If you love seafood, you know the quality of the fish is everything. It does not matter if you are a chef or love cooking seafood at home, the key to a fantastic seafood dish lies in its freshness. But how do you make sure you are getting the freshest catch? That's what we will talk about in this blog! We will share some tips for choosing the freshest fish on the market and keeping it fresh until it's time to cook.
You should consider wholesale seafood markets
When buying seafood, the source is just as important as the seafood itself.
Wholesale seafood markets are where you should go for the freshest catch. First, they offer many seafood choices, from local favourites to exotic catches. These markets are also known for handling their seafood carefully, so the fish you get is always fresh. Not to mention, the prices are competitive.
Just remember that fresh fish should never look dull or smell bad. If you buy pre-packed or frozen seafood, look at the best before and use-by dates. It can keep you from buying something that's not so fresh.
Buying fresh fish—A step-by-step guide
- First, check the eyes. They should be clear and bright. If the eyes are cloudy, the fish is not fresh.
- Next, take a look at the gills. Fresh fish will have bright red and moist gills. Pink or brown-grey gills are not a good sign and usually mean the fish is older than you'd like.
- Next are the skin and scales. The skin should be slightly slippery, shiny, and moist. The scales should not be flaking off. That means the fish was treated well.
- Don't forget to smell it. Fresh fish smells clean. If it smells strange or bad, it's probably not good anymore.
- Lastly, check the flesh and any fillets or steaks. The flesh should be firm and bounce back when pressed, and any cuts should look moist with no dark spots or bruises.
Keeping your seafood fresh
How do you keep your seafood fresh until you cook it? We recommend cooking fresh fish the day you buy it to enjoy its flavour.
But if you must store it, wrap the fish in wax paper or plastic and keep it in the fridge. This can keep the fish fresh for a day or two. If you plan to keep it for longer, freeze it. Properly frozen fish can be good for up to six months. Just remember that freezing might slightly change the taste of the fish. But it will still taste great!
In search of the freshest wholesale seafood? Look no further than Seafood Direct!
Seafood Direct has been in the fish and seafood industry for over 45 years. We bring you a wide range of seafood directly to your doorstep, whether it be your home, pub, or restaurant. We import the best seafood from around the world, always keeping sustainability and responsible sourcing in mind.
Our online store has something for every taste and need. And if you are looking for something specific, just let us know, and we will do our best to supply it for you. Check out our product pages and enjoy the ease of quality seafood delivered straight to you!