If you're thinking about quickly throwing together our Pan Fried Trout with Summer Vegetables, when you go to the market to buy your fish you may wonder how to tell if that fish you're buying is fresh. 

When shopping for fish, one wants to make sure it is as fresh as possible, so here are a few simple tips to help you pick a fresh fish.

The first thing you’ll notice is when you look at the fish’s skin is if it is shiny or dull. Shiny skin denotes a fresh fish, dull skin shows you that the fish is older than you want. Now, look the fish in the eyes, are they clear and bright? That’s a good sign. Dull eyes are a trait of a fish that’s lost its freshness.

The fish’s gills should also be free of slime (the rest of the fish’s skin should have a small amount), as well as red and firm.

Your sense of smell will also be a great help in determining how fresh your selection is. Fish that are fresh should smell like seawater. Fish that have been sitting around longer will have a “fishy” odor.

When shopping for fillets, the meat should be firm and resilient to slight pressure. If you press on the skin, it should bounce back. If the fillet remains pressed in after you remove your finger, it isn’t fresh.

With these tips, it should be easy to pick out a fresh fish. Of course, asking your local fishmonger or the specialist at the fish section of your supermarket is always a good idea. Happy cooking! -Lisa Play