How to Choose Fresh Fish for Daily Consumption

Kapanlagi.com - Fish is a source of protein and essential nutrients that are very beneficial for body health. The omega-3, vitamins, and minerals in fish can support growth, brain intelligence, and maintain heart health.

However, the optimal benefits from fish can only be obtained if we consume fish that is truly fresh and of good quality. Mistakes in choosing fish can pose a risk of food poisoning or other health issues.

According to Indonesian National Standard (SNI) 2729:2021, fresh fish has specific characteristics that can be recognized through several physical indicators. Understanding how to choose the right fresh fish will help you obtain quality food ingredients for your family.

1. Understanding Fresh Fish and Its Quality Standards

Fresh fish is fish that has just been caught or stored in conditions that maintain its natural freshness without undergoing the process of decay. Fish in this category has distinctive physical characteristics that are easy to recognize, ranging from the appearance of the eyes, gills, scales, to the texture of the flesh, which is still in optimal condition.

According to Standar Nasional Indonesia (SNI) 2729:2021 published by the National Standardization Agency, fresh fish is defined as finned fish that meets certain quality criteria. This standard includes parameters such as bulging and clear eyes, bright dark red gills, scales that adhere strongly, and flesh that is firm and elastic.

The quality of fresh fish is greatly influenced by the handling from the moment it is caught until it reaches the consumer. Fish that are not handled properly will quickly experience a decline in quality, marked by changes in color, texture, and the emergence of unpleasant odors. Therefore, understanding the quality standards of fresh fish is important for consumers.

Choosing the right fresh fish not only guarantees the deliciousness of the dish but also food safety for the family. Fish that is no longer fresh can be contaminated with harmful bacteria that can potentially cause food poisoning with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and even more serious health issues.

2. Checking the Condition of Fish Eyes

image by AI

The eyes of the fish are the first and easiest indicator to assess the freshness of the fish. The way to choose fresh fish can start by carefully observing the condition of the fish's eyes before deciding to buy.

1. Clear and Bright Eyes

Fresh fish have eyes that appear clear, bright, and shiny with a deep black center. The surface of the eyes looks moist and glossy, indicating that the fish has just been caught or stored properly.

2. Bulging Eye Shape

Fresh fish eyes will appear protruding or bulging out, not sunken in. When gently touched, the surface of the eyes feels firm and elastic, not soft or wrinkled.

3. No Color Change

The white part of fresh fish eyes remains a natural yellowish white, not reddish or grayish. Any color change in the eyes indicates that the fish has started to undergo decomposition.

4. Eyes Intact in Their Sockets

Fresh fish eyes are still intact and in their normal position, not sunken or detached from their sockets. This condition indicates that the fish has not suffered physical damage or been stored for too long.

5. Not Cloudy or Murky

Avoid buying fish with eyes that appear cloudy, murky, or covered with a white film. This condition is a clear sign that the fish is no longer fresh and should not be consumed.

3. Observing Color and Condition of Gills

The gills are the respiratory organs of fish that are very sensitive to changes in freshness. Checking the gills is one of the most accurate and reliable ways for consumers to choose fresh fish.

1. Bright Red Color

Fresh fish have gills that are bright dark red or fresh pink, similar to the color of fresh meat. This color indicates that the fish has just been caught and is still in prime condition for consumption.

2. Not Dark Colored

Avoid fish with gills that are brownish, blackish, or grayish. These color changes indicate that oxidation and decomposition have already occurred, thus the quality of the fish has drastically decreased.

3. Transparent Mucus

According to SNI 2729:2021, fresh fish gills produce a thin layer of mucus that is transparent or clear. This mucus serves to protect the gills and is a natural sign of the fish's freshness.

4. Not Cloudy Mucus

If the gills are already slimy with a cloudy, yellowish color, or have a sour smell, this is a sign that the fish is no longer fit for consumption. Cloudy mucus indicates that the growth of decomposing bacteria has occurred.

