Intense, smoky flavours with complexity like no other. What’s there not to like in smoked fish and other smoked seafood dishes? 

Smoked seafood dishes are a great way to add flavour and spice to your food. Smoked salmon, trout, kingfish and mackerel can be used to make delicious appetisers, spreads and salads. 

However, did you know that smoked seafood also has many health benefits? For starters, they’re rich in antioxidants which fight cancer, omega-3 fatty acids which reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and lower cholesterol, and selenium, which protects against cancer and boosts your immune system.

In addition, smoking reduces the fat in the meats, allowing it to drip out for the delicious, smoky aromas. They also keep longer, allowing you to enjoy them way after they are smoked! 

If you’re a fan of seafood, then you’re in for a real treat. These smoked seafood dishes are some of the best around, and they’re definitely worth trying. So go ahead and dig in — you won’t be disappointed!

What’s the Difference Between Cold Smoking & Hot Smoking? 

There are two main ways you can smoke your seafood — cold and hot. While both will impart flavours to the seafood, the main difference is that, as its name suggests, with hot smoking, heat is applied.

Hot smoking is a technique that cooks food by exposing it to smoke and heat from burning wood. The temperature in a hot smoker ranges from 85 to 158 degrees Celsius. Hot smoked seafood is cooked through. It has a smoky flavour, and it is shelf-stable. 

On the other hand, cold smoking is a process of smoking foods at low temperatures, typically around 23-27 degrees Celsius. But before the meat is smoked, it first undergoes a curing process to extract moisture. This method preserves the food’s delicate flavours and textures, as well as prevents the growth of harmful bacteria.

The advantages of cold smoking seafood is that it imparts a smoky flavour and a slightly crisp texture. The cold smoking process takes a little longer, but the final product is worth the wait. 

4 Must-Try Smoked Seafood Dishes At Greenwood Fish Market

Now that you know a little bit more about smoking techniques, are you ready to chow down on some cold and hot smoked seafood? Check out the four must-try smoked fish dishes at Greenwood Fish Market’s seafood restaurants in Singapore. Our smoked salmon dishes are made in-house with premium salmon, free of all preservatives and other nasties.

1. Cold Smoked Salmon Starter

Smoked in-house with applewood and served with balsamic pearls and croutons, a cold smoked salmon starter is a great way to start off a seafood fiesta. 

Served on a bed of greens, get your omega-3 fix early in the feast! 

2. Cold Smoked Salmon Pizza

Whaaat? Salmon AND pizza? Pig out with our pizzas topped with mozzarella, parmesan and smoked cheddar, all served with a generous serving of premium smoked salmon.

3. Hot Smoked Salmon Caesar Salad

Smoked in-house by our team of seafood-loving enthusiasts, hot smoked salmon is the star of our take on the classic caesar salad, served alongside anchovy aioli, parmesan cheese, and egg. 

4. Hot Smoked Ocean Trout

Salmon not quite your thing? We also have our mouthwatering hot smoked trout, lovingly smoked over applewood.   

Smoking with applewood is a great way to add a mild, delicate smokiness to seafood dishes. The applewood smoke imparts a subtle sweetness and fruitiness that complements the natural flavours of seafood. It also adds a delicate smokiness that enhances the flavour of the dish.

Be sure to try our hot smoked ocean trout, served with mushy peas and beet slaw! 

Savour Our Delicious Smoked Seafood Dishes Today! 

Hungry yet? Come visit Greenwood Fish Market’s seafood restaurants located at Bukit Timah and Quayside Isle to try our smoked seafood dishes — one bite and you’ll be going “holy smoke!”  

Meanwhile, if you’d like to try whipping up smoked fish creations of your own, don’t worry — we’ve got your back. Shop in-house hot and cold smoked salmon, hot smoked king fish, hot smoked mackerel fillet, and more from the comfort of home in our online store. Order seafood online with islandwide delivery across Singapore at Greenwood Fish Market’s online seafood market today!

