How to Pick the Freshest Fish at the Grocery Store or Market

Fresh fish is the key to a delicious and healthy meal. But how do you know if the fish you’re buying is truly fresh? Whether you’re at a supermarket or a local fish market, follow these step-by-step tips to select the best quality fish every time.

How to Choose a Fresh Whole Fish

Step 1: Check the Eyes

A fish’s eyes tell a lot about its freshness. Always choose fish with clear, bright, and slightly bulging eyes. If the eyes are cloudy, sunken, or dull, the fish is likely past its prime. Cloudy eyes can also indicate that the fish has been sitting out for too long or exposed to improper storage conditions.

Step 2: Inspect the Gills

Fresh fish should have bright red or pink gills. If the gills appear brown, gray, or slimy, it’s a sign that the fish is no longer fresh. Gills should also be moist and free of excessive mucus buildup, which can indicate spoilage.

Step 3: Look at the Skin and Scales

The skin should be shiny, metallic, and free of dry patches. Scales should be tightly attached to the body, lying flat against the skin. If the fish appears dull, has a dry texture, or the scales are flaking off easily, it’s best to avoid it. Additionally, avoid fish with bruises, cuts, or discoloration, as these may indicate handling damage or degradation.

Step 4: Smell the Fish

Fresh fish should have a mild, ocean-like scent. It should not smell strongly of fish—ironically, an intense fishy smell is a sign of decay. If it smells sour, rotten, or like ammonia, it’s no longer fresh and should not be purchased.

Step 5: Touch the Flesh

Press the fish’s flesh lightly with your finger. Fresh fish should be firm and spring back when touched. If it leaves an indentation, feels mushy, or breaks apart easily, it is past its peak freshness.

Step 6: Examine the Belly and Cavity

For whole fish, the belly should be intact and not overly bloated or burst. The cavity should be clean, free of excessive blood clots, and should not emit a strong, unpleasant odor. A strong smell from the belly can indicate spoilage inside the fish.

How to Choose Fresh Fillets and Steaks

• Appearance: Fillets should look moist and slightly translucent, not dry or opaque. Avoid fillets with dull coloration, brown edges, or any signs of drying out.
• Firmness: Just like whole fish, fillets should be firm to the touch and not feel slimy or soft.
• Smell: A fresh fillet should have a clean, mild scent. If it smells fishy, sour, or like ammonia, it’s not fresh.
• Packaging: If the fish is pre-packaged, check for excess liquid inside the packaging, as excessive liquid can indicate that the fish is breaking down and losing freshness.

General Tips for Buying Fresh Fish

• Buy from a Reputable Source: Choose stores or markets with high turnover and good hygiene practices. If possible, ask the fishmonger when the fish arrived.
• Time Your Purchase: Shop for fish early in the day for the best selection and freshest options. Many fish markets receive shipments in the morning, making it the ideal time to buy.
• Storage Matters: If you’re not cooking the fish right away, store it properly. Keep it refrigerated at or below 40°F (4°C) and consume it within a day or two, as recommended by foodsafety.gov . If freezing, wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn.
• Know Your Labels: Look for labels indicating sustainability, such as MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) certification, to ensure the fish is sourced responsibly.
• Ask for a Fresh Cut: If you’re buying fillets, ask the fishmonger to cut a piece fresh from a whole fish rather than picking from pre-cut selections.
• Keep It Cold: Bring an insulated bag or cooler to maintain freshness on the way home, especially in warmer weather.

By following these detailed steps and tips, you’ll always be able to pick the freshest fish for your meals, ensuring the best taste, texture, and nutritional value.