How to Select and Store Tilapia
You can buy raw tilapia fresh from the fish counter at your grocery store or individually wrapped as frozen fillets in the frozen-foods section.
Selection
When choosing tilapia, look for fillets that have firm, shiny flesh. Some will have been previously frozen, which is completely fine. The edges of the fillet shouldn’t be discolored, dry, or mushy. Avoid fish that smells especially fishy — this could be an indication that it’s not fresh.
For sustainability, the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program recommends looking for farmed tilapia with certification from the Aquaculture Stewardship Council, the Global Seafood Alliance Best Aquaculture Practices, or Naturland. If available, choose tilapia from Colombia, Indonesia, or Taiwan.
Storage
Once you get it home, put it in your fridge or freezer immediately. If it’s not prepackaged, wrap in plastic wrap or foil. You can also freeze it by wrapping in freezer bags or foil before stashing in the freezer.
If you’re keeping your tilapia in the refrigerator, make sure to use it within three days. Tilapia can keep for six to eight months in the freezer.
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