5 Ways to Tell If Tuna Is Sushi-Grade

Ask the fishmonger directly if the tuna is sushi-grade. If they hesitate or avoid answering, do not buy it.

Smell the tuna. It should smell like clean ocean water, not fishy or metallic.

Look for a deep, uniform red or ruby color. Avoid any tuna with brown spots or rainbow iridescence.

Press the flesh. It should be firm and spring back when touched, not mushy.

Confirm the tuna was flash-frozen on the boat to kill parasites. That is the real definition of sushi-grade.