Question re: fish tonight

I bought tilapia at Whole Foods on Friday. It's ok to cook it tonight (Monday), isn't it? It smells fine.

I bought tilapia at Whole Foods on Friday. It's ok to cook it tonight (Monday), isn't it? It smells fine.

If it meets the nose test, I'd say go for it.

[Robin Garr]

I bought tilapia at Whole Foods on Friday. It's ok to cook it tonight (Monday), isn't it? It smells fine.

Nicole, the nose test is as good as any! Keeping fresh fish sitting on ice is best, but as long as it's cold and doesn't smell funky, it'll be fine.

If I were doing it, I might give it a good rinse and maybe rub it all over with lemon before cooking, but that's mostly just magical thinking. Maybe also come up with some recipe with flavorful sauces or accompaniments, just to be on the extra-safe side. But I'm sure it'll be fine.

I bought tilapia at Whole Foods on Friday. It's ok to cook it tonight (Monday), isn't it? It smells fine.

Nicole, the nose test is as good as any! Keeping fresh fish sitting on ice is best, but as long as it's cold and doesn't smell funky, it'll be fine.

If I were doing it, I might give it a good rinse and maybe rub it all over with lemon before cooking, but that's mostly just magical thinking. Maybe also come up with some recipe with flavorful sauces or accompaniments, just to be on the extra-safe side. But I'm sure it'll be fine.

Great suggestions! Thanks!

I was planning to crust it with Pecan and cayenne and serve it along side my leftover Vanilla Bean and Butternut squash risotto. Probably not the best combo, but it's what I have on hand and I hate to waste food.

If I were doing it, I might give it a good rinse and maybe rub it all over with lemon before cooking, but that's mostly just magical thinking.

Robin,

That magical thinking sounds like something I might think of... But of course, neither washing the fish or rubbing lemon juice on it will remove any actual bacteria or food spoilage. Neither will burying it in sauce. My old personal favorite prior to going thru health services training- freezing it to kill the bacteria, doesn't work either, it only slows, not kills the bacteria growth (who'd a thunk it?)

With that said, the nose and feeling ( not slimy) tests are definitely the best approach and assuming it's been kept cold and she got it from a place that moves fish, I'd also bet that fish is still just fine.

Deb