5. Intact Gill Texture

Fresh fish gills have a structure that is still intact and not separated. The way to choose fresh fish through the gills is by lifting the gill cover on the side of the fish's head and directly observing its condition.

4. Assessing Skin, Scales, and External Appearance

The external appearance of fish reflects its overall quality and freshness. Skin and scales that are in good condition indicate that the fish has been handled properly from the time it was caught until it is marketed.

1. Shiny and Bright Skin

Fresh fish has skin that appears shiny, bright, and brightly colored according to its type. The surface of the skin looks naturally moist and not dull or pale.

2. Scales Firmly Attached

Fresh fish scales are firmly attached to the fish's body and are difficult to remove even when held or rubbed gently. Scales that easily come off indicate that the fish has been stored for a long time or not handled properly.

3. No Spots or Wounds

Examine the surface of the fish's body to ensure there are no strange spots, wounds, or physical damage. Quality fish have a smooth and unblemished body surface.

4. Clear Surface Slime

Choosing fresh fish can also be done by observing the natural slime that coats the fish's body. Fresh fish has a thin layer of clear slime, not thick gray or yellowish slime.

5. Color Not Faded

The natural color of fresh fish remains clear and not faded. Fish that are no longer fresh will experience a change in color to a duller appearance and lose their natural shine.

5. Checking the Texture and Elasticity of Meat

The texture of the meat is an important indicator in determining the freshness of fish. Physical examination by pressing the fish meat can provide accurate information about the quality of the fish to be purchased.

1. Firm and Resilient Meat

Fresh fish meat feels firm, resilient, and elastic when pressed with a finger. This texture indicates that the protein structure of the meat is still in good condition and has not undergone deterioration.

2. Returns to Original Shape

When pressed with a finger, fresh fish meat will immediately return to its original shape without leaving a mark. This is a sign that the elasticity of the meat is still optimal and the fish is still very fresh.

3. Not Soft or Easily Crushed

Avoid fish with meat that feels soft, easily crushed, or leaves an indentation when pressed. This condition indicates that the decay process has begun and the fish is not suitable for consumption.

4. Tight Fish Belly

Choosing fresh fish also includes examining the belly of the fish. A fresh fish belly feels tight and firm, not soft or easily torn when pressed.

5. Brightly Colored Meat

Fresh fish meat has a bright and clear color according to its type. Dull, pale, or discolored meat indicates that the quality of the fish has declined.

6. Strong Muscle Fibers

According to SNI 2729:2021, fresh fish has strong and compact muscle fibers. An intact meat structure indicates that the fish has not undergone the process of autolysis or tissue breakdown.

6. Recognizing the Aroma and Smell of Fish

Aroma is a very important indicator of freshness that is often overlooked. The sense of smell can detect chemical changes in fish that are not visually apparent, making it an effective way to select fresh fish.

1. Fresh Sea Aroma

Fresh sea fish has a light and fresh sea aroma, not pungent. This aroma comes from natural compounds in the fish's body and is a sign of freshness.

2. Freshwater Aroma for Freshwater Fish

Fresh freshwater fish has a light freshwater aroma and does not smell muddy. A strong muddy smell indicates that the fish comes from unclean waters or has been stored for too long.

3. No Pungent Fishy Smell

Avoid fish with a very pungent or sharp fishy smell. An excessive fishy smell indicates that the fish has begun to decay due to bacterial and enzymatic activity.

4. No Sour or Rotten Smell

Fish that is no longer fresh will emit a sour, rotten, or ammonia-like smell. This odor is the result of protein decomposition and is a clear sign that the fish is not suitable for consumption.

5. Smell the Gills

An accurate way to select fresh fish is to smell the gills of the fish. Fresh fish gills do not have a pungent smell, while gills of fish that are no longer fresh will smell sour or rotten.

6. Don't Hesitate to Smell the Fish

Do not hesitate to bring the fish close to your nose before buying. Honest fishmongers will allow buyers to check the aroma of the fish to ensure its freshness.

