How do I buy and store fish?
What to look for at the counter, why frozen is often the better choice, and how long fish actually keeps.
- Difficulty
- beginner
- Time
- 15 min
- Read
- 2 min
- Safety
- caution
Short answer
Fresh fish should smell of the sea, not of fish, with clear eyes and firm flesh that springs back. Frozen-at-sea fish is often fresher than what is on the counter, and it keeps for months rather than a day.
Fish deteriorates faster than any other protein. The main practical consequence is that frozen fish is frequently the better buy — it was frozen within hours of catching, while counter fish may be several days old.
Safety
What you'll need
- A fishmonger or fish counter (optional)
- Freezer space (optional)
Step by step
- Smell it first.Fresh fish smells of clean sea water. A strong fishy or ammonia smell means it is past its best, and no cooking hides it.
- Look at the eyes and gills on whole fish.Eyes should be clear and full rather than sunken and cloudy. Gills should be bright red, not brown.
- Press the flesh.It should be firm and spring back. Flesh that holds a fingerprint is old.
- Consider frozen-at-sea as the default.It is frozen within hours of catching, often fresher than counter fish, cheaper, and it keeps for months.
- Ask what came in today.A good fish counter will tell you, and buying what is freshest rather than what you planned usually gives a better meal.
- Use fresh fish the day you buy it.One day maximum in the coldest part of the fridge, on ice if possible, covered.
- Freeze it on the day if you cannot use it.Wrapped tightly to exclude air. Most fish keeps two to three months; oily fish somewhat less.
- Defrost in the fridge overnight, never at room temperature.Fish is particularly unforgiving here. It also releases a lot of water, so pat it dry before cooking.
Tips
- Ask the fishmonger to fillet, skin or pin-bone it for you. It is usually free and it saves the trickiest part of the job.
- The frames and heads from filleted fish make excellent stock and are often given away.
- Fish counter prices vary hugely between species for very similar eating. Ask what is good value that day rather than buying by name.
Common mistakes
- Assuming counter fish is fresher than frozen — Frozen-at-sea fish is processed within hours of catching. Counter fish may be several days old.
- Keeping fresh fish for two or three days — It deteriorates much faster than meat. One day is the realistic limit, and freezing on the day is better.
- Defrosting fish at room temperature — It sits in the bacterial growth range while the centre is still frozen. Overnight in the fridge is the safe method.
Questions people ask
Is frozen fish as good as fresh?
Often better. Frozen-at-sea fish is processed within hours of catching, while counter fish may have travelled for days. It is also cheaper and keeps for months.
How long does fresh fish last in the fridge?
One day. Fish deteriorates considerably faster than meat, so buy it on the day you plan to cook it or freeze it immediately.