Do you know how to choose a fresh fish? Even with so many options at the fish market, nothing beats truly fresh fish. Fresh fish is fish that maintains its characteristics and has been properly handled, especially regarding temperature from catch/slaughter to the fish market. But how do you know if a fish is fresh? To help you, we've gathered some valuable tips from fish experts.
Australian chef Josh Niland is considered one of the world's leading fish experts. He owns the Saint Peter Paddo restaurant in Sydney, where he works with the technique of fish aging, which involves aging fish similar to red meat. Niland's tip is to pay attention to the firmness of the fish and the brightness of its eyes, as a fresh fish should have bright and firm eyes. He also suggests that consumers choose fish with shiny scales, rather than dull ones.
Another fish expert is chef and author Elizabeth Andoh. Andoh emphasizes the importance of looking at the fish's gills. According to her, the gills of a fresh fish should have a bright red color and not be covered in mucus or dried blood. Additionally, Andoh suggests smelling the fish, as a strong and unpleasant odor is a sign that the fish is not fresh.
Alex Atala, one of the biggest names in Brazilian gastronomy, also gives an important tip: more important than knowing which fish you want to buy is knowing the ideal characteristics to meet your recipe.
Do you need fish with white meat, loin, or thicker scales for grilling?
Knowing some characteristics, it's possible to find fresh substitutes for the fish you'd like to buy. For example, a grilled snapper can easily be replaced by an amberjack or a red grouper, or even a tilapia. The important thing is to be attentive and choose a fresh fish to ensure the best flavor and quality in your meals.
To conclude, here are 6 final tips so you don't make a mistake when buying fish:
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Appearance
The appearance of the fish is the first indicator of its freshness. Fresh fish have bright and prominent eyes, firm and shiny scales, and red and moist gills. If the fish is dull, with opaque scales and dry gills, it's a sign that it may not be as fresh. Also, make sure the ice around the fish is clean and odorless.
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Cleaning
Always ask the fishmonger to clean the fish's belly and gills. Gills, when left in the fish, can leave an unpleasant taste. Also, make sure the fish is thoroughly cleaned and free of any residue.
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Choose the right fish for the recipe
It's important to keep in mind the characteristics the fish needs to meet your recipe. For example, if you're looking for a fish to grill, choose one with a firm loin and thick scales. If you're looking for a fish to make a broth, choose one with white and tender meat. Knowing these characteristics, you can easily choose a fresh fish that suits your needs.
4. Fish Provenance
It doesn't hurt to ask the fishmonger if they know the fish's origin. Knowing the fish's history, from its origin to its arrival at the fish market, helps ensure it's fresh and safe for consumption. An important question is whether the fish was wild-caught or farmed and how it was stored and transported.
5. Buying Fillets
In the case of fillets, we want fillets that are dry, firm, and not sitting in a bath of their own juices, ice, and water; whose skin is intact and unblemished; and whose flesh is translucent and shiny (it should not look milky or have a brown lateral muscle, as these are all key indicators of improperly handled fish).
6. Frozen Fish
For frozen fish, we are interested in all the qualities listed in the previous points, but we must also check the packaging dates and inspect the quality of the freezing to ensure there are no freezer burns (presence of ice crystals on the fish's flesh and discolored areas).
Some fish experts also recommend smelling the fish before buying. Fresh fish has a mild and pleasant aroma, while a strong or unpleasant odor is a sign that the fish may be spoiled. Another tip is to look for reliable and established fish markets, where fish are properly handled and sold fresh.
Always remember that fresh fish is the secret to a tasty and healthy meal. Follow these tips and you'll never have to worry about choosing fresh, quality fish again.
