Tips on Selecting and Storing Quality Seafood

Most restaurant ingredients can be safely and easily stored, whether in a refrigerator, freezer, or dry storeroom. Extra precautions must be taken with certain items such as meats and seafood. Correct storage procedures and appropriate refrigerated cabinet temperatures between -2°C and +2°C ensure the quality and taste of the item and guarantee the customer's health and safety.

It is vital that seafood is kept fresh as it will quickly spoil if not stored in optimal conditions. Whenever possible, fish should be used on the day of purchase and should not even see the interior of a storage bay. If this is not possible in your restaurant kitchen, follow these tips to ensure that your seafood remains in top condition.

• Place the fish in a shallow dish or tray
• Wrap in cling film and keep in storage at 0˚C
• Crushed ice is recommended to aid the storage procedure

• Place the shellfish in a tray
• Cover with crushed ice, a clean, damp cloth, or a thin layer of seaweed
• Store in the bottom of a fish cabinet
• Do not store shellfish for longer than two days

Serving seafood can be a big hit with customers if it is bought fresh and stored correctly. Learning how to maintain optimal conditions will guarantee that your fish dishes are appreciated and generate profits.

The source of the world’s fish consumption has become an area of scrutiny. With the seafood supply dwindling, campaigns highlight ways to enjoy fish dishes without affecting the wild fish population. Alternatives include:

• Genetically Engineered Fish: Not widely accepted in restaurants.
• Fish Farms: Provide a sustainable alternative by rearing fish in humane and natural enclosures.

• Improved Quality: Fish farms ensure natural growth with ample food.
• Better Prices: Sustainable sources reduce costs due to ample stock availability.
• Lessened Environmental Impact: Prevents over-fishing and potential extinction of wild fish.

Look for a certificate from the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), indicated by a blue seal on fish packaging. The MSC ensures fish sustainability and is closely linked with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

Purchasing sustainable seafood is easier than ever, with fish marked with the MSC blue seal readily available. Quality produce, ease of purchase, and environmental benefits make sustainable seafood the best option for restaurant owners.

When you've found a responsible and sustainable source for your fresh fish, it's imperative to store it correctly to preserve quality and freshness. Commercial fish keepers and fish fridges are the perfect solution. To read more about what to look for when buying your fish keeper, check out our handy fish fridge buying guide.

You go to the trouble of locating and sourcing the freshest fish around to deliver superior quality to your customers so it is vital to not only store but also display your products in the best way possible. Serve over counters offers a premium display and sales opportunity, which, when used in the right way, can maximise profits and boost business.

Serve overs are designed so that customers can browse the full selection of products on offer; after all, first impressions are often visual, and people want to see what they are purchasing before they actually buy. With a glass panel at the front to protect the goods yet still provide a clear, unobstructed view for the customer, arranging and organising stock is simple.

When searching for equipment, you will find a range of sizes, finishes, and layouts available to complement any style and business size. Whether you require additional shelf space or a low glass, open-top design there are plenty of options on offer.

While a fish keeper is recommended for general storage, a fish serve over display counter is the ideal choice for display purposes. It is imperative that you choose a piece of equipment designed specifically for this use and not be tempted by a general purpose model. Manufactured with a special coating or stainless steel pipes, internal components are protected from the damage caused by the naturally occurring ammonia in fish, ultimately extending equipment longevity. Temperature range is also a distinguishing factor between fish serve overs and its general purpose counterparts. Performing at lower temperatures, fish is kept in optimum conditions to guarantee freshness and retain quality.

For Countertop Positioning - Polar GE960 Fish Display Serve Over Counter

This compact countertop fish serveover doesn’t compromise on storage and display capacity. With a 175 litre capacity in a 530 x 915 x 890 mm (HxWxD) frame, there’s plenty of room for a selection of fresh fish. Operating with a range between 2°C and 12°C, fresh fish and seafood can be presented attractively at appropriate display temperatures. The counter has an easy drainage system for the ice/water storage bed and with easy access sliding rear doors, cleaning is simple. The rear access also ensures that produce is easily available during service. This fish counter comes with 24 months parts and labour warranty as standard.

On a budget – Igloo Basia110F-NEO Serve Over Counter

Designed with a clean white exterior with contrasting trim and stainless steel interior, this model sits well in the majority of businesses. The full curved glass front offers added protection, and with sliding Perspex doors, a stainless steel worktop, and a refrigerated under storage with a door and an interior light, you really get more for your money. With a temperature range of 1˚C – 10˚C and featuring an automatic defrost function, the Basia is a popular choice. The standard 1220 mm height, 1020 mm width, and 1155 mm depth (765 mm deck depth internally), adequate for many business demands. There are more widths available in this model to suit the demands of any sized business. This serve over comes with a 24 month parts only warranty as standard; however, 12 months of labour cover can be purchased additionally.

Big on style – Infrico Malaga VML1500 Fish Serve Over Counter

The elegant, clean lines and attractive design are capable of enhancing any business. Manufactured with a stainless steel exterior and hygienic stainless steel interior, your fresh fish display will always be eye-catching. Including a manual defrost function and a temperature range of -1˚C to +1˚C, your fish selection is housed in optimum conditions during the working day. Measuring a standard 1335 mm height, 1642 mm width and 900 mm depth, there is plenty of space to create a profit boosting display. Other widths are available to meet the demands of any size business. Supplied with a 24 months parts and labour warranty, you're covered should any issues arise.