As a fish lover, there is nothing I enjoy more than going to a fish market. And if you’ve ever been to a fish market, you already know sometimes choosing fresh fish can feel a bit like wandering in a maze sometimes. But with the right tips and a bit of know-how, it’s not that tricky. Good thing we’ve got Chef Franco on our side! He’s got some solid advice to make sure we pick the top-notch fresh fish on our next fishmonger run. Let’s dive into his chef-approved pointers and up our seafood game to avoid that fishy smell.
Remember, buying the fresh fish is all about leveraging your senses. Here’s his breakdown to help you make an informed choice:
The Eyes
The eyes are pivotal in determining a fish’s freshness. Fresh fish usually have clear, glossy, and bright eyes, reflecting their health and indicating they’ve been caught recently and stored correctly. Eyes that bulge slightly signal proper hydration and freshness, while cloudy or sunken eyes might suggest longer storage or initial stages of decomposition. Additionally, it’s essential to check the area around the eyes; fresh fish will have a moist and plump region, whereas older fish may exhibit signs of dryness or wrinkles.
Gills
The gills are a great tell-tale sign of a fish’s freshness. Ideally, you want them to have a bright pink or deep red colour, which is a good sign the fish is fresh from the water. If they’re starting to look a bit dull or brownish, it might indicate the fish has been out for a while. While gills should be slightly moist (it means the fish has been stored properly), be cautious if they’re overly slimy; that’s not usually a good sign.
Smell
A fresh fish will have a subtle ocean scent. When you’re picking out fish, the scent is a pretty reliable gauge of freshness. A fresh fish should give off a light ocean-like scent, kind of like a cool sea breeze. It’s an indication that it’s been recently caught and stored just right. However, if you’re hit with a strong “fishy” smell, that’s usually a heads-up to be cautious. That intense odour might mean the fish has been hanging around a bit too long or wasn’t stored properly. So, trust your nose; it can be one of your best tools when shopping for seafood.
Texture
The feel of the fish’s flesh is a straightforward way to judge its freshness. When you give it a gentle press, it should feel firm and spring back into place. If the fish’s flesh stays indented or feels overly soft, it could be a sign that it’s been out of the water for too long. In simple terms, think of fresh fish as having a bit of a “bounce” to it; if it’s lacking that, it’s probably not your best choice.
Skin
Skin and fresh fish. When you’re browsing the fish counter, always take a moment to check out the skin. It’s one of those simple yet telling indicators of freshness. What you’re aiming for is fish with skin that gleams, showing off a healthy shine and rich colour. This vibrant appearance generally hints at a fresh catch that’s been handled and stored well. On the flip side, if the skin doesn’t catch the light or appears a tad dull, you might be looking at a fish that’s been out of the water a bit too long. So, let your eyes be your guide, and aim for that natural glow when making your selection.
Scales
Scales give another clue about the freshness of fish. On a fresh fish, scales should cling tightly to the skin, looking well-attached and intact. If you notice the scales coming off easily or appearing flaky, it could suggest the fish has been sitting around for a while. Essentially, scales that stick close are a good sign, while those that flake away might indicate the fish is past its prime.
Armed with these tips, we trust you are now ready to select the freshest fish on your upcoming visit to the fish shop!