by M. J. Joachim

Created on: July 24, 2009

Trust Your Senses When Buying Fresh Fish

You'll want to rely on your senses when you buy fresh fish, and also trust your first instinct. Fresh fish can be found almost anywhere these days, as many inland restaurants and grocers fly it in regularly for their customers. It doesn't matter if it comes directly out of the ocean, a lake or river, or from a breeding farm that nurtures and grows them for consumers. All fresh fish has certain characteristics that you will want to objectively notice.

When you first look at that pile of fish waiting to be purchased, you'll want to pay attention to the contrast in color. Fresh fish is very vibrant, never yellow or gray. You can often see little tints of red or pink in it, from the blood that ran through its veins. The color is usually solid and white, or whatever color it was created to be, yet not too dark. Dark coloring could be a sign of decay or contamination. The color should also be even throughout, meaning the ends should be the same color as the center of the piece. It is moist, filled with juices still flowing from the catch.

As you get closer, you will want to use your sense of smell to determine how old the fish is. You'll know right away that it's not fresh when you immediately cringe and step back in horror. Fresh fish does not have a fishy smell, and never a foul odor. Rancid meat stinks, and you react quickly in an effort to get away from the smell as soon as possible.

If you have an opportunity to touch the fish on display, you'll want to determine if the seafood is firm, with a solid texture. It should be cool to the touch, moist but not slimy, and a little bit flexible. Fresh fish does not have any sort of film or membrane coating it, and when you hold it, you will want to gently feel between the layers slightly to determine this. Previously frozen fish is either too wet, or a bit more dried out than fresh fish.

If you enjoy sushi, and your grocer is willing to give samples, you might ask to taste the fish you are considering buying. It should have a delicate flavor that doesn't overpower your taste buds, and it should be sweet, not bitter or salty. Each species has its own individual distinctions, so these will need to be considered when you are sampling your preference. Your fish should have a clear, healthy flavor that is pleasing, tender and easy to swallow.

Learn more about this author, M. J. Joachim.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.