What comes to mind when you hear the words “Chinese New Year”? Things like red packets, yummy snacks and, of course, a mouth-watering array of Chinese New Year dishes for reunion dinner might come to mind.

Beyond simply being delicious, certain dishes are said to bring prosperity and good fortune because of the traditional symbolism of their names and appearances. Luckily for seafood lovers, there are also many dishes filled with fish, crustaceans, and more to satisfy your seafood cravings!

Prepare to welcome the Year of the Tiger with these Chinese New Year seafood dishes that will bring blessings to you and your family!

1. Pen Cai

Pen Cai is a traditional dish where premium seafood and other ingredients are presented in a pot filled with soup stock. You can add anything you want to the centrepiece dish, but the most common seafood ingredients include abalone, prawns, fish maw, scallops, sea cucumber, and oysters.

Filled to the brim with layers of luxurious delicacies, this lunar new year classic symbolises prosperity and abundance. It is a communal dish that the entire family can enjoy together!

2. Steamed Whole Fish

Fish is an integral part of any Chinese New Year celebration. The word for fish (yú 鱼) sounds just like another word meaning surplus or extra (yú 余). Hence, whole fish is believed to bring abundance and wealth. Popular types of fish include Chinese mud carp, Crucian carp and catfish.

Tradition dictates that the fish be eaten last, signifying surplus every year. A few other traditions of eating fish during the new year include:

• The fish head should face the most senior elder or any distinguished guests, representing hospitality and respect.
• The one seated facing the fish head eats first.
• The fish shouldn’t be moved, while the two people facing the head and tail should drink together for good luck.

Of course, many of these traditions are no longer practised today, but they can still make for a good time with loads of laughs!

3. Salmon Yu Sheng

In the past, Yu Sheng was served only on the 7th day of the Chinese New Year, also known as “Renri”. However, these days, Yu Sheng is a popular Chinese New Year dish and families and friends can enjoy it several times throughout the celebrations.

The Chinese meaning of this dish literally means “raw fish”, making salmon a popular choice as the star ingredient. Other ingredients include shredded vegetables like carrots, radish, ginger, peanuts, pepper, and crackers — all of which have their own symbolism and meanings. The ingredients are added one by one, before they are finally tossed by diners high up in the air using chopsticks while saying blessings for the new year. The louder, the better!

4. Pork & Shrimp Dumplings

Pork and shrimp dumplings (jiǎozi 饺子) are commonly enjoyed during Chinese New Year.

The dumplings symbolise wealth as they are shaped like the ancient Chinese gold ingot — oval, boat-like pieces of gold used as currency in imperial China. It is tradition for many families to wrap their own dumplings at home, with some even secretly hiding a coin in one dumpling. The lucky recipient of that dumpling is said to have a prosperous year ahead! While pork and shrimp dumplings are delicious when fried, they were traditionally steamed.

5. Oysters With Black Sea Moss

Though traditionally made using dried oysters, there’s no reason why you can’t treat yourself this new year to a hearty dish of fresh oysters instead! As you might guess by now, this dish is a popular item on Chinese New Year menus due to its auspicious-sounding name — the characters for oysters and sea moss (háoshì fàcài 蚝豉发菜) sound almost exactly like a phrase meaning prosperity and good fortune (hǎoshì fācái 好事发财).

Oysters, black sea moss and mushrooms are braised till juicy and tender in a delicious marinade packed with umami flavours. It may not look like the most beautiful dish, but there’s truly no better way to usher in a prosperous year ahead!

6. Dry Fried Prawns (Har Lok)

This Cantonese dish was the prawn dish of choice for a long while before being dethroned by cereal prawns! To make this dish, fresh prawns are deep-fried and then coated with a spicy, tangy sauce.

The Cantonese word for prawns, “har”, mimics the sound of ringing laughter, and prawns are thought to bring happiness to the family in the new year.

