If you have ever had truly exemplary sushi, you can taste the difference in the fish. Sushi features fresh and high-quality fish that is safe (and delicious) to eat raw, and if you’re planning on making your own sushi, it’s essential to find fish of similar quality. At Grubby’s Poke and Fish Market in Carlsbad, we carry sushi grade fish you can purchase for raw consumption. However, what exactly does it mean for a fish to be deemed sushi grade fish?
What is Sushi Grade Fish Label Mean?
In order to meet the distinction of being a sushi grade fish, there are a number of different factors and qualifications that must be met.
Parasitic Fish Must Be Frozen
There are certain types of fish that have parasites that can be dangerous if consumed raw. That is why these parasitic fish, such as salmon, must be frozen before being eaten raw to kill the parasites. The most common practice is to flash freeze the fish right after it is caught to preserve maximum texture and freshness.
Only the Highest Quality Fish Make the Cut
Only the highest quality fish get the distinction of being named sushi grade fish. Most fish are graded on a scale, and fish that get a Grade 1, the best grade possible, can be sold as sushi grade fish.
Safe for Raw Consumption
Any fish that is sushi grade fish is clearly safe to consume raw. If a piece of fish is not labeled as sushi grade fish, then do not try to make sushi with it under any circumstance.
A Guide to Buying Sushi Grade Fish
While it is important to only purchase sushi grade fish for sushi, it’s also critical to know how to pick out and purchase the best fish for sushi.
Go to a Trusted Fish Vendor
You don’t want to get risky with fish. Go to a vendor or market that is trusted and gets fresh fish on a regular basis. Grubby’s Fish Market checks all of these boxes, so give us a call at (760) 828-9074 to get started.
Ask Plenty of Questions
Once you have found a vendor you trust, ask the staff some questions to make sure they are knowledgeable and educated. Also, ask pertinent questions about the fish you intend to purchase, finding out how long it has been in the shop, where it originated, and if it is sanitized and sushi grade.
Touch and Smell the Fish
Fresh fish should smell like the ocean and should not be flaky or soft to the touch. If the fish smells rotten or old, or it is very flaky and soft, go for a different fish.
Sushi Grade Fish at Grubby’s Fish Market in San Diego
If you are on the search for sushi grade fish, look no further than Grubby’s Poke and Fish Market in Carlsbad. We offer some of the best sushi grade fish in San Diego, giving our customers everything they need to make sushi from the comfort of their home. If you have any questions about the kind of fish we carry or the quality of the fish, contact Grubby’s Poke and Fish Market today. Give us a call at (760) 828-9074.