Don't Know How To Buy Fish? Use These Easy Tips And You Are Sorted!

Don't know how to buy fish and which fish you should truly have in your diet? Don't fret, we have your back like always. We have listed the fish types and some tips on how you should pick your fish without getting fooled in the market. 

Indian Freshwater Fish

• Rohu: Rohu is found in rivers of the Indian subcontinent. It is a large silver coloured fish very commonly eaten in India and considered a delicacy in Bhojpur.
• Catla: Catla is commonly found in rivers and lakes of India and Mrigal carp is the only surviving wild population in the Cauvery river.
• Hilsa: This fish is popular in India especially West Bengal, Odisha, Tripura, Assam and Andhra Pradesh.
• Pulasa Fish: Godavari river Pulasa fish, found mostly in Andhra Pradesh, is the tastiest and costliest of all fish found in India. 
• Trout: Trout are closely related to salmon and can be found in the Himalayan Region of India. The good thing about the fish found here is that they are rich in German Brown and the Rainbow Trout found here require a special permit from the state government. Here you are allowed to go fishing but you have to release it that very moment as well. So no eating. Sorry!  

Don't Miss: These Bengali Fish Curry Recipes Will Stir Your Soul, Leave You Craving For More!

Indian Sea Fish 

• Nethili: This one is a small species which is also used as live or dead bait in tuna fishery. It is often made with coconut milk.
• Rawas: Found a lot in Maharashtra and Gujarat, Rawas occurs in shallow muddy bottoms and coastal waters. It is not only tasty but is also a favourite of chefs.
• Bhetki: Extremely popular in Bengal, this one is famous in Thai cuisine as well. It is one of the most expensive fish and is a part of the Goan cuisine and Bengali cuisine.
• Butter Fish/Pomfret: Found in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, the family of butterfish are an important food source for fishetarians.
• Surmai: This one is found in the Indian Ocean. It is considered a delicacy in most place of the Indian subcontinent.
• Bombay Duck: This is a lizardfish that lives in the areas of the Indo Pacific. It looks strange but is extremely popular especially in Maharashtra. 

This was your basic knowledge, a need-to-know-guide to what different variety of fish you get, now let's get started with how to buy it and how not to get fooled.

How To Buy Fish

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

A fishy affair! (Garia fish market, morning scene) . #fish #fishlovers #fishmarket #morningscenes #bengal #kolkata #bengalisoul #bangaliana #fishislove #kolkatastories #kolkatagram #thingstodoinkolkata #keepcalmandeatfish #randomshots #mypixeldairy #casualstroll #pomfret #buyingfish #shutterbug #clickeverything #photography

A post shared by Paromita Bose (@parosimagery) onFeb 11, 2019 at 6:42pm PST

• Go to a vendor who has a good reputation for starters. 
• You have to first ask what was the catch of the day and which one is the freshest.
• Check out the gills, they should be red. But, the catch here is that often fishmongers apply food colour on those areas to cheat you. 
• The flesh should be firm and shiny and should bounce back when you touch it. If not, well there is your tell 'tail' sign. 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

Checklist that summarises the main points to look for when choosing fish! Choose from more than 100 varieties of fishes , prawns , crabs , available at Supreme Seafood . Checklist that summarises the main points to look for when choosing fish! Choose from more than 100 varieties of fishes , prawns , crabs , available at Supreme Seafood . Call 044-66442222 or 9171072896 to place your order for fresh , live and exotic seafood #supreme #seafood #fish #exotic #buyingfish #fishbuyingtips #chennai #fresh #chennaiblogger #chennaifoodie #chennaifoodguide.

A post shared by @ supreme_seafood onOct 8, 2018 at 9:48am PDT

• You have to sniff the fish. If it is a fresh fish then it should not smell 'fishy'. Yes, you read that right! It should actually smell like a fresh ocean breeze! Interesting right? 
• Now, the term fresh fish can be deceiving at times. Most landlocked areas mostly sell fish which is thawed or frozen.
• Check the eyes. If the head is on, fresh fish should have clear eyes, there should be no cloudiness, also, they should bulge a little. 
• If the backbone of your fish has come off too easily, well your fish vendor is certainly not selling fresh fish. When you have a fresh fish on your table, you should be struggling a bit to get the backbone off a fresh fish. 

• Now the gills again. Thy should be wet and not slimy or dry.  
• Check cuts of fish. If you like fish fillets and steaks, then they should be moist and the colour should also be fresh and not changed.  
• For fillet lovers again, your steaks should have flesh separation and gaps. If the meat separates from itself it's not fresh.
• Your chosen fish should not be discoloured from any edge and should not be spongy, all these are signs that your fish is old.