The south coast of England is brilliant for culinary delights. And Dorset is the place to be for seafood. Thanks to its location overlooking the English Channel, this southern county has excellent resources for all kinds of seafood, and the majority of fish dishes you are served in the restaurants use freshly caught ingredients.
In Dorset, because boats bring their catch ashore daily, food establishments don’t have to rely on ice to keep it fresh, and the quality of the taste is much better for it! There are over 40 species of fish caught off the Dorset coast. Oysters and muscles are harvested from the clear shallower waters around Poole, there is crab and lobster on offer as well as flatfish like sole and plaice, round-fish like bass and mackerel and all the usual favourites too.
If you’re after trying something new, this is the perfect opportunity; ask a vendor what’s in season at the moment and you can get adventurous with your choices.
How do you know you’ve bought the real deal?
If you want to make sure you’re buying fresh fish there are key signs to look out for:
Appearance: Eyes should be clear, rather than have the greyish tinge they get after a couple of days. Their skin should be translucent and reasonably firm.
Odour: Fresh fish should still smell like the sea – not fishy!
