Question how do you gauge the freshness of fish purchased at the supermarkets...eg. Kroegers,Walmarts, etc.?
Answer Hi Jim,
Great question. Supermarkets generally speaking do not have very fresh fish. Here is how you can make sure you always get decent fish.
1. Whole fish should have clear eyes and smell more like fresh cucumber than old fish.
2. Fillets should not look mushy but should be firm and translucent and also not smell like old fish.
3. Ask the person behind the counter when the fish your looking at came in? For example... Sir can you tell me when that Atlantic Salmon fillet came in? If he says anything longer than 3 days ago forget it.
In conclusion get to know the guy behind the counter. Find out where the fish comes from? Above all ask to smell it when they take it out of the case and before he wraps it up. Don't ever settle for any fish that is not to your liking.
Here is a great tip from a guy who is very picky...me!
Buy frozen fish at the supermarket and fresh fish at a reputable fish market.
Frozen fish is blast frozen as soon as it is caught, ensuring the fish will at least taste ok. Fresh fish can sit around in a supermarket for quite awhile before it is sold. Really you don't want to know what I know. :)
Fish markets do a better job with fresh fish and can tell you when certain kinds of fish will be in based on seasonality. If they know that you are regular they will many times special order what you want as soon as it comes in from the ocean or a fish farm.
Jim I hope that helps.
Thanks for the opportunity to help.
Have a great day and remember...real fresh fish smells like cucumbers freshly cut or at least the ocean but not like fish.
