How to tell if fish is truly fresh: 5 details everyone overlooks

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Buying fish might seem straightforward, but telling a freshly caught piece from one that has been on the counter for days requires an expert eye. Beyond the smell, subtle details reveal true freshness. Here is what you should look for:

  1. Corneal Transparency: Everyone checks if the eye is bulging, but transparency is key. If the cornea is milky or white, it’s not fresh. It must be crystal clear.

  2. Gill Color: It’s not enough for them to be red; they must be moist and bright red or pink. If you see grayish or yellowish mucus, discard it.

  3. Flesh Firmness: Do a quick test. If you press the back lightly with your finger and the mark disappears instantly, it’s fresh. If the indentation remains, the muscle structure has begun to break down.

  4. Metallic Sheen: Fresh fish has an iridescent, almost metallic shine. Over time, this luster fades, and the skin becomes dull and sticky.

  5. The Vent (Anus): This is the detail nobody looks at. In a fresh specimen, the anal opening should be tightly closed. If it is open or flaccid, it’s a sign the fish has been out of the water for too long.