How to Pick Fresh Seafood Like a Pro | Essential Seafood Buying Guide

How to Pick Fresh Seafood: Smart Shopping Tips for the Best Catch

Seafood is a great choice for a healthy, balanced diet. It’s packed with essential nutrients that support growth and development, making it a great option for both adults and children. However, spoiled or improperly handled seafood can cause foodborne illnesses, also known as food poisoning.

To enjoy the best flavors and health benefits, it's important to know how to pick fresh seafood. Want to enjoy the best seafood? Here’s how to pick the freshest catch like a pro!

How to Identify Fresh Seafood

It is important to always check seafood and to see if it's fresh before buying. Whether seafood is displayed on ice or refrigerated, always look for these signs:

Bright, Clear Eyes - For whole fish, the eyes should be clear, shiny, and slightly bulging. Avoid fish with dull, sunken eyes.
Red or Pink Gills - Fresh fish have vibrant red or pink gills, while older fish have brown or grayish gills.
Firm, Springy Flesh - Press the fish gently; fresh seafood should bounce back and not leave an indentation.
Mild, Ocean-Like Smell - Fresh seafood should smell clean and like the sea, not overly fishy or sour.
Moist, Shiny Skin or Shells - Avoid seafood with dry, discolored, or slimy skin. Fresh seafood should look moist and glistening.

Now, let’s go over specific types of seafood and how to choose the freshest ones.

How to Pick Fresh Seafood by Type

Bangus (Milkfish)

Bright silver scales and clear, bulging eyes
A firm belly, not bloated or soft
Gills should be bright red, not brownish.

Tilapia

Clear, bright eyes, not cloudy
Shiny scales that are tightly attached
Flesh should be firm and bounce back when pressed

Sugpo (Prawns)

Shell should be shiny and translucent
Body should be firm and slightly curved
Avoid prawns with black spots or a strong ammonia smell

Alimasag

Live crabs are the freshest—look for ones that are active
Shell should be bright and moist, not dry
The underside should feel firm, not soft

Galunggong (Mackerel Scad)

Look for bright, metallic skin with no dull patches
Eyes should be clear and full, not sunken
Gills should be red, and the flesh should be firm

Dalagang Bukid

Skin should be vibrant yellow and red, not faded
Gills should be bright red, and scales should be intact
Flesh should be firm and should not leave an imprint when pressed

Pompano

Body should have a golden tint and smooth skin
Flesh should be firm, with no soft spots
Belly should be intact and not swollen

Lapu-Lapu (Grouper)

Eyes should be clear and shiny
Body should be firm with bright red or pink gills
Avoid fish with sunken eyes or dull skin

Salmon Steak

Fresh salmon should have a bright orange-pink color
Flesh should be moist and firm, not dry or separating
Should have a mild, fresh ocean scent

Blue Marlin

Flesh should be firm and elastic, with a bright pinkish color
Avoid marlin with dull, dry, or brown spots
Smell should be mild, not overly fishy

Final Shopping Tips for Buying Fresh Seafood

✔ Buy from Trusted Sellers - Choose markets or stores that sell seafood quickly, so it's always fresh like Fishta Seafood.
✔ Check Storage Conditions - Store fresh seafood on ice or in the fridge to keep it fresh.
✔ Trust Your Senses - If something looks or smells off, don’t buy it!

Picking fresh seafood is essential for great taste, nutrition, and food safety. By following these smart shopping tips, you can confidently choose the freshest fish and shellfish for your meals.

For guaranteed fresh and high-quality seafood, shop from Fishta Seafood, a trusted supplier known for providing premium, sustainably sourced seafood in the Philippines. At Fishta Seafood, you’ll always find premium, responsibly sourced seafood—freshly harvested and carefully handled to bring top-quality seafood straight to your table! Fishta Seafood—where freshness, quality, and sustainability meet!

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