How to tell that fish is fresh: five simple checks
October 28, 2026 – Fiskskaldjur
Fresh fish should smell of the sea, not of "fish". Use these five checks whether you buy at the market, in a shop or online.
1. Smell
Fresh fish smells clean, like the sea or cucumber. A sharp, sour or ammonia smell means it is no longer fresh.
2. Eyes (whole fish)
Clear, bulging, shiny eyes are a good sign. Cloudy or sunken eyes show age. Our whole turbot is chosen at the auction for exactly this kind of quality.
3. Gills (whole fish)
Bright red or pink gills are fresh; brown or grey gills are not.
4. Firmness
Press the flesh gently: it should spring back. Soft flesh that keeps the dent is past its best.
5. Skin and fillet appearance
Skin should be shiny and moist, scales tight. A fillet should look translucent and moist, without dried edges, brown patches or gaping flakes.
Keeping it fresh
Keep fish at 0–2 °C and cook it within the time stated on the product page. See how to store fresh fish and storage times. Our own approach: from the Gothenburg fish auction to your table.
Order by Monday 22:00 for delivery on Friday (CHF 29) or pickup in Zollikon or Morges. See delivery and the FAQ.
Allergens: fish.
