Blog, Seafood Blog

How to Spot Truly Fresh Fish (Before You Even Cook It)

OceanBox Seafood October 14, 2025

How to Spot Truly Fresh Fish

When it comes to seafood, freshness isn’t just about taste, it’s everything.

The difference between a bright, clean-tasting fillet and one that smells “fishy” often comes down to just a few hours.

At OceanBox, we hand-cut and ship our fish fresh, never frozen, so you can enjoy seafood the way it’s meant to taste.

But how can you tell if your fish is truly fresh before you start cooking? Here’s what to look for 👇

1. The Look

Fillets should have a natural sheen and glisten slightly.
Flesh should appear firm, translucent, and evenly colored (never grey or brown at the edges).
If the fish has skin, it should look shiny, not dry or slimy.

2. The Smell: Clean and Ocean-Like

Should smell like the ocean—clean and mild.
Strong odors mean it's past its peak.

3. The Texture: Firm and Resilient

Firm flesh that gently bounces back when pressed.
No mushy or soft spots.
Feels cool and slightly springy.

4. The Packaging

Fillets should be tightly sealed and well-chilled.
No excess liquid or air inside the package.
Labels should include a clear pack date or source.

5. The Taste

Flakes easily without falling apart.
Never sour, bitter, or overly salty.

🌊 Why Freshness Matters

-Buying fresh seafood isn’t just about flavor — it’s about nutrition, safety, and experience.
-Fresh fish retains more omega-3s, protein, and natural oils.
-It cooks more evenly and has better texture.
-And because it hasn’t been frozen or thawed, it’s safer from quality degradation.

The next time you shop for seafood, use these five cues: look, smell, texture, packaging, and taste, to tell what’s truly fresh. Once you learn to spot the difference, you’ll never go back.