There are not many places where you can buy good quality fresh fish. If possible, go to the fish market, you can choose really fresh fish, just caught. Alternatively, you can buy it in a fish shop, or in the relative department of the supermarket. The choice is up to you, but make sure the fish you buy is really fresh.
Steps
Step 1. Go to a trusted fish shop or supermarket
Step 2. Ask about the freshest fish available, caught as recently as possible
Step 3. Don't be fooled by the term fresh
If you don't live in a seaside location, you will most likely be offered defrosted fish, unless your fishmonger is really professional and respects the real meaning of the term freshness.
Step 4. Look for a fish with firm, shiny flesh
It must be elastic to the touch.
Step 5. Smell the fish
A fresh fish must not give off an unpleasant smell, it must have the fresh scent of the sea or ocean breeze.
Step 6. Check the eyes of the fish
If the head is present, the fresh fish will have transparent eyes, devoid of haze. They should stick out a bit.
Step 7. Check the gills
Whole, they should be pink / red and moist, not slimy and not dry.
Step 8. Check the fish cuts
Fish fillets and steaks should be moist and free from discoloration.
Step 9. In fillets and steaks, notice if the meat tends to open and separate
If so, it means that it is not fresh.
Step 10. Notice any signs of discoloration, brown or yellow ends and spongy textures, these are signs of lack of freshness
Advice
- The best way to get fresh fish is to get to know and visit a quality fish shop.
- In herring, the eyes should be red rather than transparent.
