How can you tell if seafood is fresh?

Determining the freshness of seafood is crucial for both safety and flavor. A mild smell and firm texture are key indicators of fresh seafood. Fresh fish typically has a clean, ocean-like aroma rather than a strong fishy smell; a strong odor suggests that the seafood is not fresh. Furthermore, the texture of fresh fish should be firm to the touch, indicating that the flesh is still robust and has not started to decompose. When seafood has a soft and mushy texture, it often indicates spoilage and a loss of quality. Bright colors can be appealing and sometimes indicative of freshness, but they can also be misleading if not considered in combination with smell and texture. Therefore, a mild smell and firm texture are the most reliable signs of freshness in seafood.