Tips for Shopping at a Fish Market

Fresh fish and seafood is expensive, and you want to make sure you are getting your money’s worth when you go to your local fish market. It is very important to be alert to what is fresh, and therefore likely to be tasty and delicious, and what is not really the catch of the day at all.

• Ask questions. Don’t be afraid to query about the fish. Ask the retailer when the fish or seafood came in and where it came from.  Don’t be afraid to ask to touch the fish; many seafood shops let you with plastic gloves.


• Your nose knows. The fish and seafood shop should not smell really fishy and neither should the fish. Fresh fish has a mild smell or a slight smell of the sea.


• If you are buying a whole fish, there are tell-tale signs of freshness. Look for clean clear eyes as cloudy eyes mean the fish has been out of the water for more than a day or two. The flesh should spring back when touched, and the gills should be rosy and a bit slimy.


• If you are buying a fillet, make sure the flesh is moist and springy to the touch. Do not buy mushy fish, or you will be disappointed with your purchase. With fish with colored flesh, the deeper the color, the more flavorful the fish.

With a little practice, anyone can become proficient at buying fresh, delicious fish and getting the most value for their money.  It is only a matter of using your eyes, nose and sense of touch.