How to choose fresh fish

Touch me gently

This trick tells you right away if the fish you’re handling is truly fresh. Fresh fish feel slippery when touched because they’re coated in a thin, gel-like film. If that coating is present, the fish is very fresh.

Bright colors and shine

Fresh fish are shiny, with clear and vibrant colors. If the fish looks dull and matte, leave it on the fishmonger’s counter.

Smell me

Fresh fish smell like the sea and iodine. A fish that smells strongly “fishy” is already a few days old.

Look me in the eyes

Look closely at the eyes. Fresh fish have clear, bright, glossy, and lively eyes.

Deep red color

Check the fish’s gills. They should be bright red, an unmistakable sign of freshness.

Stroke my belly

Fresh fish have full, firm bellies. They should feel like inflated balloons. If the belly looks deflated, move on.

Hold me

A fresh fish doesn’t bend. It has firm flesh and, when held by the head, it stays horizontal. It doesn’t flop to the side.