Tips for Buying Fresh Fish and Seafood

In Australia we are lucky enough to have some of the freshest and most delicious range of fish and seafood in the world.

At FishCo the best quality fish and seafood arrives daily from around Australia, and is available at the most competitive pricing.

Here are some great tips to consider when you are purchasing fish and seafood:

– Our friendly Fishmongers are the best people to ask for advice about the flavours, textures and best cooking methods of fish and seafood.

–  Always ask about seasonal fish and seafood because seasonal produce has better availability and pricing.

– When selecting whole fish, we encourage our customers to touch and feel as a firm bladder area is the best indicator of fresh whole fish.  Please note that contact with ice can dull the eyes of fresh fish.

– Fresh fish should have a pleasant fresh ocean smell, never buy fish that has unexpectedly pungent aromas – it may be unsafe to eat and cooking it will not improve the quality.

– As fillet colour, texture and shape can vary a great deal with each species of fish, the best indicators of a fresh fillet are a fresh, ocean smell and a consistent colour within each batch.

– When buying cooked prawns and oysters, our recommendation is to ‘Try Before You Buy’ to ensure that you are satisfied with the product.  FishCo offer complimentary tasting of all cooked prawns and oysters.

– When buying uncooked prawns, the best indicator of freshness is to check the firmness of the prawn. However, always be mindful that some species are naturally softer than others.

Examples of Seafood varieties regularly available at FishCo:

Strong Flavoured Fish		Mild Flavoured Fish			Mildest Flavoured Fish
Tuna*	Sardines*	John Dory	Flathead	Red Emperor	Ling	Orange Roughy
Marlin*	Kingfish*	Snapper	Atlantic Salmon*	Tilapia	Flake	Basa
Swordfish*	Mackeral*	Silver Bream	Perch	Coral Trout	Nile   Perch	Blue Eye Cod
Kingfish*	Spanish Mackeral*	Tailor*	Sand Whiting	Parrot Fish	Groper	Monkfish
Moonfish*	Bonito*	Silver Dory	Barramundi	Rainbow Trout	Bream	Murray Cod
		Garfish	Leather Jackets	Ocean Trout*

*Denotes fish that is very high in Omega 3 Fatty Acids.   NB: All fish contain Omega 3 Fatty Acids.

TIP:  Storing fish fillets in direct contact with ice may cause it to break down. Instead remove the packaging and place fish on a plate or tray, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Cook and eat within two days.

TIP:  The best and safest way to defrost fish or seafood is in a covered bowl, in the fridge.

TIP:  When eating whole fish, the best way to avoid bones is to pull the flesh down along the line of the rib cage (away from the top fins) with your fork.