Buying Guide for Fresh Fish

A couple of hallmarks of fresh fish are that it has a clean, ocean smell and that the flesh is firm with bright eyes. There are other things to look for when purchasing fresh fish, whether whole or in fillets, at both the fish market and the fish section at the local supermarket.

Don't take the sellers word that the fish is fresh. If the fish is whole, look for obvious signs of age, such as dull, sunken eyes or a strong odor. Fish that is cut into fillets or steaks should also be fresh, and a strong indicator of freshness is to take a good look at its flesh. It is important to purchase quality fish when preparing food for the family to eat.

Guidelines for Purchasing Fresh Fish

Odor/Smell
Always check the smell from fresh fish. The odor should be a fresh smelling scent without a strong 'fishy' odor. If it is a saltwater variety, the fish should smell of the ocean. Freshwater fish should also have a mild smell. Avoid those fish that have a strong fish odor as the flesh may have already started decomposing.

Firm Flesh, Stiff Fins, Tight Scales
The flesh should be firm and elastic, where it will spring back if touched with a finger or thumb. Avoid whole fish where the flesh leaves a 'dent' when you lightly press the flesh with your finger. If it is whole and the fins are present, check the fins. The fins should be firm and feel stiff. Check the scales; they should be tightly clung to the skin. Avoid fish where the scales are clearly falling off and very loose.

Filleted fish will be bright and moist. Avoid fish steaks and fish fillets that seem to be dried around the edges or where the flesh is discolored.

Eyes and Gills
The eyes of a whole fresh fish will be bright and firm, not sunken in and dried. The eyes will still be up with bright black pupils. Avoid those fish with sunken in and dull colored eyes. The gills of the fish will also be bright and the color red.

Check How Its Kept
Quality vendors will keep fish properly. Fresh, whole fish need to be on ice - on top not sitting in melted ice water. Avoid those fish that are sitting inside a water bath. Fish need to be on top of ice in a self draining system to catch any melted runoff.