How to Tell if Seafood is Fresh: What to Look For Before You Buy
There's nothing quite like a delicious seafood dinner, but if you're shopping for fish, shrimp, or other seafood to prepare at home, you may wonder how to tell if what you're buying is fresh. The good news? A few simple tips can help you make more informed choices when shopping for seafood.
Whether you're planning a weeknight dinner or a seafood feast with family and friends, here's what to know before your next trip to the seafood market.
1. Pay Attention to the Smell
Fresh seafood should generally have a mild, clean scent. Depending on the type, you might notice a light ocean-like smell, but it shouldn't smell strongly fishy, sour, or like ammonia.
A strong or unpleasant odor can be a sign of spoilage. However, keep in mind that not all food safety problems can be detected by smell alone.
2. Look at the Appearance
Different types of seafood naturally look different, but there are a few general things to keep in mind.
Fish: Fresh fish fillets should have a moist appearance and firm flesh. Whole fish often have clear, full eyes and shiny skin. Avoid fish with flesh that appears dried out, discolored, or unusually soft.
Shrimp: Raw shrimp should look moist and relatively firm, with coloring appropriate for the species. Avoid shrimp with unusual discoloration, damaged flesh, or signs of drying.
Scallops: Fresh scallops should have a moist appearance and a natural cream or pale beige color, depending on the variety. They should not look excessively dried out or discolored.
Appearance is only one piece of the puzzle, so it's important to consider proper storage and handling, too.
3. Make Sure Seafood Is Properly Chilled
Temperature matters when it comes to seafood. Fish and shellfish that require refrigeration should be kept cold, whether they're displayed over ice or stored in a properly operating refrigerated case.
When shopping, look for seafood that is appropriately chilled and handled with care. If you're buying packaged seafood, check that the package is intact and follow any storage instructions on the label.
If you're unsure how a particular item has been stored, don't hesitate to ask the seafood seller.
4. Ask Questions at the Seafood Counter
One of the benefits of shopping at a seafood market is being able to ask questions!
Here are a few helpful things to ask:
When did this seafood arrive?
Is it fresh or was it previously frozen?
What is the best way to prepare it?
How soon should I cook it after purchasing?
What is the best way to store it at home?
Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations, either. If you're not sure what fish works best for grilling or which seafood is easiest to prepare for a family dinner, a little guidance can go a long way.
5. Remember That Fresh and Frozen Are Different
Fresh seafood isn't automatically better than frozen seafood. In fact, seafood that is frozen promptly and handled properly can retain excellent quality.
Some seafood is frozen soon after harvest to help preserve its flavor and texture. Other seafood is sold fresh and kept refrigerated. The right choice depends on the product, how it was handled, and when you plan to cook it.
If you're interested in learning more, check out our guide to fresh versus frozen seafood.
6. Get Your Seafood Home Safely
Even high-quality seafood needs proper handling after you buy it.
Keep seafood cold on the trip home, refrigerate it promptly, and follow the storage guidance for the specific product. If you aren't planning to use it within the recommended refrigerated storage period, freeze it if appropriate.
As a general rule, perishable seafood should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours—or one hour when temperatures are above 90°F.
Remember: seafood that has been left at unsafe temperatures may not show obvious signs of spoilage.
Enjoy Seafood With Confidence
Choosing seafood doesn't have to be intimidating. Paying attention to appearance, proper chilling, storage, and handling—and asking questions when you need help—can make shopping easier.
Whether you're planning a simple shrimp dinner or preparing a special meal for the whole family, we're here to help make seafood a little less complicated and a lot more enjoyable.
Stop by our seafood market in Landrum, South Carolina, and let us help you find something delicious for your next meal!
