Volantino

DISCOVERING SEAFOOD PRODUCTS CHALLENGE: recognizing whether fish is fresh seems complex. KNOW-HOW: it’s much simpler than you think. When buying fish products check that: 1 | the products are placed on a bed of ice which slows down their decay; 2 | the characteristics that indicate their freshness are evident: fish- moist and shiny skin, eyes bright and not sunken, red gills, pleasant smell; bivalve molluscs - reactive to stimuli, if alive, they keep their valves closed and resist being opened when out of water; 3 | the mandatory consumer information is available, e.g. for fresh fish: the trade name, the scientific name, the fishing or farming area, the fishing method, etc. CHALLENGE: the correct storage of fish guarantees the safety of the product. KNOW-HOW: when buying fresh fish , reduce transport times and use bags that maintain the temperature, especially in hotter weather. At home store the fish in the fridge (0-4°C) and eat within 1-2 days, otherwise clean and freeze it (-18°C). To defrost home-frozen fish store in the fridge, for other frozen fish follow the instructions on the label. Defrosted fish must be cooked before it can be frozen again. CHALLENGE: raw fish products are tasty, but are they safe? KNOW-HOW: raw fish products hide many pitfalls. Whether they are prepared at home or eaten at the restaurant, select trusted suppliers and restaurateurs because it is essential that fresh fish be correctly culled and stored while maintaining the “cold chain”. These raw foods are not recommended for pregnant women, children, the elderly and people with low immunity. Remember that it’s important to cook fish products properly! Shellfish like mussels and clams can carry infections that can be prevented through careful and prolonged cooking: at least 2 minutes at 100 °C from when the shell opens and with the lid on the pan. What does it mean to “blast chill” fresh fish? It definitely doesn’t mean chilling out! But freezing it for at least 96 hours at a temperature of -18°C. This procedure protects the health of consumers, who want to eat raw fish products, because it is able to kill parasites (e.g. anisakis) which may be present in the meat of fresh fish. FOR THE CURIOUS CHALLENGE: fish is not always very tasty. KNOW-HOW: adding spices, herbs or garlic, like me, can help make tasty recipes and use less salt.