how do I choose good fresh salmon?

Answer 1

If buying whole fish :

Moist, and even slippery, skin
A shiny skin with firmly attached scales (If Unscaled) and bright coloring
Bright red, moist gills
Firm flesh, which bounces back when touched
Crystal clear eyes - not sunken into the surrounding skin
A fresh smell

Or if you prefer fillets or steaks:

Firm flesh
Clear white or red color, depending on the variety of fish
Even coloring
Moist appearance
A fresh smell

If you are unaccustomed to picking and buying fish - don't be afraid to ask questions - it's your dinner, and you deserve good quality fresh fish! Most good fish markets have staff that are eager to answer questions -
Don't buy anything more than one day or at most a couple of days old, especially if you don't plan to cook it that night. Pick fish that are blemish-free with the outside skin being neither slick nor soggy. Fresh fish should be firm and the flesh should spring back when touched. The fish should smell subtly of the water from which it came. If it has a strong "fishy" smell, it is not fresh and not for you. Ask at the counter when the fish came in.

Make sure that the skin is free of any dark blemishes. The tail should not be dried out, brittle or curled. Ask the counter person to fillet and portion it for you, no matter the form, avoid seafood that has been in a display case for extended periods, even if it is on ice. If you are unsure ask if there is more in the back. If there isn't fresh fish available buying fish that has been frozen at sea is your next best alternative.

Answer 2

make sure that it had a firm feel to it. there should be little or no "fishy smell", and it should feel clean to the touch, it should not feel slimy or have a film on it.....

Answer 3

Okay, if it smells fishy, DON"T buy it!!! No really it should'nt be slimy, or smell too fishy.

Answer 4

firm to the touch, and has to have a bright color