In France, fish is firmly part of everyday eating: 96% of people eat it, and 91% also enjoy shellfish and crustaceans, according to an Ifop poll for Ouest-France. At the fish counter, though, don’t rely solely on price or a glossy sheen. A fishmonger shares practical, ready-to-use pointers for judging quality when you buy. Appearance, eyes, smell, gills: four simple checks, broken down step by step, so you can fill your basket without costly mistakes.
Fish, a timeless French tradition
In France, fish has pride of place at the table. According to a 2024 Ifop survey, 96% of French people eat it regularly, and 57% have it at least once a week. This habit is rooted in a long tradition, but you still need to ensure its freshness at the time of purchase. With prices sometimes steep, choosing wisely is essential.
Why fish freshness matters so much
Truly fresh fish guarantees authentic flavor and impeccable food safety. Yet looks at the counter can be deceiving. Gleaming fillets alone don’t prove quality. A few details, easy to check, let you quickly tell whether the product is at its best.
A fishmonger’s 4 tips to get it right
To avoid unpleasant surprises, four simple, effective rules of thumb:
- Overall appearance: taut, glossy, slightly moist skin is a good sign. If it looks dull, dry, or shriveled, walk away.
- Eyes: clear, slightly bulging eyes signal freshness. Sunken or cloudy eyes give away a fish that’s several days old.
- Smell: you’re looking for a faint, clean sea scent. A strong or ammonia-like odor means it’s no longer fresh.
- Gills: they should be a bright, clean red with no browning. To the touch, steer clear of sticky or slimy gills.
With these cues, you’ll pick fish like a pro on your very next trip to the fishmonger.
Eating fish, a delicious and informed choice
Beyond freshness, fish and seafood offer valuable nutritional value. Philippe Etchebest recommends choosing seasonal fish for better flavor. To keep your budget in check, Laurent Mariotte suggests turning to lesser-known species, often more affordable and just as tasty.
Make these habits part of your shopping and you set yourself up for meals that are both delicious and balanced, from market to plate.
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