Warning: The fish market in Portland taught me a quick way to spot fresh scallops.

I was at the Saturday market on the pier last week and watched a vendor check his scallops. He didn't just look at them, he picked one up and gave it a quick, firm press with his thumb. He told me, 'If it springs back fast, it's good. If your thumbprint stays, walk away.' I tried it myself on a few and it really works, you can feel the difference. Has anyone else picked up a trick like that from a market?

2 comments

2 Comments

miles_roberts222d ago

Yeah that thumb trick is solid. My uncle was a fishmonger and taught me the same thing. It's all about the muscle tone, like checking a good steak. Old scallops get soft and mushy, they just don't bounce back. Once you feel a fresh one you'll never forget it.

terry_hayes182d ago

My grandpa ran a bait shop and swore by the smell test for everything. He said fresh scallops should only smell like the ocean, nothing else. Guess some tricks just stick with you.