Order Festive CNY Takeaways at Greenwood Fish Market

Looking for fresh seafood in Singapore for your Chinese New Year dishes? Skip the trip to the seafood market and shop online at Greenwood Fish Market today.

Don’t miss out on our special CNY Takeaways, available from 18 January to 18 February 2022, with unique dishes such as Build-Your-Own Seafood Yu Sheng and “Nian Nian You Yu” Prosperity Salmon Wellington!

It’s that time of the year again, when people are making the usual new year’s resolutions to eat healthier. If that’s you, here’s the good news — a healthy diet doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice on taste. There are heaps of delicious yet healthy seafood and fish that you can easily incorporate into a nutritious diet.

The health benefits of seafood are vast. Low in saturated fat but jam-packed with protein, antioxidants, and essential minerals like omega-3 fatty acids, seafood is vital to maintaining the health of the brain, eyes, and immune system.

Read on to discover five wholesome options for those venturing on a seafood diet!

1. Salmon

Salmon is an incredibly healthy fish to eat. The popular fish is an omega-3 fatty acid powerhouse, keeping your heart healthy and lowering the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and heart diseases.

These fatty acids are crucial to our bodies as we cannot produce them, so we have to get them from external sources. The most beneficial fatty acids are found naturally in oily fish and contribute to a healthy heart. In addition, these acids help maintain joints, skin, and hormones.

Studies have also shown that salmon consumption may help prevent certain cancers, asthma, arthritis, and high blood pressure.

2. Oysters

Oysters offer a ton of health benefits, being low in saturated fat and excellent protein sources. In addition, oysters are high in vitamin D, iron, phosphorus, zinc, and copper. Rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, oysters have been known to aid with weight loss, sustain heart health, bone strength, and boost the circulatory system.

In addition, oyster farms have an extremely low impact on the environment and are a sustainable source of nutrients.

3. Shrimp

These crustaceans provide essential minerals like iron, calcium, zinc, magnesium, and potassium in droves while staying low in calories with practically no carbohydrates.

The amazing health benefits of shrimp have been credited with promoting weight loss, preventing macular degeneration, preventing hair loss and ageing, and slowing the onset of cardiovascular diseases. The antioxidants found in shrimp are also known to protect cells from damage and lessen wrinkles and sun damage.

Shrimp are perfect for gluten-free and low-fat diets. While it might be hard to resist shrimps pan-fried in butter, try boiling or steaming them to enjoy a low-calorie dish!

4. Squid

Squid or calamari is a dish that can be served boiled, pan-fried, braised, grilled, or even eaten raw as sashimi. Squid is an excellent source of vitamin C, iron, and calcium, yet still low in calories and carbohydrates.

Squid contains higher levels of a fatty acid called DHA than any other type of seafood. DHA has been known to improve heart health, aid with arthritic pain, and contribute to healthy pregnancies in women.

On top of that, 100 grams of squid contains a mere 0.4 grams of saturated fat but a whopping 16 grams of protein, making it an excellent source of protein if you are training or working out.

5. Trout

Trout is a close cousin to salmon. Rainbow trout, one of the most common species, contains approximately 1,000mg of omega-3 fatty acids and the potent antioxidant DHA, far exceeding the 250-500 milligrams of the daily intake recommended by most health organisations.

Low in saturated fat and high in protein, phosphorus, and potassium, trout also contains the powerful mineral known as selenium. Selenium is often linked to a healthy immune system, brain function, and fertility.

Snap Up Nutritious Seafood Online In Singapore

Wondering where to buy fresh seafood in Singapore? Shop for healthy fish and seafood right here at Greenwood Fish Market! We are avid seafood lovers that have been supplying fresh seafood to Singapore for over 20 years.

Come by our friendly neighbourhood seafood market or order seafood online from the comfort of home. We hope to see you “reel” soon!

