Keys Cookbook – How to Buy Fresh Fish in the Stores

Keys Cookbook or Florida Keys vacation rental guests on FloridaKeysVillas.com:

🐟 How to Buy Fresh Fish in the Stores

What to Look For, What to Avoid, and How to Ask Smart Questions

✅ 1. Look at the Eyes

· Fresh fish have clear, shiny, and slightly bulging eyes.

· Avoid fish with sunken, cloudy, or dry-looking eyes — it's a strong sign of age.

✅ 2. Smell Test (Yes, Really!)

· Fresh fish should smell like the ocean — briny, clean, and mild.

· Avoid anything with a sour, ammonia-like, or "fishy" odor. That’s spoilage.

✅ 3. Check the Skin & Scales

· Skin should be shiny, moist, and tightly attached to the body.

· Scales should be firm and not flaking off.

✅ 4. Look at the Gills (if buying whole)

· Fresh gills are bright red or pink with no slime.

· Avoid gills that are brown, gray, or dull — signs the fish is aging.

✅ 5. Feel the Flesh

· When buying fillets or steaks: press gently with your finger.

o The flesh should spring back and feel firm and slightly elastic.

· Avoid fillets that feel mushy or leave an indentation.

✅ 6. Ask: “What Came In Today?”

· Don’t be shy. Good fish counters will know what’s fresh.

· Ask for local catches — in the Florida Keys, this might include:

o Snapper

o Grouper

o Mahi-Mahi

o Hogfish

o Yellowtail

o Spiny Lobster (in season)

✅ 7. Watch for Excess Liquid

· If fillets are sitting in a lot of liquid, that means they’re breaking down or improperly stored.

· Fresh fish should be moist but not soaked.

✅ 8. Buy from Reputable Counters

· Look for: steady turnover, clean ice beds, labeled fish, knowledgeable staff.

· Bonus: Find a local seafood market or fishmonger near your rental if possible.

🏝️ Keys Cookbook Tip:

If you're not cooking the fish within a few hours:

· Ask for it to be packed on ice.

· Store in the coldest part of the fridge and cook within 24 hour