Delicate, yet packed with a ton of flavor, raw fish is one of the most palate-pleasing treats that can be served on a plate. Heading to your local sushi shop is a great way to conveniently satisfy your cravings, but it’s possible to prepare your own high-quality seafood as well. Here’s what you need to know when hunting down sushi-grade fish.

What to Keep in Mind When Buying High-Quality Seafood

What Fish Are Safe to Eat Raw?

When choosing the right fish for your high-quality seafood dishes, only certain varieties can safely be eaten raw. Fresh tuna—all types—salmon, yellowtail, and halibut are all approved for raw consumption.

Aside from the type of fish, it’s also important to pay attention to where the fish was farmed. Thanks to strict food standards, fish farmed from the United States, Britain, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, or Norway are typically safe to eat. 

What Makes a Fish “Sushi-Grade?”

The term “sushi-grade” is not tied to any kind of regulatory or safety rating. Most markets or stores typically label their freshest fish as “sushi grade,” but it’s important to do a bit more research to ensure it’s truly high-quality seafood. 

How to Find High-Quality & Safe Fish

When it comes to buying raw, high-quality seafood, the relationship between the consumer and fishmonger is extremely important. Don’t be afraid to ask your chosen shop questions about how the fish is prepared, what makes it “sushi grade”—if it’s labeled as such—and what steps they take to ensure the product is as healthy and delicious as possible. 

Is a Frozen Fish Always of Low Quality?

In the world of seafood, there’s a bit of a misconception that freezing lowers the quality of the product. In fact, freezing is actually a crucial safety precaution that’s commonly taken with many types of raw, high-quality seafood. When a fish is caught and placed on ice, it successfully rids it of any potentially harmful parasites while preserving freshness and flavor. Keep this in mind when shopping for your sushi-grade fish; freezing is beneficial to the final dish.

Whether you need a delicious and convenient bento or fresh wholesale fish, Ahi and Vegetable is the go-to destination in Honolulu, HI. With a menu of diverse dishes including delicious poke bowls and shrimp udon, the restaurant is a prime location to satisfy your craving for high-quality seafood. The exceptional food combined with a dedication to customer satisfaction ensures every visit will be a positive experience. For more information, call (808) 599-3500 or visit the website today.