Fishmonger’s Guide to Filleting a Whole Fish

So you just made a trip to the fresh fish market and bought yourself a whole fish. Now what? Whole fish like bass or sea breams need to be gutted and scaled before cooking.

Fish lovers often shy away from buying whole fresh fish because of the work needed to prepare the fish for cooking. Scaling, gutting, and filleting a fish is a valuable skill to have in the kitchen, especially if you, like us, are nuts about fish!

Not to worry, we got your back! In this blog, we’ll explain in detail what you have to do to prepare a whole fish for cooking.

For starters, you’ll need a scaler, cutting board, sharp knife or filleting knife, and a pair of tweezers.

How to Scale a Fish

Scaling is the removal of scales from the skin of the fish. There are specific scalers sold frequently in fishing stores, but if you don’t have a scaler, you can just use the back of a knife. To scale a fish, place the scaler (or back of the knife) near the tail and rub it along the skin towards the head until all scales are removed.

After thoroughly removing the scales, rinse the fish off to ensure the skin is free of scales.

Scaling can get messy, and is best done outside or in an environment where cleaning up is easy. Alternatively, you can place the fish and board in a large plastic bag when scaling to keep the loose scales contained. They can fly everywhere!

How to Gut a Fish

Gutting a fish can seem icky, but is relatively easy. Using a sharp knife, open the fish from the base of the tail and cut forward towards the head. Spread the cavity open and remove all the innards.

There is a spot at the base of the head where you can sometimes feel everything connected. Grab that spot and pull the whole lot out. Innards might have to be cut out for larger fish.

Rinse the cavity clean, and voila! You have a gutted fish ready for the frying pan.

How to Fillet a Fish

To fillet a fish, you can use a specifically designed filleting knife, or in its absence, any sharp kitchen knife. Here’s our detailed step-by-step guide on how you can get the job done:

1. Rinse the scaled, gutted fish under running water and pat dry.
2. Lay the fish on its side on the cutting board with its back towards you.
3. Make a cut from the top of the head behind the gills to the bottom of the head.
4. Cut halfway through the fish to the backbone.
5. Turn the knife parallel to the cutting board and cut along the spine from the head to the tail, holding the fish firmly steady.
6. You might have to apply some pressure when you reach the rib bones to break through them.
7. Cut all the way to the tail.
8. Flip the fish over and repeat the same process for the other side.
9. Cut under the top of the rib bones to the bottom of the fillet to remove the rib bones and belly flap.
10. When the fillets are removed from the fish, feel for tiny bones and remove each bone with a pair of tweezers.
11. Pull the bones out in the direction they are pointing, much like removing a splinter.

And with that, you’re all set to cook up a mouthwatering meal of fresh fish, filleted with your own two hands! Of course, practice makes perfect when it comes to filleting fish, so don’t give up if you don’t get it right the first time. If you’ve got a particularly tricky fish on your hands, you can always check out videos like this to help you get better at filleting them.

Order Fresh Fish Online In Singapore At Greenwood Fish Market

Now that you know the basics of how to fillet a fish, head to your friendly neighbourhood fish supplier and buy some fresh fish!

Or you can always skip the trip to the fish market and shop our collection of fresh fish online at Greenwood Fish Market.

If scaling, gutting, and filleting a fish isn’t your thing, let us help take the hassle out of preparing your fish. Our extensive range of fish fillets come already scaled and de-boned, ready for you to prepare as your heart desires. From sea bass and breams to salmon and snapper, there’s something for everyone and every dish!

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Fish For Your Dish

At Greenwood Fish Market, we’re crazy about fish. But alas, not all fish can be prepared and cooked the same way. Each species has a distinct flavour and texture, and different cooking methods will suit various types of fish. In addition, the cut of the fish, the thickness of the cut, and the fattiness of the meat all matter when buying fresh fish and planning the perfect dish.

Let’s dive right into our fish recommendations based on common cooking methods!

1. Steaming

Steaming with minimal seasoning is a healthier way of preparing fish. The lower cooking temperatures and lack of cooking fat preserve the natural Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish more than other cooking methods.

