Emma Miller
When buying fresh fish at the market or in a store, it is worth carefully inspecting the goods. If the fish has been stored longer or in inappropriate conditions, it can be poisoned.
Examine the gills
All Odessans know this way of checking the fish. Fresh fish has gills that are bright red or pink in color. If the gills are brown or dark gray and covered with muddy mucus with an unpleasant odor – the goods are stale.
Look at the eyes of the fish
Fresh fish should have convex and transparent eyes. If the fish has been stored outdoors for a long time, its eyes will become cloudy and droop in the head.
Smell
The smell of fresh fish is specific, but not disgusting. It should not have a note of rottenness and dirt. In the process of decomposition of tissues, fish releases ammonia, which gives it a pungent, unpleasant smell.
Check the scales
The scales of fresh fish fit tightly against the body and are not seriously damaged. Minor abrasions may be due to shipping. But if the scales can be easily removed by hand, it is better to refuse to buy such fish.
Dunk the fish in water
When buying a fish to check this way will not work, so the test is carried out at home. Pour water into a bowl and dunk the fish in it. If the carcass sinks, it is fresh, and expired fish will float to the surface.
