5 Ways to Tell if Fish Is Truly Fresh

Fresh fish is the essential ingredient for delicious seafood meals, superior nutrition, and food safety. Whether you are browsing a local market or ordering seafood online in the UK, knowing how to identify quality helps you avoid poor products and enjoy the best taste possible.

Here are 5 simple and reliable ways to tell if fish is truly fresh before you buy or cook it.

1. Check the Smell – Fresh Fish Should Smell Clean

One of the easiest ways to tell if fish is fresh is by its smell.

• Fresh fish has a mild, clean scent similar to the ocean or seawater
• Unfresh fish smells sour, strong, or like ammonia

A strong fishy odor is a clear sign that the fish is no longer fresh. High-quality seafood should never smell overpowering.

2. Look at the Eyes – Clear and Bright Is Best

Fresh fish eyes tell a lot about its quality.

• Eyes should be clear, shiny, and slightly bulging
• Avoid fish with cloudy, sunken, or dull eyes

Bright eyes usually mean the fish was recently caught and properly stored.

3. Examine the Flesh – Firm and Springy Texture

Press the fish gently with your finger.

• Fresh fish flesh is firm and springs back quickly
• Old fish feels soft, mushy, or leaves an indentation

The flesh should also look moist and glossy, not dry or slimy.

4. Check the Gills – Red or Pink Is a Good Sign

If the gills are visible, they’re a strong freshness indicator.

• Fresh fish gills are bright red or pink
• Unfresh fish gills turn brown, grey, or slimy

Clean, brightly colored gills mean the fish hasn’t been sitting for too long.

5. Observe the Skin – Shiny and Tight, Not Dull

Fresh fish skin should look healthy and vibrant.

• Scales should be tight, shiny, and firmly attached
• Avoid fish with dull skin or loose scales

A fresh fish usually looks lively, even after being caught.

Why Choosing Fresh Fish Matters

Fresh fish:

• Tastes better and cooks perfectly
• Retains more nutrients like protein and omega-3 fatty acids
• Reduces the risk of foodborne illness

That’s why buying seafood from a trusted and reliable supplier is just as important as knowing these freshness tips.

Get Fresh, Quality Seafood You Can Trust

Because quality is so important, buying from a trusted and reliable supplier is essential. At Your Daily Foods, we focus on delivering carefully sourced seafood handled with the strictest freshness standards. From the ocean to your doorstep, we make sure you receive seafood that meets the highest expectations..

Knowing how to identify fresh fish helps you make smarter choices – and enjoy seafood the way it’s meant to be.