Fresh fish has become a staple in a healthy diet but many people are nervous about potential problems. Fish has a nasty reputation with some folks because of the ease with which it goes bad. The truth is, fish is no more likely to go bad than any other meat that is mishandled. Any meat has to be properly purchased, prepared and stored to stay fresh. Here are some tips to make absolutely certain your fish is as fresh as it should be when you finally cook it up:
Easy Tips to Ensure Fresh Fish Stays Safe To Eat
Be wary of where you buy your “fresh” fish
Fresh fish is not always fresh. When you buy from roadside markets, local fishermen and other places around town, you can get hold of some really bad fish. Don’t get me wrong…these are also the sources of the best fish around. The key is to know the people you are buying from and ask around. You will quickly figure out the reputable sources of fresh fish in your town if you eat it often enough.
Look for glossy a sheen and clear eyes
The FDA says you should look for a fish that is glossy and fresh looking. Another key area to look at when searching for fresh fish is the eyes. If they appear ghostly or murky and are not clear, just step away and move on. Clear eyes are a good indication of fish that is still fresh.
Stick to the two day rule
Try to always eat your fresh fish within two days of buying it. The reason for this is because this is when the flavors will be at their peak and the freshness is beyond question.
Store fish in the coolest part of the fridge
Fish are kind of easy to get skunky if they are not properly stored and you want to be sure you pick the coldest area of your fridge. Don’t just throw it in there. Spend some time finding the coolest area. This is usually just under the freezer.
Be careful about cross contamination
Speaking of storage, you have to be uber careful about cross contamination. This is where you mix meats, meat juices, or fresh and raw product. Never let your fresh fish come in contact with raw fish or meat. This can get tricky when you use cutting boards, etc. Make sure you wash all utensils that touch fresh fish right away to avoid accidental exposure.
Pay attention to how it smells
Our sniffers are a good rule of thumb. Now fish is supposed to have a little bit of a fishy smell, and not all people like that. That said, a rotting fish or a fish that is no longer fresh is overpowering. You will notice that it smells far more fishy than just a regular fish. Trust your nose and never eat a piece of fish that smells off.
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