How To Buy Fresh Seafood?
It is often more challenging to buy seafood than cooking it. That is the reason why more than 2/3 of all the seafood is consumed in restaurants. Because of the fact that people are apprehensive about buying one is the main reason why they feel hesitant to buy and prepare seafood at their home. The good thing is, there are a number of things that can be taken into consideration when buying seafood similar to fish, oysters, crabs and so on.
Fresh fish – fresh and unfrozen fish often smells like cucumber or seawater. They are giving off objectionable and strong odor. Finfish should have elastic and firm flesh that’s unmarred since any exposed flesh will appear freshly cut without drying out or traces of browning. The skin has to be moist along with unfaded characteristic markings and colors of that species.
Say that the fish has scales, then they should stick closely to the skin and at the same time, should not look ruffled or dry. As you buy fish, it is highly recommended that you cook them within 2 days of your purchase as this is where the fish’s quality and freshness is maintained. In case that you can’t do so, it will be better if you would refrigerate them with temperature at least 32 to 34 degrees Fahrenheit.
Oysters – you can easily know that oysters are fresh when sold in the shell or shucked. If bought in the shell, the oysters should be alive, which can notice easily if the shells are tightly close when handled. Live oysters are sold either by dozen or by bag containing around one bushel. Live oysters stay alive for the next 7 to 10 days if it’s stored without ice in fridge at temperature of 35 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Shucked oysters on the other hand are graded and are sold according to its size, usually in gallons or pints. Fresh shucked oysters should have a clear liquid and natural creamy color. They can maintain their freshness and quality as well for at least a week if it is handled and packed properly in ice in the fridge.
Crab – fresh hard shelled crabs are being sold either as cooked meat usually pasteurized or fresh or alive. If you purchase live crabs, make sure that they show movements. Fresh soft shell crabs ought to be free of odor and have a moist appearance. When buying frozen soft shell blue crabs, be sure that they’re solidly frozen. Crabmeat that’s either pasteurized or fresh has mild odor and should be eaten within 1 to 2 days of purchase. If packed in ice in the fridge, they’re more likely to maintain quality better.
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