It's a great way to make a healthy and delicious meal.If you've never bought fish before, you might not know how to find the best options.There are signs to look for when buying fish.Fresh fish does not have a "fishy" odor.Look for clear eyes, bright-colored gills, and firm skin on a whole fish.If you see a slimy surface or discolored fish, it's probably a spoiled fish.Ensure that your fish is of the highest quality by shopping at aReputable fish market.
Step 1: Pick fish that is in season.
Out of season fish have to be frozen.Look for options that are in the season.If you don't know where to start, ask the employee which fish was caught.In the late spring and summer, most ocean fish are fresh.Shellfish are fresh in the fall and winter.Ask the worker which is the best option, other fish are caught year-round.
Step 2: Look for fish with clear, puffy eyes.
A spoiled fish's eyes are one of the first parts to fall apart.A fresh fish has bright eyes.You should check for these signs on any fish you are considering.Spoiled fish have cloudy eyes.As the fish gets dehydrated, the eyes start to sink.
Step 3: There is a fish with bright and shiny skin.
The skin of a fresh fish is bright and shiny.The scales will reflect light.It is starting to go bad if there are any signs of discolored skin on the fish.
Step 4: The fish's gills should be red.
The gills of a fresh fish should be bright red because it has blood in it.You can ask the employee to lift the gill flap for you.The gills are underneath.If the fish is fresh, look for a bright and uniform color on the gills.The fish gills look like a brick.There is a uniform color on the gills.The fish is not fresh if there are different shades on the gill surface.
Step 5: Make sure the fish is firm by pushing it on.
The skin and muscles of a fresh fish are still there.The skin should come back quickly if you lightly press into it.The fish is going to go bad if the skin feels squishy.Press in a few different places.Fish can bruise in different places.A store employee wants you to touch the fish with your bare hands.Ask them to push on it and watch to make sure the skin springs back.
Step 6: Pick a fish that isn't discolored or dark on its surface.
A fresh fish has a bright color across its surface.Dark spots on the fillet indicate that it isn't fresh.Before buying a fish, do a visual check to make sure it isn't discolored.The edges of the fillet are where it was cut.The fillet is starting to go bad if the edges are drying out.Some fish have stripes on their skin that look discolored.If you aren't sure, check for other freshness signs.
Step 7: It's a good idea to avoid a fillet with cracks or tears.
A fillet's fibers tear and separate when it goes bad.A fresh fish has a uniform surface.This is a fresh piece of fish.An even cut can look like tearing.The difference is that a spoiling fillet will look tight and tear the skin.Take a closer look at the skin and see if it's flaky or not.
Step 8: There is a chance that the fish is spoiled.
The water on the fish's surface should be clear.The fish is starting to rot.It's even worse if the sign is cloudy or discolored.Milky slime can be found on fish's surface.Run your finger across the fish if the employee lets you.This isn't a fresh fish fillet if it's sticky and slimy.
Step 9: Don't buy fish wrapped in plastic.
When they're sold, fish fillets should be wrapped in plastic and kept out of the water.The fish at the store is usually wrapped in plastic.Don't open fish packed on ice.The fish in the fridge is not as fresh.The fish are fresh.
Step 10: A store with a lot of customers has a high food turnover rate.
A good indication of a good establishment is how busy it is.A grocery store with a reputation for low-quality food will not have many visitors.A lot of customers mean that fish gets sold quickly and fresh catches are brought in frequently.You can see how many customers are in a store by spending a few minutes around it.If there isn't a lot of customers, consider shopping somewhere else.Take the time of day into account.During weekdays, most food stores are not busy.If there are no customers on Saturday, then avoid this establishment.If the fish isn't good, the store could still be crowded.If anyone buys something, watch the fish counter.If customers are avoiding the fish area, this is a good sign that you should avoid it as well.
Step 11: There is a store with a bad smell.
The smell of fresh fish is not strong.It shouldn't be a store that sells fresh fish.There is spoiled fish in the area if you walk into a market and are overwhelmed by the smell.Don't buy fish from this store.The fish has a mild ammonia smell.The smell indicates that the market isn't selling fresh fish.Fresh fish markets should smell like salt water.There is a fish smell, but it isn't like ammonia.
Step 12: There are puddles and dirty floors in the store.
You can assume that the food is not fresh if the store looks dirty.Before making a purchase in a store, take a walk through the aisles.There are signs that a store does not follow sanitary procedures, such as puddles on the floor from melted ice, dirty floors, and unpleasant smells.The fish area of a store should be clean.Look for fish that is labeled.The scales and heads of fish shouldn't be seen.You can see the glass counter behind the store.A store that hides unsanitary conditions could be hiding something.
Step 13: All products are clearly labeled.
All food products in the US must be clearly labeled.If all the products are labeled, check the fish market.If you can't find what you're looking for, consider shopping at a different store.Information on seafood labels include whether the fish was fresh or frozen.The date that the fish was caught will be included in the deal.Sometimes labels are misleading.If the salmon was frozen right away, it is technically true.If you only want fresh fish, avoid a frozen product like this.
Step 14: The employees at the store don't allow you to inspect the fish.
Employees should be happy to show you the fish and prove it is fresh if you request to inspect it.Employees may be hiding the fish's quality if they don't let you look at it further.If you want to see the fish up close, consider shopping at a different store.An employee wouldn't want you touching the fish with your bare hands.They should show you the eyes, gills, and skin to see if it is fresh enough.
Step 15: You can find a website to buy fish.
Some websites deliver fresh fish packed in ice right to your doorstep if there isn't a fish market near you.There are good reviews for a dealer.As soon as the fish is caught, look for sellers that pack it.If you order fish online, pay close attention to shipping costs.Depending on where you live and what you order, some expenses can be very high.If you have questions, contact the seller.When the fish is shipped out, ask how fresh it is.