As a seafood enthusiast, you may be tempted to skip straight over the meat section and head straight for the fish counter in your local grocery store. But not all seafood is created equal – preparation and storage methods can have an effect on flavor as well as health benefits. Luckily, sustainable and healthy fish and shellfish options can usually be found at most supermarkets – it just requires knowing what to look out for when shopping!

What to Look For

A fresh piece of seafood should smell clean and pleasant; any strong or foul smell indicates it has passed its peak and has started spoiling. In comparison, fresh fish has an appealing briny aroma reminiscent of the sea while spoilt ones will have pungent, sour or ammonia-like odors which are far less desirable.

Eyes on whole fish or fillet should also be clear and bright, and the skin firm and springy. In contrast, shrimp eyes should appear plump and shiny; any sign that their eyes have become dry indicates they no longer remain fresh.

Shrimp, mussels and clams can also be tested by performing a simple tap test to ascertain their health status. When you clap on their shells when tapping them, they should close and show leg movement when alive; live clams and oysters may even show leg movements when still active kicking away!

Finally, it’s always wise to inquire with the fishmonger about where and when the seafood was caught or raised. In general, it’s preferable to purchase seafood caught or raised in America, Canada, Iceland or New Zealand in order to support jobs within your own nation and protect the environment while purchasing seafood from countries like Thailand or Indonesia is often loaded with chemicals and pesticides that harm both people and nature alike.

How to Store Seafood

It is crucial that any seafood that has been purchased be placed directly onto ice immediately, until cooking begins, in order to reduce bacteria that could potentially cause food poisoning. Cooked seafood should also be displayed separately from raw products using display cases or dividers so as to prevent cross-contamination of both types. Any seafood stored in a refrigerator must also be kept in an airtight, clean container for at least two hours after purchase and no direct sunlight or warm temperatures should come into contact with it during this period.

With proper preparation and careful attention to flavor, even small adjustments to your seafood recipes can yield big dividends in terms of quality and taste. By following these tips, you can ensure delicious yet healthy seafood purchases both from grocery stores and beyond!