Delicate fish like barramundi, sea bass and pomfrets can be steamed and prepared with shallots, cilantro, ginger, or soy sauce. Steaming is also an excellent way to prepare shellfish like clams and mussels as well as crustaceans like crabs, lobsters, and prawns.

2. Pan-Frying

Pan-frying is a popular method of preparing fish, best suited for soft white fishes like cod and oily fishes like tuna and salmon.

To keep your fish from sticking to the pan, use a non-stick pan or cast-iron skillet.

Heat the pan and add a small amount of oil or butter. When the fat starts to shimmer, the pan is hot enough to add your fish cut. If frying a skin-on fillet, add the cut with the skin downwards to create a delicious crispy skin.

3. Baking

Studies have shown that baked fish retain more of their Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D than other methods like frying or grilling.

Baking is an excellent way of preparing fish with firm, fatty flesh that tends to have higher collagen levels, helping them stay moist. More delicate fish like pomfrets tend to fall to pieces or dry out in the baking process. Popular choices of fish to bake include cod, tilapia, halibut, and snapper.

You can also try baking en papillote to retain moisture and nutrients. En papillote is a cooking method where the fish and seasoning are placed in a foil or other coverings then baked. This covering retains moisture that helps steam the fish and creates a delicious sauce in the process.

Deep-Frying

When deep-frying fish, picking the right oil is crucial. Choose an oil with a high smoke point like sunflower or canola for frying at high temperatures, and be wary of overly flavourful oils like sesame that might overpower the taste of the fish.

As for picking a fish to deep fry, choose a lean fish with a neutral flavour like halibut, tilapia, cod, or bass. Avoid oily and dense fish like tuna, salmon, or bass.

And most importantly, make sure to batter the fish for some good ol’ fashioned fish and chips!

Poaching

Poaching cooks the fish in low heat, which better preserves the fish’s nutrients. Flavours that are overpowered when cooked in high heat will emerge when poaching.

When picking a fish to poach, find one with firm, dense flesh that won’t break apart like salmon, tuna, monkfish, and halibut. Whole fish are also easier to poach than fillets. Ideal candidates for poaching include whole bass, red snapper, or mackerel.

Hook the Freshest Catches from Greenwood Fish Market!

Heading to a fresh fish market in Singapore? Check out some of our fresh fish at our online store. We have been Singapore’s friendly fish supplier for almost 20 years with a fantastic range of rare cold-water fish, shellfish and crustaceans to cater to the cravings of the most discerning seafood lover.

We offer fuss-free islandwide home delivery of seafood, vacuum-packed for maximum freshness. Not in the mood to cook at home? Let us take care of that instead. Cast off to any of our restaurants for a masterfully cooked seafood meal you won’t soon forget. We hope to sea you reel soon!

Tips for Cooking Restaurant-Quality Seafood Dinners at Home

Seafood is more than just meat in Singapore; it is a way of life. We are, after all, an island filled with voracious foodies endlessly striving for the perfect meal. The invention of the chilli crab in the 1950s is a testament to our love for seafood.

Got a seafood craving in Singapore but don’t feel like dining out? Skip the trip to the seafood restaurant and make a restaurant-quality seafood dinner in the comfort of your home for your friends and family.

We are thrilled to share our love for the ocean and help make your seafood dinner go swimmingly well with these handy tips!

1. Source for Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients

To create restaurant quality, you have to think as restaurants do. The most so-fish-ticated seafood restaurants in Singapore know the value of quality and only use the freshest ingredients.

First, you’ll need to know where to buy fresh seafood in Singapore. Then, make a quick trip to the seafood market or supermarket to pick your ingredients. Check out this handy guide on how to choose fresh seafood based on smell, colour, and feel.

If you have better fish to fry than head to a seafood market, we can help take the guesswork out of seafood shopping. From the freshest fish to mouthwatering oyster varieties, browse our seafood collection at our online store and enjoy islandwide delivery straight to your door!

