Fish is expensive and it spoils faster than almost anything else in the kitchen. A few seconds of checking at the counter saves you a ruined meal later. You do not need any special skill for this. Your eyes, nose and fingers are enough.
Start with the eyes
This is the fastest test. Fresh fish has clear, dark, slightly bulging eyes. As a fish ages, the eye turns cloudy, then grey, then sinks into the head. If you cannot see the eye clearly, put the fish down and look at the next one.
Check the gills
Lift the gill cover. Fresh gills are bright red to pink and look wet. Gills that have turned brown or grey, or feel slimy and thick, mean the fish has been sitting for a while.
Smell it
Fresh fish smells of the sea. It is a clean, salty smell, and some people describe a faint cucumber note. What you do not want is the sharp, sour smell of ammonia. That smell is not something you can wash off. Leave the fish.
Press the flesh
Press the side of the fish with one finger. Fresh flesh is firm and springs straight back. Older fish leaves a dent where your finger was, and the flesh feels soft or spongy.
Look at the scales and skin
The scales should be tight against the body, shiny and slightly moist, not flaking off in your hand. The skin should look glossy and smooth. A dull, dry, sticky surface is a warning sign.
Whole fish keeps better than cut pieces
A whole fish stays fresh longer than fillets or steaks, because the flesh is protected by the skin and the body. If you are not cooking the same day, buy it whole. This is one reason we clean and cut fish only after you order, rather than keeping cut pieces sitting in a tray.
Store it properly once you are home
Put the fish on a rack or in a colander set over a bowl, so it never sits in its own water. Cover it and keep it in the coldest part of the fridge, close to 0 to 4 degrees. Use it within a day. If you are keeping it longer, portion it and freeze it the same day.
How we can help
At CHUL and CHiLL we clean and cut fish to your requirement, so it reaches your kitchen ready to cook. Tell us how you want it, and message us on WhatsApp with your order. We serve Panvel and Navi Mumbai.
If you would like today’s price, or you are unsure which fish to pick for a particular dish, ask us on WhatsApp. We are happy to help you choose.
