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Shopping for seafood
When it comes to buying fresh seafood, whether from a fishmonger or the wet fish counter
at the supermarket, you have to know what you’re looking for. It has to be really
fresh.
What to look for when shopping for fresh seafood:
It should glisten and shine It should smell of the sea
It’s the same principle as when you’re shopping for wet fish, where you should look
for shiny eyes, fish that shine, and bright red gills. Smell the seafood; look at the
seafood. Make a judgment about what you’re buying. If it doesn’t look right, my advice,
very simply, would be not to buy it.
Once you’ve bought your seafood take it home straight away and store it in the refrigerator
to keep it chilled. Remember, too, that seafood should be cooked as soon as possible after
purchasing, within 1–2 days of buying.
The best places to buy seafood
When you’re shopping for fresh seafood my personal preference would be to use a good
fishmonger like my favourite James Knight. Traditional fishmongers are something of a
rarity nowadays, but many supermarkets now offer fresh fish counters which will offer
a selection of seafood. Look out, too, for local seafood which has been caught or harvested
off the British coast, such as Devon crabs or Essex oysters. This way you’re eating
really fresh seafood and supporting our fishing industry.
Frozen seafood
If you can’t find fresh seafood, then frozen seafood makes a useful alternative. Seafood
medleys are a great ready-made mixture of shellfish to use in fish pies, sauces or soups.
When choosing frozen seafood do make sure that the packets aren’t torn or open and
that they come from well inside the freezer.
Thawing frozen seafood
If thawing your frozen seafood before cooking, then thaw it gradually overnight in the fridge
or, if you’re cooking with it straight away, defrost it in the microwave.