Most fish is widely available year round. However, most of the fish you find in the grocery store mid-winter has not been swimming in the last few weeks. In most cases, it was caught or farmed and then preserved until the time of sale.
This fall, don't settle for old or frozen out-of-season fish. Eat salmon, Pollock and other fish species that are in season in fall and winter. Here's what to look for, how to spot the best filets and a few recipes to get you started.
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Fall Fish on the West Coast
- Albacore Tuna
- Swordfish
- King Crab
- Pacific Bay Shrimp
- Chinook/King Salmon
You can find fresh cod, flounder, snapper, perch and sea scallops year round.
Fall Fish on the East Coast
- Calicos
- Sea scallops
- Mussels
- Mackerel
- Pollock
More: 5 Simple Fish Recipes
Tips for Buying Fresh
Purchase from a reputable seller, likely at a local market or seafood shop, for the freshest fish.
Look for gills that are deep red in color. This means it's only been out of the water for a few hours. The rest of the fish should be uniform in color.
Always ask about the age of the fish or smell it. A fresh fish will have a briny scent, not "fishy."
