Tips for Buying Fish: 9 Things to Look For

Whether you’re a seasoned chef crafting a gourmet dish or a home cook looking to expand your menu, understanding what to look for when buying fish can make all the difference.

9 Tips for Buying Fish

Here’s what to look out for when buying fish, along with why Greendale should be your go-to source.

Smell Test

One of the most important tips for buying fish: fresh fish should have a clean, ocean-like scent. Avoid any fish that smells sour or has an ammonia-like odour. A fresh, pleasant smell is a clear indicator that the fish is still in prime condition.

At Greendale, we ensure that every catch is as fresh as possible, often arriving at our fish counter within hours of leaving the sea, so you can trust you're getting the best.

Clear Eyes

For whole fish, the eyes should be bright, clear, and slightly bulging. Cloudy or sunken eyes are signs of fish that’s past its prime. Our fish at Greendale come straight from our own fleet, ensuring top-notch quality.

Firm Flesh

Press gently on the fish; the flesh should spring back quickly. Mushy or soft spots indicate that the fish isn’t fresh and may not be suitable for consumption. Fresh fish should feel firm and resilient, ensuring it has been properly handled and stored.

Shiny Skin

Fresh fish should have shiny, moist skin that reflects light, a sign of health and freshness. Dry, flaky, or dull skin is a red flag that the fish may be older or improperly stored. Healthy skin also preserves the fish’s natural flavours, contributing to a better eating experience.

Check the Gills

Bright red or pink gills are a sure sign of freshness, indicating the fish is still at its best. Brown or grey gills, on the other hand, suggest the fish is no longer fresh and may have begun to deteriorate.

Look for Ice

This is one of the most under-utilised tips for buying fish.

Always look for seafood on ice to ensure the best quality when shopping, as fish displayed on clean ice stays fresher for longer, preserving its quality and flavour. This not only extends the fish’s shelf life, but also ensures that it retains its natural texture and taste.

At Greendale, we ensure our counters are well-maintained, keeping our seafood at the optimal temperature for freshness. Our ice is replaced regularly, so your seafood stays chilled, flavourful, and ready to enjoy.

Avoid Excessive Liquid

Pre-packaged fish should not have excessive liquid in the packaging, as it can be a sign of degradation. Too much liquid indicates that the fish may have been thawed and refrozen, impacting both texture and flavour. Always check for minimal liquid to ensure you’re getting the best quality.

Know the Season

Choosing fish that’s in season locally ensures better taste and sustainability. For example, summer is perfect for bass and carp, while winter is ideal for targeting pike.

Greendale’s commitment to the Responsible Fishing Scheme (RFS) means we align our operations with seasonal availability to protect marine ecosystems. By selecting seasonal fish, you're not only getting better quality, but also contributing to the preservation of our oceans.

Ask Questions

Don’t hesitate to ask questions when it comes to tips for buying fish—transparency is key.

Why Greendale Seafood is the Best

At Greendale, we’re committed to offering only the best to our customers. Our fishing fleet operates responsibly out of Exmouth, Brixham, and Newlyn, supplying us with a variety of fish from Westcountry waters. We follow strict fishing quotas and use low-emission engines to lessen our environmental impact.

Additionally, we’ve achieved Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) sustainability accreditation for our Cornish hake catch and are working toward certifying more fisheries.

Not only do we ensure sustainability, but we also work hard to minimise waste. By turning filleting offcuts into ready meals and utilising shells for bisques and stocks, we’re dedicated to making the most of every catch.

When you shop with Greendale, you’re not just getting fresh fish—you’re supporting a business that cares about quality, sustainability, and the environment. Visit our farm shop in Exeter, or order online to experience the Greendale difference for yourself.