A Guide to Talking Seafood: 7 Questions to Ask Your Fishmonger

Shopping for seafood can sometimes feel overwhelming - there are so many options, species, and sustainability considerations to navigate.

The good news?

Your local fishmonger is a wealth of knowledge and can help you make informed decisions.

Here are ten essential questions to ask your fishmonger to ensure you bring home the freshest and most sustainable seafood!

1. "How do you recommend I cook this?"

Fishmongers often know the best way to bring out the flavour of each type of seafood. Whether grilling, pan-searing, baking, or steaming, they’ll share tips tailored specifically to your chosen seafood.

Tip: Don’t hesitate to ask for simple preparation methods or recipes. Most fishmongers love sharing their favourite cooking tips!

2. "How much seafood should I buy per person?"

Fishmongers can advise you on portion sizes based on your recipe and the number of guests. This helps avoid waste and ensures your guests leave satisfied.

Tip: Typically, allow 150-200g of fish fillet per person or about 300-500g for whole fish.

3. "What's the best way to store this seafood?"

Proper storage can significantly impact the flavour and freshness of your seafood. Your fishmonger can provide specific advice for storing in your fridge or freezer.

Tip: Fresh seafood generally keeps best stored on ice or in airtight containers in the coldest part of your fridge (below 5°C).

4. "Can you fillet, skin, or prepare this seafood for me?"

If you’re short on time or prefer not to handle preparation at home, your fishmonger can usually prepare seafood exactly how you’d like it.

Tip: Take advantage of these free or affordable services - your seafood will be professionally prepared, saving you time and effort in the kitchen.

5. "How sustainable is this seafood choice?"

Sustainability varies widely between species and fishing methods. Asking about sustainability helps ensure you make environmentally conscious choices.

Tip: Look for seafood certified by sustainability programs such as MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) or ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council).

6. "When did this seafood arrive?"

Freshness is key, and knowing when seafood was delivered to your retailer provides valuable context on its freshness level.

Tip: Seafood is usually freshest within 24-48 hours after delivery, so ask your fishmonger to point you toward the latest arrivals.

7. "Can this seafood be eaten raw?"

Not all seafood is suitable for sashimi or ceviche. Always check with your fishmonger if you plan to eat it raw or lightly cooked.

Tip: Fishmongers will suggest sushi-grade seafood or certain species, like salmon or tuna, that are best suited to raw preparations.

Bonus Tip:

Establishing a friendly relationship with your fishmonger means you’ll always get valuable insights, great recommendations, and sometimes even a first pick of the freshest catches!