Choosing the freshest fish for your health

MANILA, Philippines - Fish will always rank as the healthiest choice around, vis-à-vis meat (pork, beef, chicken). In fact it’s so healthy that even its own fat is found to help in preventing heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and stroke. 

Studies show that regular consumption of fish can help alleviate arthritis, improve learning abilities among children, control weight more effectively, and assuage depression.

With so many health benefits, it only makes sense to cook the freshest fish you can find. Now, unless you live next to the ocean where you can catch your own fish, the supermarket is your best bet in acquiring a fresh batch of seafood. Fishta, a subsidiary of Santeh Feeds Corp, the leading producer of aquafeeds in the Philippines, offers the freshest seafood in leading supermarkets like Robinsons Supermarket (Metro East, Mandaluyong, Pulilan, Ermita, Galleria, Congressional), Puregold Supermarkets (Sucat, Shaw, Sta. Mesa, Libertad, Valenzuela, Novaliches, Monumento, Parañaque), and Waltermart Supermarkets (North Edsa, Sta. Maria).

Fishta’s seafood is as fresh as they come since they are harvested direct from aquatic farmers. Fishta products are what its general manager, Helen Reyes, describes as “live from the sea,” which means they’re kept in their fresh state for as long as possible — from the time they’re harvested to the time they’re displayed on a supermarket tray.

So how do you pick out fresh fish in the supermarket unless it’s alive and swimming in an aquarium? Reyes gives these top tips:

• It’s all in the eyes. Freshly caught fish will have clear eyes that are slightly bulging. A fish that has been stored for a week or more, however, will have cloudy, dull (even red) eyes. Though safe to eat, these fish are past their prime.

• Check the skin. The skin of fresh fish should have a clean, metallic shine to it. Discoloration, brown or yellow edges, and a spongy consistency are all signs of an aging fish.

• Go ahead and smell it. Contrary to popular belief, fish shouldn’t smell “fishy.” Well, at least fresh fish shouldn’t. Instead, it should smell a bit like seawater or nothing at all. Avoid purchasing bad-smelling fish because not even cooking will improve it. 

• Touchy-feely. The flesh of fresh fish should feel firm and bounce back when you press your finger to it. Fish that has been stored for several weeks will have slimy, dull skin.

• Watch for the gills. If the fish is whole, the gills should be bright red/pink and wet, not slimy or dry.

• Is there liquid on the fish? If you answered “yes,” then that liquid should be clear, not milky. If you see the latter, don’t buy the fish because it’s in its first stage of rot.