There are so many choices when it comes to selecting fish at the grocery store or fish market.   Choosing fish seem like a daunting task; however, you can be sure to take home a fresh fish with these simple checks:

1. Flesh: The flesh of the fish should be firm, not soft. It should spring back when pressed gently.
2. Smell: Fresh fish should not smell like a rotten or strong fishy odor. It should smell fresh without any harsh odor.
3. Color: Fresh fish like finfish should be white. If you are purchasing a fish that might have a different flesh color be sure to choose fish whose flesh is bright and characteristic of the fish species.  Fish with gills should have bright red or pink gills.
4. Skin: Fish with skin on should be shiny and the scales should be tight and not falling off.
5. Appearance: Eyes should be bright, clear, and protruding. Fish with cloudy, pink, or sunken eyes are not fresh and should not be purchased.

Always remember to ask your local fish market or grocery store, when they are delivered fresh fish and how long the fish has been in the cooler.   Be sure to use fresh fish within two days of purchase.  If you do not plan on cooking with fish within two days freeze the fish for later use.

Learn more about How-to-select-fresh-catfish with these easy steps.

Join Chelsey as she makes a case for fish as a smart protein choice and how to make it an easy choice for dinner with tips on purchasing fish to make food dollars stretch.

If you want more tips on how to incorporate seafood into your dinners, check out our tips! 

If you are unsure about cooking seafood, check out our safety tips here.