1. Something Smells Fishy
A strange odor is the best way to know if fish is spoiled. If a fish smell is prominent when you approach the fish counter, do not purchase from that vendor. There should be no sulfurous or ammonia smell in fresh fish. The smell should be a pleasant, outdoorsy, a sea or river smell with no foul undertones. For example, whitefish has a slight cucumber smell and halibut should smell oaky. Fresh oily fish like mackerel, salmon and herring should have a linseed oil smell. If you get as far as to eat a questionably fresh fish, watch for a sharp or peppery taste.
2. Touch Test
Touch the flesh to know if the fish is fresh. If the fish is fresh, the flesh should bounce back and not show any indentation from the pressing. The body itself should still have a moist, wet feel. Spoiled fish feels slimy. Although there may be large gaps in the fish, flaking off should not be excessive. The fish should not be mushy in the least or fall apart when you touch it. The fish will begin to disintegrate when seasoning and cooking instead of holding it's shape.
3. Spoiled Look
If the fish you buy is under cellophane in a grocery store, rely on your sight. Cellophane masks the smell and feel of the fish. If the head is on the fish, the eyes should have clarity and not be sunken at all. Some fish, like grouper, have cloudy eyes, but most fresh fish should not have cloudiness. The color of the gills should be a pronounced pink or bright red. If you see fresh blood in the cavity or veins, it is probable the fish is very fresh. Otherwise, the spoiled fish will have dried blood or brownish blood stains showing. The scales should be gray and not faded. The natural coloring of the fish overall should still be colorful and vibrant.
4. Clever Disguises
Japan and Canada have banned the use of carbon monoxide spray to brighten up discolored fish. Tuna, for example, often used in sushi, turns a chocolate color when it is spoiling. Spraying the carbon monoxide solution on the fish can turn it bright red again, making it difficult to determine if fish is spoiled. United States retailers often buy the fish pre-treated from Southeast Asia suppliers. Although, the solution is harmless, beware of brightly colored fish that still smells and feels spoiled.
Member Comments