South Australia is blessed with some of the finest seafood in the world, and at The Fish
Factory, we’re proud to be a part of that story. From the moment we catch it to when it
lands on your kitchen bench, we’re committed to delivering the best our oceans have to
offer. As experts who handle fresh fish every single day, we know a thing or two about
what truly fresh seafood looks and feels like.

For many home cooks and seafood lovers, knowing how to spot the freshest catch can be
a bit of a mystery. We’re here to demystify the process and share our top tips. By following
these simple signs, you can be confident you’re bringing home a quality product that
tastes as good as it looks.

The Eyes Have It: Your First Clue

When you’re at the counter, your first point of inspection should always be the fish’s eyes.
A truly fresh fish will have eyes that are clear, bright, and slightly bulging. They should
look alive and vibrant. Avoid any fish with cloudy, sunken, or dull-looking eyes. As fish
ages, the eyes are often the first part to lose their lustre, so they are a fantastic initial
indicator of freshness.

Gills, Skin, and Scent

Next, take a look at the gills. If you’re able to, ask your fishmonger to show you. The gills
of a fresh fish should be a vibrant red or pink colour and appear clean. If they are brown,
grey, or have a slimy texture, the fish is likely past its prime.

The skin of the fish should also be bright, shiny, and have a natural lustre. The scales
should be intact and difficult to remove. When you gently press the flesh with your finger, it
should be firm and spring back immediately. If the indentation remains, it’s a sign that
the fish is not fresh.
And finally, the smell. This is the big one. Fresh fish should not have a strong, “fishy”
odour. Instead, it should smell clean, like a fresh ocean breeze or saltwater. A strong,
unpleasant smell is a clear indication that the fish is past its best.

Why We Stand By Our Freshness

At The Fish Factory, we eliminate the guesswork, we catch and process our own seafood
and this means we have complete control over the entire supply chain. Our team is trained
to handle every fish with the utmost care, ensuring that it remains in peak condition from
the ocean to your plate.

When you shop with us, you’re not just buying seafood, you’re buying confidence. You can
see the quality for yourself, knowing that it’s been handled by a team that lives and
breathes fresh, South Australian seafood. So next time you’re looking for the best catch,
remember these simple tips, and visit us at The Fish Factory to see and taste the
difference for yourself.
Visit Our Seafood Retail Store at 248-250 Grand Junction Road, Athol Park SA
Call us on – 8341 1538