2. Know Your Cuts

Not all fish are created equal, and each species of fish has a distinct flavour and texture. Denser meat can be braised, broiled, or grilled, while the more delicate flesh can be pan-fried, poached or baked.

In addition, not all parts of a fish are the same. Different parts of the fish have varied textures and flavours. They need to be cooked differently to retain moisture and lock in flavours. Learn about the common cuts of fish here and how to prepare them for your fancy seafood dinner at home.

3. When in Doubt, Go For Classic Flavour Pairings

Although fresh seafood still tastes absolutely delish, seafood counts on some seasoning to bring out a burst of flavour.

New to the kitchen? It can be difficult to know how to season that prime fish loin you just bought. If in doubt, go for classic pairings like lemon and dill for fish, and garlic and butter for crustaceans. Boiled or steamed shellfish can be eaten with dipping sauces like chilli and soy sauce or your favourite sambal.

Experienced chefs can try experimenting with more complex recipes and herbs like basil, bay leaves, chives, lemongrass, and parsley.

4. Don’t Forget Sides!

What restaurant meal is complete without sides? An exceptional side dish will complement the flavours of the entrees and boost the nutritional value of the meal. Plus, it’s an easy way to impress dinner guests!

Seafood is lighter than other meats and goes well with sides that fill you up without being too heavy. Here are some ideas for easy side dishes:

• A healthy salad
• Roasted or steamed vegetables
• Baked potatoes with sour cream or fries with tartar sauce
• Whole grains like brown rice, brown pasta or quinoa

Don’t forget about beverages too! We all know that fish and white wine go hand in hand, but citrusy drinks like fruit cider and lime juice are great drinks to cleanse your palate and pair beautifully with your seafood dishes.

Dig Into a Seafood Feast at Greenwood Fish Market

Seafood markets in Singapore can be hard to navigate. Online shopping has become the go-to for many things, so why not for seafood too?

Craving for seafood but feeling too lazy to cook? We got your back. Our seafood restaurants in Singapore deliver mouth-watering seafood favourites and a range of side dishes. Browse our takeaway menus or drop us a line now and let us take care of your seafood dinner at home. Alternatively, come visit us at any of our seafood restaurants for an unforgettable seafood meal, or explore our online store for convenient delivery of fresh seafood islandwide.

In the mood for a good seafood meal? Hey, for us, that’s an everyday affair.

Some people might tell you to resist temptation and quell your cravings. But, as any seafood lover knows, sometimes no other food is su-fish-ent enough to make you feel truly satisfied.

We may be stuck in a global pandemic, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t easy ways to get your seafood fix whenever those cravings hit. No matter what day it is, no matter where you are in Singapore, there’s always a source of seafood to save the day.

1. Buy Fresh From Your Local Seafood Market

In Singapore, we are spoiled for choice when it comes to places to buy fresh seafood. But apart from going to local supermarkets and fish markets, have you ever shopped for fresh seafood online? You could discover unique seafood that you won’t find anywhere else and try new catches from faraway lands. Let us handle getting the freshest catches to you; while you unleash your inner chef in the kitchen. Get inspired with seafood recipes from Bon Appetit and order your ingredients with us here!

2. Stock Up on Frozen Seafood

Are you truly a seafood lover if you don’t have backup seafood in your freezer at all times? When properly stored, frozen seafood can last up to 3 or 4 months all while retaining its robust flavour. Discover tips on how to best store your seafood at home in our blog here.

You could also opt for products such as 1 litre packets of Frozen Lobster Bisque soup — great for whetting the appetite if you’re in a pinch. Our online fish market also offers handy Supply Packs with bundle mixes of premium seafood for all your bulk-buying needs.

3. Get a Top-Notch Seafood Dinner Delivered to You

Tap a few buttons on your phone, and before you know it, a mouth-watering meal from your favourite seafood restaurant that’s on the other side of Singapore could show up at your door.

