We often hear that people don’t know what to look for when buying seafood, leading them to not buy any at all. So, we asked our seafood buyer to share his knowledge to help empower people to try seafood! 

Here’s the scoop: 

1. Lead with your nose! Fresh seafood should never have a foul smell. 

o If it smells fishy, sour or like ammonia, steer clear. 

2. Shine bright! Seafood should be bright, shiny and moist. 

o The flesh should be bright, shiny and firm. 

o Eyes should be clear

o There should not be signs of drying near the edges or discoloration. 

3. Find a good source! Find a market or grocery store that is clean and knowledgeable. 

o If it feels cold and clean, chances are their handling and quality control are also cold and clean

o A friendly team who is eager to share their product and knowledge is a great sign! 

4. Ask questions! Learn about harvest methods, where it came from, and if it is wild. 

o Harvest methods can impact quality! For example, hook and line caught fish can indicate higher quality and better sustainability practices.
* This is not to say other methods are always bad, but it can give you instant knowledge about a product. 

o Ask about the country of origin. This can give you an instant indication about how old the product might be. 

o Wild vs. farmed fish. While this is a hot topic, it’s important information for some consumers to know before they make a purchase. Both types of fish can be nutrient dense, sustainable and delicious! Choose what works for you.