OUR FEATURE
Q I was wondering what type of fish is best to use for sushi and how can you tell if it is fresh? Liz Donaldson, by email
A If you decide to use raw fish in your sushi, be very careful where you buy it. You can't use just any raw fish - look for sushi or sashimi-grade fish. You may have to check out Japanese markets or ask at a local sushi bar.
Regular fish is not handled with the intention of raw preparation, so it is likely to contain bacteria and parasites that can only be removed by cooking.
Fresh water fish are not suitable for eating raw.
When you do find the right kind of fish, make sure it's fresh. Fresh fish smells clean, not fishy. If the fish is whole, it should have clear eyes and firm, attached scales. If you're looking at fillets, watch out for discoloration and soft spots - these are all signs of fish that is less than fresh.
Some fish, notably salmon, is flash frozen as soon as it is caught. If you don't live near the ocean, you may not be able to find fresh sushi-grade fish. Frozen fish should be completely thawed in the refrigerator before use.