How to Buy Fish for Sushi

Purchasing the freshest fish possible should be your goal when planning to make sushi.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Shop at markets that specialize in fish and have a good reputation for keeping fish fresh.

2. While shopping, inspect the market for cleanliness. If you notice a strong, pungent, fishy odor, avoid purchasing fish there.

3. Ask what days the market receives deliveries and try to purchase on those days.

4. Ask what days the market is closed. Avoid purchasing fish the day before the market closes.

5. Ask where the market obtained a particular fish and when it was received.

6. Look for a fish that is firm and has clear eyes.

7. Ask for cuts with the fewest number of blood vessels.

Tips & Warnings

• You can usually recognize blood vessels because they are dark in color.

• All fish, including seawater fish, may contain parasites. Although the risk is small, people at greater risk, including older people, small children and pregnant women, should be careful when eating raw fish. To kill the parasites, freeze the fish at -4 degrees F (-20 degrees C) for at least 24 hours. (This may be lower than your home freezer can get, so you will probably need to buy the fish prefrozen; ask your fishmonger.) The fish can then be thawed and used as sushi - and, in fact, your local sushi bar should be using fish frozen this way, as well.