Fish are delicate creatures, and begin to deteriorate as soon as they are lifted from the water. Obtaining the freshest fish possible can make all the difference between a family who adores fish in all its varied forms, and one that detests the mere mention of it.
The Retailer
Choosing a good fishmonger can make your life a lot easier. While you will want to inspect every fish you buy, knowing that your retailer is reliable can take much of the guess work out of the job. Look for clean well-drained ice; whole fish should be stored directly on the ice. There should be no staining or greying areas, indicating that the ice is not changed at frequent intervals. Nor should there be any pools of unidentifiable liquids. If the fish is prepackaged, look for clean, dry materials. Most importantly, there should not be a strong fishy smell. Fresh fish should smell like a sea breeze on an island in the Bahamas.
Spend a little extra time talking to the fishmonger. Find out who the wholesaler is, and where the fish was caught. While modern transportation has made it possible to savor Dover sole in the heartland, local is still your best bet. Ask if the fish has been previously frozen. Flash-freezing techniques have improved to such an extent that texture is hardly if at all affected by freezing, but previously frozen and thawed fish cannot be refrozen: it must be used on the day of purchase. Ask for recommendations on choosing the fish, and how it is best prepared. A good fishmonger will know these things and more.
Whole Fish
Your senses are your best tool for choosing fresh fish.
- It should look as if it is about to swim away. The skin should be bright and shiny with close-fitting scales. A layer of transparent mucus allows the fish to glide through the water when alive, and makes the fish gleam on the shelf. Dry, dull flesh is a sign of age, as are loose scales.
- The eyes should be clear and bulging; if the fish has sunken or cloudy eyes, look for a fresher specimen.
- Gills should be reddish and damp, not sticky.
- It may not be possible to poke and prod the fish before purchase, but the feel of the flesh is also an important indication of freshness. The flesh should be firm and elastic: when you press it, the flesh should bounce back, leaving no indentation.
- Smell, as previously noted, is one of the most important indications of freshness. Fish should have a pleasant smell.
Browse our Fish Recipe Collection.
Steaks and Fillets
There are many good reasons to buy steaks and fillets. The cleaning is done for you, it is possible to buy just the right amount for your needs, and mealtime preparation is shortened. To choose fish steaks:
- The flesh should be firm. It should appear moist; a whitish film on the surface indicates dehydration.
- The coloring should be even. White-fleshed fish such as cod or bass should be white, with no darkened areas.
What's this?