How Do You Bring The Freshest Fish to The Table?

Fish is one of earth's natural wonders and has satisfied our palates since the beginning of man. Their flesh is light and delicate, lean and is packed with protein, the anti-oxidant vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids. All play a role in keeping our hearts and immune system functioning as it should. The most popular fish we consume is tuna, salmon, flounder, Pollock and cod. But considering there are about 25,000 species of fish, there is enough variety of edible fish for the most discriminating taste. But how do you know when you are bringing the freshest fish to your table?

When you approach the fish market, let your nose be your guide. Really fresh fish has a very light smell. If it has a strong fishy smell pass it up. It may have been processed incorrectly after being caught. If the fresh catch from the fishing boat has equipment to flash freeze the fish, when it arrives to you it will not have that strong smell. You should also check the date the fish was packaged (especially if you are purchasing at your local supermarket). Fishy smell will permeate even through plastic. Don't buy it.

You will also want to have a look around. The market and the staff should be very clean. The fish should have that just caught look. Not that slimy feel. The eyes should be bright and shiny, not dull and sunken. The gills should have the redness around them. These are all signs of freshness. Another sign that your fish is not fresh is that when you take your finger and press the flesh the indentation remains. Fresh fish will not do this.

When you bring your fish home, use it within two days. Fish deteriorates very quickly. Much quicker than beef or chicken, so make sure that when you use it, it's almost right away. Your health is very important so feed your body and be safe.

Now if you are one of the millions of avid fisherman and prefer boating and catching your own fish, then freshness is generally not a problem if you follow some basic rules. It's quite simple. Ice! Whether you have a fishing boat or pleasure craft, all boats can have an ice packed cooler. So bring home the catch, put on a hot frying pan or turn on the grill and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Freshness is the most important thing about your next aquatic culinary meal and your family will love it.

How can you tell when your fish is cooked? The most common mistake is over cooking. When the fish changes color and it is uniform all the way through, it is done. Don't go a minute more. You will make a rubbery mess. You want your fish to maintain it's moisture and you can do that with vegetable oil or butter. Below is a great example of a moisture rich fish recipe.

2 1/2 pounds red snapper fillet with the skin
Salt and pepper
1 tablespoon seafood seasoning blend
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, crushed
1/2 cup white wine
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes or regular tomatoes chopped
(if you like anchovies you can add them)
1 quart chicken stock fresh or from a container from your supermarket
1 loaf crusty bread

Season the fish with salt, pepper and seafood seasoning. Heat a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add extra-virgin olive oil & garlic. Add snapper, skin side down and cook for 3 minutes or till golden brown then flip the fish for further cooking. Add wine then add chopped tomatoes and stir in chicken stock. Stir the mixture gently so you do not break up the fish. Bring the broth to a simmer and cook another 3 to 5 minutes to combine the flavors.

Serve the fish in bowls with lots of broth. Serve with plenty of crusty bread. Enjoy!

About the author

Philip G. Jones
http://www.adventure-boating.com

Philip is an author researcher and is dedicated to providing information, resources, news, books and articles for you to examine and process. Adventure Boating

In The News:


pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


Chumming and Plankton Fish Catching Tips

In night fishing 95% of success is determined before your... Read More

Update Alaska: News From The Front

Stopped into The Fishin' Hole the other day, which happens... Read More

Fishing The Henrys Fork....Bobs Secret Hole...

Meanwhile back at the Yurt...Having been humbled by "Hank's" famous... Read More

Back To Fish School....Baitfish 101

Class Is In Session.... Baitfish 101Okay.So you would think that... Read More

There Is Bass In The Grass

Did you ever plan that fishing trip to the big... Read More

Are You Interested in Alaska Trout Fishing?

For those of you that don't know, Alaska trout fishing... Read More

Further North to Alaska

With the excitement of my first trip to Alaska still... Read More

The Hendrickson Mayfly

Mayflies are essential to trout fly fishing. There are still... Read More

We Can Put A Fish On The Moon

This aint exactly rocket scientry boys...I picked up a copy... Read More

Spinnerbait Fishing Tactics for Spotted Bay Bass

Like most fishermen my age I originally learned about spinnerbait... Read More

On The Road...With Jack Karpawack

Jack Karpawack here.I've taken to the road...Life can be simple,and... Read More

Swordfishing Fort lauderdale Style

I was laying down on the bow of the boat... Read More

Challenges of Nymph Fly Fishing

When nymph fly fishing, the angler is imitating the juvenile... Read More

Fishing The Henrys Fork - Box Canyon

It is easy to get intimidated by world class rivers.I... Read More

Trout Fishing Techniques

One of the most popular trout fishing techniques is called... Read More

Surf Fishing The Outer Banks of North Carolina

My first experience surf fishing was with my father on... Read More

Dry Fly Techniques

Dry fly angling is at the top of any fly... Read More

Anglers Who Want Quality Equipment at a Reasonable Price Need the Garmin 160 Fish Finder

The Garmin 160 Fish Finder has some big advantages over... Read More

Techniques of Wet Fly Fishing

Many anglers who are new to fly fishing consider dry... Read More

Find and Catch Those Pesky Fish with a Garmin 240 Fish Finder

Garmin 240 Fish Finder Depthfinder with Transducer - a reviewThe... Read More

Teaching a Kid to Fish

Teaching a kid to fish does not have to be... Read More

Eel And Eelskin Lures

Eel and eelskin lures are used mostly in saltwater to... Read More

The Low Down On Worms

We all know that plastic worms are one of the... Read More

Bass Fishing - Recreation or Obsession?

First of all, we need to look at the word... Read More

Do You Know How To Clean A Fish?

Now that you have caught your dream fish, do you... Read More

Grandpas Pond

We can learn alot from kids.Last Friday, which incidently was... Read More

Saltwater Fishing Tips

Get Rid Of SharksSharks buggin' you? To get rid of... Read More

Fancy Catching Something Slightly Different? How About an Angler Fish?

The true Angler Fish lives in both shallow and deep... Read More

The Peanut Butter and Jelly Paradox (PB&JP)

I started keeping a fishing calendar this past year. My... Read More

The Way Of A Bass Fisherman With a Fly Rod And The Way Of A Bass With A Fly

-----SIDEBAR------------------------------------------Older fly fishing classics contain a wealth of knowledge for... Read More

Monster Hunt: Ledge Lunker Blues Part I

Originally published in Procats Online MagazineSummertime angling for trophy-sized blue... Read More

Fishing Equipment Tips

Cheap SinkersSpark plugs make excellent disposable sinkers. Need some cheap... Read More

Fish Cooking Basics - How to Transform Those Fish You Just Caught into a Wonderful Seafood Dinner

Fish Cooking Basics I must admit that I... Read More