Buying fresh fish can often seem like a daunting task, particularly if you’re unsure what to look for. But with the right tips and tricks, you can easily differentiate between fresh and not-so-fresh fish. In this guide to buying fish, we’ll provide you with everything you need to know to ensure you get the freshest catch every time.
Choosing the Best Place to Buy Fish
Selecting where to purchase your fish is just as important as knowing what to look for in the fish itself. Always opt for reputable seafood markets or trusted suppliers, as they are more likely to handle their products with care. Wholesale seafood markets offer a wide variety, the best prices, and fish that is likely to be fresher due to high turnover.
If you are buying frozen fish, always check the packaging date and the "best before" date to ensure freshness.
Key Indicators of Fresh Fish
When buying fish, several physical characteristics can help you determine its freshness:
1. The Eyes:
The eyes should be clear and bright, not cloudy. Cloudy eyes indicate that the fish is not fresh, likely having been caught several days ago.
2. The Skin:
The skin of a fish can provide you with a lot of information about how fresh it is. The skin should have a shine... If it has been there for a long time, the skin will look drier. A fresh fish will have a bright appearance, metallic sheen, smooth surface, and be wet and glossy. Stay well away from fish that look wrinkled, dry, and dull since these characteristics are strong indicators that the fish is old and that its flesh has gone mushy.
3. The Gills:
Gills should be a rich, vibrant red. If they appear brown or black, the fish has passed its prime. Clean, blood-red gills are a good indication that the fish was recently caught.
4. The Touch Test:
The appearance of Rigor Mortis in the fish is almost always a reliable sign that the fish is nice and fresh. If you push down firmly on the fish’s skin with your fingertips, you should feel the flesh spring back, and your fingerprints disappear. If they don’t, and the indentation is still there, the fish is old, and the flesh has likely gone mushy.
However, it is crucial to keep in mind the species when pushing your finger straight into a naturally soft fish. The touch test does work, but it is not always accurate since it depends on the time of year and the fish. When the flesh is slinky, the flesh does not spring back. When we talk about a fish having “slinky” flesh, we mean that the fish’s flesh is particularly tender. This might happen to a fish species at the time of year when they are spawning and eat less.
4. The Smell:
Contrary to popular belief, fresh fish should not have a strong "fishy" smell. Instead, it should smell like the sea — fresh and salty. A pungent odour is a clear sign of fish that has not been properly stored.
5. The Flesh:
Fresh fish flesh should be firm and elastic, bouncing back when pressed. If the flesh leaves an indentation or feels mushy, it is a sign that the fish is old. For fillets and steak cuts, the flesh should look firm and moist, free from any bruising or dark red spots.
Storing Your Fish
While the best way to enjoy fish is to cook and eat it on the day you purchase it, sometimes that isn’t possible. If you need to store your fish, wrap it in waxed paper and keep it in the refrigerator for no more than a day or two. For longer storage, fish can be frozen for up to six months, but be aware that freezing may affect the texture and flavour slightly.
Final Thoughts
By following this guide to buying fish, you’ll be able to confidently select the freshest fish available. Remember, the key is in the details: clear eyes, vibrant gills, firm flesh, and a fresh sea smell. Whether you’re buying from a market or ordering online, these tips will help ensure that you get high-quality seafood every time.
Buy Fresh Seafood Online
If you are asking yourself, “where can I find quality seafood delivery near me?” Seafood Direct is the company to call. Click here to browse our fine selection of mouth-watering fresh fish and seafood! If you have questions about our product ranges or need a custom seafood box created for a special occasion, please call us at 01472 566000 or write to us at sales@seafooddirect.co.uk.