning of decay.

  • Fish should give the appearance that it's still alive but not wriggling of course.

  • Shellfish, like lobster and crab, should be purchased either alive or frozen. If your market has a lobster tank, ask how long they've been in the tank. Truly fresh lobsters should be lively and frisky.

  • Smoked fish should look glossy with a fresh smoky aroma.

  • Select shellfish with shells tightly closed and without any gaps or cracks.

  • Lobsters and crabs should be heavy for their size.

  • With frozen seafood is must be solid with no signs of partial thawing, in undamaged packaging and with no sign of freezer burn.

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