Choosing fish at the counter gets easier when you know what to check. Start with its appearance, then pay attention to the smell and texture. These signs can help you compare options, whether you’re buying a whole fish or fillets. Freshness is only one part of the decision: the cut should also suit your recipe, and it needs to stay cold on the way home. Here’s a practical way to make your selection.
Look for a Fresh Appearance
For a whole fish, look for clear, bright eyes rather than eyes that appear cloudy or sunken. The skin should look moist and have a natural sheen. Scales should be largely intact, and the gills should look red or pink, not dull brown or gray. These signs are useful clues, but no single one can tell you everything about freshness.
For fillets and steaks, check that the flesh looks moist and has a clean, even color for that type of fish. Avoid pieces with dry edges, yellowing, or discoloration. A little liquid in the display is not automatically a problem, but the fish should not sit in a large pool of cloudy fluid. If you’re unsure, ask when it arrived and how it has been stored.
Use Your Sense of Smell
Fresh fish should smell mild and clean, like the sea or fresh water, depending on the species. It should not have a strong sour, ammonia-like, or rancid odor. A pronounced fishy smell is a reason to pause and ask the counter staff about the product rather than assuming that every fish naturally smells that way.
You may not be able to smell fish clearly through a display case, so don’t lean over the counter or handle the product. Ask the staff to check it or describe its aroma. If the smell seems off when you get home, keep the fish cold and contact the seller before preparing it.
Check the Texture
Fish flesh should feel firm and spring back when gently pressed. If the counter staff invites you to check, use a light touch and avoid squeezing the fish. Flesh that feels mushy, leaves a lasting dent, or falls apart easily may be past its best. Texture varies by species and cut, so compare it with a similar piece when possible.
For whole fish, the body should feel firm rather than limp. Fillets should hold together without looking ragged or excessively soft. Ask the staff to handle the fish for you if you would rather not touch it. A knowledgeable counter worker can also explain which varieties naturally have softer flesh and how they should look.
Ask Questions and Keep It Cold
Tell the counter staff how you plan to cook the fish and when you intend to serve it. Ask which option is best for your recipe, when it was delivered, and whether it has been previously frozen. These practical questions help you choose the right cut and plan storage without relying on appearance alone.
Buy fish near the end of your shopping trip, then take it home promptly in a cool bag if the journey will take time. Refrigerate it as soon as you arrive and follow the seller’s storage advice. Keep raw fish separate from ready-to-eat foods, and cook or freeze it according to reliable food-safety guidance.
A clear look, mild smell, and firm texture are useful signs when choosing fish, but asking the counter staff can fill in what you can’t judge yourself. Select a cut that suits your meal and keep it cold after purchase. Visit Dublin Fish Counter to ask about the day’s selection and get help choosing.