Hi, Need to know some tips and guidance as to how to check whether a fish is fresh or rotten...I mean is there a way we can tell by looking at her gills/fins etc... Also, what precautions to take while cooking it.. Thanks.
Torn fins are a sign of weakness, eyes should be clear, and body should not have any signs of discoloration eg. red or brown and it should be heavier for its size. Hope this helps.
My mom checks the redness of the gills and also checks some spot near its anal fins. She sees to it that it is red and not brown or black, it is a small pimple kind of spot.
In India, if you have a regular fish monger, it is best to take his opinion. He knows the fish best. The other points out the eyes, and skin pallor are useful too. Check out the sides of the fish. They should not collapse with the slightest pressure. Everyone knows about the redness of the gills as an indicator of freshness. In the fish market near my house, the fish monger often pours the blood of a freshly cut fish onto the gills of the other fishes on display. I didnot know about the anal orifice part. Thanks for the info.
