While seafood is a delicious and healthy option, it’s important to make sure that the fish you’re eating is fresh. After all, no one wants to eat seafood that’s been sitting around for too long! But how can you tell if fish is fresh? In this blog post, we’ll explore some simple tips and tricks that you can use to make sure the seafood you’re eating is as fresh as can be. From visual cues to smell test, we’ve got you covered.
Check the Eyes
When checking the eyes of a fish, you want to make sure they are clear and not cloudy. If they are cloudy, that is a sign that the fish is not fresh. Another thing to look for is if the eyes are sunken in. This also means that the fish is not fresh and you should not eat it.
Check the Gills
When inspecting a fish for freshness, one of the most important places to check is the gills. The gills should be bright red and shiny, and they should not have any slime or mucus on them. If the gills are pale or dull in color, this is a sign that the fish is not fresh. Another thing to look for is whether or not the gills are attached to the fish’s head. If they are detached, this is another sign that the fish is not fresh.
Check the Flesh
When buying fish, you should always check the flesh to ensure that it is fresh. The flesh should be firm and not mushy. It should also be free of any brown spots or bruising. If the fish has scales, they should be shiny and intact. The eyes should be clear and not sunken in. The gills should be a deep red color. Lastly, the fish should smell fresh, not fishy. If any of these things are not present, then the fish is not fresh and you should not buy it.
Check the Odor
When you’re at the store, give the fish a sniff. It should have a mild ocean smell, not a fishy one. If it smellsfishy, that’s a sign it’s starting to go bad.
How to store fresh fish
If you’re planning to eat your fish within a day or two of catching it, simply keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to cook. Place the fish on a bed of ice in the fridge, and make sure to change out the ice regularly.
If you want to keep your fish fresh for a longer period of time, up to a week, you can store it in a covered container in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat it, just thaw it overnight in the fridge.
Conclusion
There are a few key things to look for when trying to determine if fish is fresh. First, check the eyes—they should be clear and not sunken in. Second, smell the fish—it shouldn’t have too much of an odor. Third, feel the fish—it should be firm to the touch. Finally, look at the gills—they should be pink and not brown or black. If you keep these things in mind when choosing your fish, you’ll be sure to get a fresh catch every time.