Choosing fish for a healthy, balanced diet is the right move. They contain a lot of vital nutrients that are important in building us up to maximum fitness. Getting fresh fish is next to impossible in today’s cities - even if they’re right next to the coast. The next best option that we have is frozen fish. Frozen fish, when selected right, is high-quality, and is a convenient and sustainable option to buy, as it is available in grocery stores around us. The key point is ‘when selected right’. Choosing the best quality frozen fish can be a difficult task when you don’t know what you’re doing, but that’s exactly why we’re here.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing frozen fish.

1. Storage

When buying frozen, first examine the packaging. See that it completely encloses the fish and is not tampered with in any way. Ensure that there is no excessive ice formation, as this can indicate improper handling in some cases. Overall, the packaging should protect the fish from air exposure and it should be kept well refrigerated.

2. Appearance

It might be difficult to gauge the quality just based on appearance at first, but as time goes on, you’ll be able to identify the good fish from the bad ones just by looking at it. Discolouration and freezer burn are the first things that you’ve got to look for. The fish must look firm. Inspect the fish carefully to find signs of damage to the fish. If you can’t find anything, you’re good to go!

3. Smell

Fish that are frozen should not have that strong of an odour. Sure, it is fish and it will smell like one, but if it has an overly foul smell that’s reminiscent of ammonia, then it’s better to skip that particular fish. Fresh or frozen fish should smell mild, kind of like seawater.

4. Is it Trustworthy?

Now that it’s passed the eye test and smell test, the next thing to do is look at the labels. Check if the fish has any third-party certifications. If it does, then it means that the fish has been sourced sustainably and using ethical methods, determining that it is safe for you to buy. Also, look at the supplier and the reputation they hold in the industry. Companies that have a good track record of supplying high-quality fish rarely make a mistake.

By going through all these parameters, you’ll be able to make an informed decision on if your fish is of high quality.