Having fish for dinner or lunch always sounds like a great idea until you actually have to buy fish. This is where the real trouble starts, as it often seems like a gambling situation. You could end up buying fresh fish and have a great meal, but you could also end up with fish that has been sitting around for days and can hardly be turned into a satisfying dish.
In order to help move the odds in your favor, we prepared several tips that will help you choose fresh fish in grocery stores and markets almost every time.
It’s All in the Eyes
One of the first things you should check is the eyes of the fish. If they are cloudy, the chance is that there have been more than a few days since she got out of water. The bright and shiny eyes, on the other hand, are a good indicator that the fish has been caught just recently.
Skin and Scales
A similar thing applies to the skin and scales of the fish. If its skin is bright and metallic, the fish is probably fresh. Blunt color, even in patches, should be a red flag.
Touch the Fish
Fresh fish always feels firm when you touch it. In comparison, the fish that has been sitting around for a while will be soft and sponge-like.
Check for Odd Smell
The fish smell might not be the most pleasant, but don’t let that discourage you from giving each fish you are considering buying a good sniff. The fresh fish will still have a more neutral odor that reminds us of the sea. Old fish will smell odd, which is always a good hint to stay away from it.