Whether it’s a regular day or a special occasion, why not order from Greenwood Fish Market and give yourself the seafood treat you deserve? Nothing beats dining in the convenience, comfort, and safety of home with loved ones. The best part is that you don’t have to worry about appearances — slurp away at those oysters, grab a crab leg and crack away. Check out our three locations and click the link to order today, with islandwide delivery available:

• GFM @ Bukit Timah

Our original outlet, serving up classic seafood favourites that you know and love. These include our signature Fish and Chips, a wide selection of seafood pasta and indulgent sharing platters.

• GFM @ Quayside Isle

Located in sunny Sentosa, here you’ll find our iconic Westen menu with specialities such as Chargrilled Whole Fish and the must-try Valrhona Chocolate Fondant dessert.

• GFM @ Asian Cuisine

Japanese and Asian dishes take centre stage. Tuck into the classic California Rolls and Dragon Rolls along with makis, fresh sashimi, and sushi platters.

4. Visit Greenwood Fish Market For an Unforgettable Meal

A veritable feast awaits you at Greenwood Fish Market. Let our chefs whip up a seafood frenzy that you won’t soon forget. Having been cooped up at home for the better part of the year, digging into a piping hot seafood dish fresh off the frying pan is an experience to savour.

Secure your table by making a reservation today. Do note that dine-in is subject to prevailing government regulations in Singapore. Contact us or check our Facebook page for the latest updates. We hope to see you reel soon!

So you’ve done your seafood shopping at the market, having picked out the freshest catches.

Of course, it’s always best to cook and enjoy your fresh seafood haul within a day or two of reeling them home. But maybe you’ve bought too much, or you just want to save some to satisfy your seafood cravings another time. Here is where proper seafood handling and storage come into play.

The last thing you’d want is to open your fridge door and go “Oh my cod,” having been greeted with the undeniable stench of seafood that’s well past its shelf life. Safely storing your seafood is vital not only to retain its overall freshness, but also to reduce the risk of food-borne illnesses. Don’t worry — your favourite friendly fishmongers at Greenwood Fish Market are here with all you need to know about seafood storage!

1. Refrigerate or Freeze as Soon as Possible

Considering Singapore’s warm and humid climate, time is of the essence when transporting fresh seafood home. Try to pick up seafood as your last item and head home immediately. One way to avoid this entirely is to shop for seafood online so that you can get chilled seafood sent right to your door from the supplier.

How long seafood lasts in the refrigerator or freezer varies depending on the product. Here is a general storage guide:

However, we’d recommend you always double-check the freshness of each item before consumption, even if it is still within the safe time frame.

2. Store Fish in Airtight Conditions

When it comes to storing fish, exposure to air, moisture, and warmth is your number one enemy. These three elements encourage bacteria to multiply rapidly. In addition, direct exposure to frigid temperatures can also cause fish to dry out.

To refrigerate fresh fish, start by removing it from the store packaging, washing it in cold water and drying it with paper towels. Recreate an in-store ice bed by placing it in ice inside an airtight container in the fridge.

As for freezing fish, rinse and dry it similarly. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place it in clean freezer bags or airtight containers. If you have bought vacuum-sealed packs of frozen fish directly, check to ensure the packaging is intact (no tears or holes) before storing them in the freezer.

3. Shellfish Need to be Stored Differently from Fish

Live shellfish need air and moisture to stay alive. Store live oysters, clams and mussels in a shallow open bowl or container in the fridge. Keep them damp by loosely covering them with a moistened cloth or paper towel.

Alternatively, you can rinse oysters under cool running water and carefully shuck them, then freeze them in tightly sealed bags together with the oyster liquid. Clams and mussels can be rinsed and steamed over medium heat, before shucking and packing the meat in freezer containers, covered in a brine solution or the cooking liquid.

