How to Buy Fresh Seafood in Minneapolis

Fresh seafood can be found in Minneapolis.

Most people do not think of fresh seafood when they think of Minneapolis. With the city being in the middle of Minnesota, it can be hard to find fresh, high-quality fish. However, there is one Minneapolis market where chefs and home cooks alike can find a wide variety of fresh fish and other seafood.

Things You'll Need

• Car or bus fare
• Shopping money

Instructions

1. Drive or take the bus to Coastal Seafoods at 2330 Minnehaha Avenue South in the Seward neighborhood of Minneapolis. The Route 22 bus stops at the corner of Cedar Avenue South and East Franklin Avenue. From there it's a 5-minute walk to the store.

2. Enter the Coastal Seafoods market and peruse the varieties of fresh fish that are available. Most fish is flown in fresh daily. Typical varieties include Bristol Bay king crab, opah steaks, St. Brendan's Irish organic salmon, bay scallops and laughing bird shrimp.

3. Ask the store attendant when the fish you have chosen arrived in the store, and what its origins are. You'll want to know everything possible about the quality and freshness of the fish before you buy it. It's best to buy fish that was flown in that day.

4. Visually inspect the fish for signs of freshness. Look for bright, clear eyes in whole fish, as well as a clean, metallic appearance. Lean in and actually smell the fish you want to buy. Fresh fish will smell simply like fresh water, or salt water. If you detect a bad smell, don't buy it.

5. Ask the attendant to wrap your fish with a little ice so it will stay cold on your trip home. If you prefer to have it delivered, the market can provide a courier service to bring your fish to you. Cost varies by distance to your home.

References

• Coastal Seafoods Fresh Fish Market
• FDA: Fresh and Frozen Seafood: Selecting and Serving it Safely
• Yelp: Fresh Fish in Minneapois, MN