Buying Seafood

Fresh Caught Seafood

Today’s state-of-the-art technology is often used to freeze a fresh catch. The process, known as “flash freezing,” ensures superior freshness and flavor. Freshly caught seafood is frozen on ship to temperatures of -60 F and then processed into fillets or steaks. Once thawed, the flavor and freshness is identical to freshly caught.

Farm-Raised Seafood

Fish farming, also known as “aquaculture,” is a growing source of seafood. Much of the seafood consumed today is farm-raised. Farm-raised fish live in the cleanest of waters, and their diet is scientifically formulated for flavor and texture. Processing of farm-raised fish is extremely quick and reliable, ensuring freshness and quality. At Price Chopper we offer a large variety of farm-raised seafood.

How You Should Buy Seafood

Buying fresh seafood is easy as long as you know the characteristics that indicate seafood freshness. Always look for the following:

• A fresh, sea breeze aroma.
• Steaks and fillets with firm, elastic flesh that springs back when gently touched and that retain true color (e.g. haddock-white, salmon-orange).
• Clams, mussels and oysters with tightly closed shells. (If shells gape slightly, tap with a knife. If they don’t close, discard.)
• Shucked clams, mussels and oysters that is plump. Make sure the liquid is clear and slightly opalescent.
• Live lobsters and crabs should show leg movement and lobster’s tail should curl tightly under its body when picked up.
• Shrimp should be firm and moist, with translucent shells.