4. Keep it in the Coldest Section

More often than not, the coldest part of your fridge or freezer is the bottom-most rack. Store your seafood there instead of the middle or top shelves, preferably away from other items to avoid cross-contamination. Doing so also prevents juices or melting ice from dripping down to lower racks, although it’s best to place them on a tray to collect any accidental drips.

5. Do Not Refreeze Thawed Seafood

The golden rule of frozen meat — never refreeze once thawed! Ever heard of the “temperature danger zone”? 5°C to 60°C is where bacteria multiply rapidly, so remember to immediately use or discard unused thawed seafood.

A top tip is to divide fillets and wrap them in individual portions before freezing. As such, you can easily retrieve what you need without taking the entire bag out of the freezer.

Net the Freshest Seafood in Singapore Now

There’s no better place to stock up on fin-tastic fresh and frozen seafood than right here at Greenwood Fish Market. Swim over to our online seafood market and get exceptional seafood delivered anywhere in Singapore.

If you have any questions about how to best store your seafood purchase, feel free to reach out to us — our specialists are more than happy to help!

How to Tell If Your Oysters Are Fresh

When you want to buy fresh oysters, Singapore has plenty of good options to consider. You can, of course, drop by a seafood restaurant, or simply place an order from a trusted retail fish market such as Greenwood Fish Market. 

However, the most important thing to do before you tuck into oysters? Make sure that the oysters are fresh.

Oysters naturally taste great and are packed with beneficial nutrients, whether steamed, broiled, baked, sautéed, stewed or even consumed raw.

Eating raw oysters is generally safe but taking the proper precautions to consume fresh oysters can help you avoid food-borne illnesses and stomach upsets. 

Look Out For When Identifying Fresh Oysters

Of course, you have the chance to tell how fresh your oysters are when shopping for them at a grocery store or market. However, if you order oysters at a seafood restaurant or online for home delivery, you may not have the opportunity to personally inspect the oysters before they reach your plate.

Here are a few important tips to help you make an informed decision when verifying its freshness.

1. How Does it Smell?

Before you buy or eat an oyster, you should first give it a good sniff. If the oyster has gone bad, you’ll notice it right away. A fresh oyster should ideally have the scent of an ocean breeze and feel ice cold to the touch. If the oyster feels warm or gives off an offensive, pungent odour, then it is possibly about to go bad. Be sure to check this step before topping it with any sauces or garnishes, as those could potentially mask the odour. 

2. How Does it Look?

Take time to physically inspect the oyster’s shell and remember to avoid all open oysters. Open shells mean that the oyster inside has died and it may be harbouring unwanted bacteria. Check that the oyster appears well-hydrated from its oyster liquor and also, displays a firm, plump meaty look. 

3. How were the Oysters Preserved? 

If you’re out grocery shopping, ask the counter staff or fishmonger where their oysters were harvested from and how they have been preserved. If the oysters were preserved in ice, make sure that they are four days old at most, which is the maximum shelf life of oysters. At Greenwood Fish Market, we are direct seafood importers and ensure that our oysters are as fresh as can be by having several shipments flown in throughout the week. 

Buy Fresh Oysters at Greenwood Fish Market

Nothing has us going “Aw shucks!” more than oysters that aren’t fresh. If you are thinking of where to buy fresh oysters in Singapore, you can’t go wrong at Greenwood Fish Market.

Rest assured that we only serve the best and freshest oysters, with a myriad of varieties such as the Kumamoto and Katama Bay oysters from the United States, the Canadian Malpeque and Mary Point oysters, and the Normandy Specials oysters from France, just to mention a few. 

Be sure to catch our 9th World Oyster Festival happening from 1st to 31st July 2021. It’s your prime opportunity to sample over 26 varieties of fresh oysters from across the globe. You can dine-in, takeaway, or even order online with pick-up and islandwide deliveries available across Singapore — both during and after the festival. Shuck, sip, and slurp oysters to your heart’s content!