What to look out for when buying fish
VISIT OUR FISHMONGER SHOP FISH & SHELLFISH
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF THE FISH YOU’RE BUYING IS FRESH?
That fish should be fresh seems like an obvious statement, but in fact it cannot be taken for granted. Knowing what to look out for when buying fresh fish is just as important as knowing how to cook it. We’ve put this handy buying guide together to walk you through the process.
TOUCH IT
Fresh fish will feel slimy and slippery to the touch. Watch your fishmonger as he picks the fish up, “rigor mortis” is the most accurate sign of fresh fish, the body of the fish should be stiff enough to keep it lying horizontal. Fresh fish is firm and difficult to detach from the spine. Fresh shellfish are difficult to shell as the flesh adheres to the shell. This rule does not apply to calamari or squid.
LOOK AT IT
Fresh fish shines, the fresher the fish, the more pristine it looks. In the case of shellfish, the shell should adhere firmly to the flesh and be devoid of dark patches. The eyes of a fish tell us a great deal: clear, full, slightly bulging eyes and black pupils are a sure sign of freshness. On the contrary, dull sunken eyes and grey pupils mean that a fish is most likely past its best.
SMELL IT
Fresh fish should have a slight aroma of seawater, iodine and brine. Fresh fish should never smell fishy. A strong, overwhelming smell of fish when approaching a fish counter is never a good sign.