When it comes to seafood, quality is everything. Whether you’re preparing a delicate fillet of fish for dinner or enjoying a platter of shellfish with friends, knowing the difference between fresh, sustainably sourced seafood and its imitation counterpart can make all the difference in taste, texture, and nutritional value. In fact, with seafood scams on the rise, it’s more important than ever to be able to spot the real deal.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through six simple, yet effective ways to distinguish fresh seafood from the fake stuff. With these tips, you can make sure you’re getting the quality seafood you deserve—whether it’s from your local market, a grocery store, or your favorite seafood restaurant.
1. Check the Smell: Fresh Seafood Should Smell Like the Ocean
The first and most obvious sign of fresh seafood is its smell. Fresh fish and shellfish should smell clean and briny, like the ocean—never fishy. If your seafood has an overpowering, sour, or overly pungent smell, it’s likely past its prime. Fish that has been sitting around too long will begin to release ammonia, giving off that unmistakably bad odor.
Pro Tip: If you’re buying seafood from a store, ask the fishmonger if the seafood has just arrived. The freshest catch will have a clean, refreshing scent.
2. Look at the Eyes: Clear Eyes Mean Fresh Fish
Fish eyes can tell you a lot about its freshness. Fresh fish will have clear, bright, and full eyes that are slightly convex. If the eyes appear cloudy, sunken, or dry, it’s a sign that the fish has been sitting for too long and is no longer at its peak freshness.
Pro Tip: If you’re buying whole fish, inspect the eyes closely. The clearer and plumper they are, the fresher the fish.
3. Examine the Flesh: Firm, Moist, and Bright Color is Key
The flesh of your seafood should be firm, moist, and spring back when pressed lightly. When you press down on fresh fish, it should return to its original shape. Fish that’s gone past its prime will feel mushy and leave an indentation. Additionally, the flesh should be a vibrant color—whether it’s the pink of salmon, the white of cod, or the red of tuna—without any discoloration or brown spots.
Pro Tip: For shellfish like oysters, mussels, and clams, make sure they are tightly closed. Open shells indicate that they are no longer fresh, and possibly unsafe to eat.
4. Check the Gills: Bright Red or Pink Gills Indicate Freshness
When inspecting a whole fish, open the gill flap to check the gills. Fresh fish should have gills that are bright red or pink, not brown or slimy. Discolored or dull gills are a sign that the fish is not fresh, as gills begin to deteriorate quickly after the fish dies.
Pro Tip: The fresher the fish, the brighter the gills will be. If they are dark or turning a dull color, it’s likely not fresh anymore.
5. Watch for Frost: Frozen Seafood Can Be Deceptive
Frozen seafood often ends up on store shelves, and while it can still be of high quality, it’s important to make sure that the frozen products are properly handled. Look for signs of “freezer burn”—this appears as patches of ice or dried-out areas on the fish. Ideally, frozen seafood should be vacuum-sealed or in airtight packaging to ensure it hasn’t been compromised by air or moisture.
Pro Tip: If you’re buying frozen seafood, make sure it’s solidly frozen and hasn’t thawed out. Thawed seafood can spoil quickly, and you’ll lose quality.
6. Understand the Labeling: Sustainable & Authentic Seafood
One of the best ways to ensure that your seafood is the real deal is to choose products with sustainable certifications. Look for labels such as MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) for wild-caught seafood or Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) for responsibly farmed options. These certifications guarantee that the seafood was sourced sustainably and ethically.
Pro Tip: Research the seafood brands and ask questions if you’re unsure. The more transparent the supplier is about their sourcing methods, the better your chances of getting high-quality, sustainable seafood.
Bonus Tip: Ask the Right Questions
When buying seafood at your local market or grocery store, don’t hesitate to ask the fishmonger about the seafood’s origin, the date it was caught or harvested, and any other relevant information. If they’re unsure or unable to provide details, it might be a red flag.
Pro Tip: Trust your source. Local markets or reputable suppliers who know their products will be transparent about where their seafood comes from and how fresh it is.
Conclusion: Fresh Seafood Makes All the Difference
Knowing how to tell the difference between fresh and fake seafood is essential for ensuring that you’re getting the best quality, flavor, and nutritional benefits from your meals. With these simple tips—checking the smell, eyes, gills, and flesh, and being mindful of certifications and packaging—you can make smarter choices when purchasing seafood, whether for a special meal or your weekly groceries.
By buying fresh, sustainably sourced seafood, you’re not only enhancing your culinary experience but also supporting the health of our oceans and the communities that rely on them. So next time you’re out shopping for seafood, use these tips to make sure you’re getting the real deal—your taste buds (and your body) will thank you.