7. Additional Tips and Ways to Store Fish

In addition to knowing how to choose fresh fish, it is also important to understand additional tips when shopping and how to store fish properly to maintain freshness until it is time for processing.

1. Choose a Clean Selling Place

Buy fish at a clean and hygienic place. The cleanliness of the selling place greatly affects the quality of the fish being sold. Avoid places that have many flies or poor sanitation conditions.

2. Pay Attention to Storage Methods at the Market

Choose fish that are stored on refrigerated shelves or on ice. Fish left at room temperature will quickly experience a decline in quality and spoilage.

3. Buy Fish in the Morning

The best time to buy fish is in the morning when the fish has just arrived from the auction or catch. Morning fish is generally fresher compared to afternoon fish.

4. Lift the Body of the Fish

A way to choose fresh fish can also be done by lifting the body of the fish. Fresh fish will feel firm and not limp when lifted, while fish that is not fresh will bend downwards.

5. Store in the Refrigerator Immediately

After purchasing, immediately store the fish in the refrigerator or freezer. Clean the scales and gut the fish first, then place it in a closed container or plastic before storing.

6. Do Not Store in Water

Avoid storing fish in water as it can accelerate spoilage. Store fish in a dry condition or wrapped in plastic to maintain freshness.

7. Use within 1-2 Days

Fresh fish should be processed within 1-2 days after purchase if stored in a regular refrigerator. For longer storage, place the fish in the freezer.

8.Pay Attention to the Liquid on Fish Fillet

For fish fillets, pay attention to the liquid that comes out. Clear and shiny liquid indicates the fish is still fresh, while liquid that is white like milk indicates the fish has started to rot.

8. FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

1.What are the main characteristics of fresh fish?

The main characteristics of fresh fish are clear and bulging eyes, bright red gills, scales that adhere firmly, firm and elastic flesh, and a fresh aroma typical of the sea or freshwater without a strong fishy smell. All these indicators must be met to ensure the fish is truly fresh and suitable for consumption.

2.How to check the freshness of fish through the gills?

The way to check the gills is by lifting the gill cover on the side of the fish's head. Fresh fish gills are bright dark red or pink, not brownish or black. The gills should also exude a thin transparent mucus, not cloudy mucus or a sour smell, which indicates the fish is no longer fresh.

3.Does fish that smells fishy mean it is not fresh?

Fresh fish has a light characteristic aroma, not a strong fishy smell. An excessive fishy smell indicates that the fish has started to decay due to bacterial activity. Fresh fish should only have the aroma of the sea or fresh water, so a pungent fishy smell is a sign that the fish is no longer fit for consumption.

4. How to test the elasticity of fish meat?

The way to test the elasticity of fish meat is by pressing the body of the fish with your index finger. Fresh fish meat will feel firm and will immediately return to its original shape after being pressed without leaving a mark. If the meat feels soft or the pressure mark does not return, it indicates that the fish is no longer fresh.

5. How long can fresh fish be stored in the refrigerator?

Fresh fish can be stored in a regular refrigerator for 1-2 days after purchase. For longer storage, the fish should be placed in the freezer after being cleaned and put into a closed container or plastic. Make sure the fish is not stored in water as it can accelerate the decay process.

6. What should be avoided when buying fish at the market?

Avoid buying fish with cloudy and sunken eyes, dark or slimy gills, easily shedding scales, soft flesh, and a strong fishy or rotten smell. Also avoid places that are not clean, have many flies, or where fish are not stored in a cold environment, as this can affect the quality and safety of the fish.

7. Is the SNI standard important in choosing fresh fish?

The SNI 2729:2021 standard is very important as a reference in choosing fresh fish because it provides clear and measurable quality parameters. This standard includes criteria for the eyes, gills, scales, flesh, texture, and smell of the fish that must be met to ensure food safety and nutritional quality. Following the SNI standard helps consumers obtain the best quality fish for their family's health.

(kpl/fed)