Most Spanish supermarkets offer all kinds of frozen fish. But many consumers wonder where to find the best fresh fish. The Spanish consumer organisation OCU conducted research at 38 supermarkets to come up with a recommendation.
For the survey, OCU asked for the opinion of 4,000 consumers, who assessed the supply, quality and price of fresh fish.
According to the study, you can buy the best fish at Costco, the American chain that has only four stores in Spain. The score obtained was 93 out of 100, i.e. the highest of all the chains analyzed. The Catalan supermarket chain Esclat finished second with a score of 88 out of 100.
Poor scores
The survey also showed which supermarkets scored the worst. Although these chains are a lot better known to the average Spaniard, the score is significantly lower. Aldi, Lidl and Covirán scored the worst, the latter with 55 out of 100 points.
Here’s what to look out for when buying fresh fish
It is important to look at the brightness and shine of the eyes, the intense color of the gills and the shine of the scales. The abdomen should be soft and without tears when touched, the gills should be moist to the touch, and the scales should have visible relief. If you buy fillet, take a good look at the shine. Low shine and a strong odor may indicate that the fish is not fresh.
How to store fresh fish
It is important to keep the fish fresh after purchase. Health authorities recommend storing the fish in the refrigerator immediately, preferably in tightly closed bags or containers. It is also good to freeze the fish for at least three days before use. The advice is not to keep the fish in the freezer for more than three months. You can safely defrost the fish by chilling it with cold water or in the microwave.
Fish and health
Seafood and fish are considered foods with high nutritional value because they contain high-quality protein. In addition, they contain polyunsaturated fatty acids such as Omega 3 and important vitamins and minerals. Eating fish is also associated with a better condition of the heart and blood vessels in adults. In addition, it is good for the development of the brain and eyes in children.
Also read: The best supermarkets in Spain
