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Chatelaine Chef Series

Chuck Hughes on how to choose the best fish

One of the hottest chefs on TV, Montreal's Chuck Hughes, gives us the lowdown on picking the perfect poisson.
Fish Illustration, Veer.

Common sense is really the way to go with fish. Here's what to consider:

1. Trust your fishmonger Go to someone who's working with sustainable product. Do some research and ask questions — you've got to make your fishmonger accountable.

2. Give it a sniff If it smells like bad fish, that's a bad sign.

3. Look at the eyes You want beautifully clear eyes.

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4. Feel the texture If it's slimy or sticky or goopy, it's not fresh. Look for bright gills too.

5. Buy the whole fish if you can You get more mileage out of it that way, and if you cook it on a bone you get a lot more flavour too. For some of our favourite fish recipes, click here.

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The cover of the Chatelaine Summer 2025 issue, featuring a pink drink with a paper straw.

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In our Summer 2025 issue, we get real about what sex is like after 40. Plus, living together after divorce, our favourite beauty products of the year and 17 incredibly summery recipes, from ceviche to sour cherry cobbler.