Gardening Basics

Seafood Safety in Your Home

Posted by KC Kudra

There is nothing quite so exquisite as fresh shellfish or fish, piping hot and prepared excellently. Whether you are trying out a grilled lobster recipe or a baked tilapia recipe, you need to remember to cook for safety as well as for flavor. There are frequent warnings about food contamination so it can sometimes be difficult to relax and enjoy your fish dinner. As long as you are well informed, you will find that fish safety is easier that you thought. A little knowledge about fish and seafood safety means you can continue enjoying your baked fish recipes to your heart’s content.

When you buy fish at the farmer’s market or supermarket, examine the fish well. Fresh shellfish and fish do not smell. If the fish smells oily or fishy, choose a different one. The eyes on a fresh fish are clear and protrude a bit. Staler fish have sunken or cloudy eyes. The skin around the eyes should not be yellow or brown. The fish’s flesh must be firm and shiny and the gills should not have discharge in them. If you have any doubts about a fish, do not buy it.

When you are grocery shopping to create your baked fish recipes, ensure the fish counter is the last place you visit. The less time your fish is exposed to room temperature, the better. Ask the cashier to double-bag the fish and pack it away from other foods. This ensures the juices of the fish do not spill on to other food and contaminate it.

When making your baked fish recipes at home, keep the knives and cutting board you use for the fish away from the vegetables, unless they have been washed with hot, soapy water first. Some people prefer to use different cutting boards and knives for fish, meat, and vegetables, to avoid any risk of contamination.

Never put cooked food on an unwashed plate that has had raw poultry, meat, or fish on. The bacteria from this might contaminate the cooked food. You can use a food thermometer to tell you with complete accuracy whether your food is safe to eat or not. You cannot tell by sight or smell alone.

Raw seafood is popular, in some places more than others are. Do you enjoy raw oysters in the half shell or Japanese sushi or sashimi? There is always an inherent risk with raw seafood, no matter how professional the presentation appears. People with liver disorders or weakened immune systems or pregnant woman have a higher risk for these problems. Be aware of the facts and choose wisely.

There is no reason at all not to enjoy your baked fish recipes, grilled fish recipes, tilapia recipes or whatever kind of fish recipes you fancy trying out. Just remember the tips and precautions and your fish recipe meal should turn out great!

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