HOW TO JUDGE THE FRESHNESS OF A FISH
EYES: Should be bulging out of the socket and should not be cloudy, bloodshot and sunken.
GILLS: Should be bright red and not slimy or dark.
SCALES: Should be firmly attached to the skin.
GUT: Should be firmly attached to the bone and not discoloured.
BODY: Should have a firm, elastic texture when poked.
SKIN: Should be bright and glossy with a luminous, wet sheen and not dull and dry.
SMELL: Should have an ocean-like scent and not a strong fishy smell.
What to look out for when buying fish
Buying fresh fish is a difficult task for those without the knowledge or experience in the selection of fish. Here we show you what to look for when buying fresh fish.
• Eat the fish on the day you buy it, if possible. This is because fish, like any other perishable food will lose its edible life very quickly.
• Pick a stall that has good patronage. This will be a good indicator of likely freshness, attracting customers to the stall.
• The fish display should be clean, with a considerable amount of ice on it.
• Buy a variety of fishes. Don’t just consume certain species. Make an effort to try those that are in plentiful supply, cheap and fresh.
• Don’t be fooled by the red lighting near or at the stall. They can make the fish look fresher by camouflaging any brown or yellowish discolouration.
• Ask the seller if you can have the cuts from the whole fish that look fresher rather than those cuts already on display.
• Bring it home quickly and put it into the refrigerator. You may also use a storage box packed with ice for the journey.