A Guide to Buying and Storing Fresh Fish

Fish is highly perishable, and it starts to lose its freshness the moment it's out of the water, making it a bit trickier to shop for compared to beef. If you're fortunate enough to have a fresh fish market nearby, you'll get the best chances of reducing the time from catch to plate. If not, here's a handy guide on how to spot the freshest fish wherever you shop, along with tips on storing it properly once you get home.

Tip: Bring a cooler when shopping for fresh fish and keep it on ice for the ride home. This is especially crucial if you have a long trip or a warm day ahead.

How to Choose Fresh Fish: Key Indicators

• In the fish display section of your market, whole fish is typically stored directly on ice. Look for clean, well-drained ice; there should be no staining or greying areas on the ice, which might indicate that it's not changed frequently.
• If the fish is packaged, look for clean, dry packaging materials.
• Sniff test: There should not be a strong fishy or ammonia smell indicating that the fish is deteriorating.
• Ask if the fish has been previously frozen. Flash-freezing techniques have improved to such an extent that texture is hardly affected by freezing, but a fish that was previously frozen and thawed should not be refrozen: Ideally it should be eaten on the day of purchase.
• Ask for recommendations on choosing the fish, and how it is best prepared. A good fishmonger will know these things and more.

Tips for Selecting Whole Fresh Fish

When shopping for whole fresh fish, your senses will guide you. Here's what to look for, touch, and smell:

• Fish should look as if it might jump up and swim away. The skin should be bright and shiny with close-fitting scales. Dry, dull flesh and loose scales are signs of age.
• The eyes should be clear and bulging; if the fish has sunken or cloudy eyes, look for a fresher specimen.
• Gills should be reddish and damp, not sticky.
• It may not be possible to poke and prod the fish before purchase, but the feel of the flesh is also an important indication of freshness. The flesh should be firm and elastic: when you press it, the flesh should bounce back, leaving no indentation.
• Smell, as previously noted, is one of the most important indications of freshness. Fish should have a pleasant smell.

How to Select Fresh Fish Steaks and Fillets

There are several advantages to choosing steaks and fillets: the cleaning is already done, you can buy exactly the right portion, and they save time when preparing meals. To select the best steaks and fillets:

• The flesh should be firm. It should appear moist; a whitish film on the surface indicates dehydration.
• The coloring should be even. White-fleshed fish such as cod or bass should be white, with no darkened areas.

Choosing Eco-Friendly Seafood

A key factor to consider is whether the fish is sustainable. You can check Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch Consumer Guides, which offer recommendations for sustainable seafood options. The guides classify seafood choices into "Best," "Good Alternatives," and "Avoid" categories. You can also download the Seafood Watch app for your phone to stay informed on which fresh seafood is the most sustainable.

Properly Storing Fresh Fish

One common question when buying fish: How long will fresh fish stay good in the fridge?

• You can store fish in the fridge for up to two days at 40 degrees F (4 degrees C).
• Frozen fish can be stored in the freezer for up to 8 months before the quality starts to fall off.

Explore our full collection of Fish Recipes.