How to tell if seafood is fresh

Your eyes and nose are the best tools at the counter. Whole fish should have clear, bright eyes and shiny, tight skin.

Look closely

Whole fish should have clear, bright eyes and shiny, tight skin. The gills should be red or pink, not brown. Fillets should look moist and firm, with no dull or dry edges.

Shellfish such as clams and mussels should be closed, or close when tapped.

Trust your nose

Fresh seafood smells clean and mildly of the sea. A strong, sour, or ammonia-like smell is a clear sign to pass.

Do not be shy about asking to smell a fillet before you buy it.

Keep it cold

Ask the fishmonger to pack your purchase with ice, and take it straight home. Store seafood in the coldest part of the fridge and use it within a day or two.

For raw dishes at home, buy fish sold specifically for raw use from a source you trust.