Where I live (California, USA), when I buy salmon fillets from the (American style) supermarket, they have scales on. Even though it is not too difficult, I don't enjoy removing the scales at home, partly because I don't like to handle the fish too much and get my hands all fishy smelling. Once I asked the butcher man if he could get the scales off for me, and he looked fishy at me and said no.
However, I notice in the Chinese markets (I think 3 different ones) they just sell the salmon already scaled. You don't even need to ask them specially. So now I just go to the Chinese market for salmon.
So my question is: Is this typical (other locations too)? And if so, why? Why the difference between Chinese and American style supermarkets regarding scales on salmon? FYI, the only fish I ever buy is salmon, so I do not know if this applies to other types of fish or not.
Best Answer
Maybe you have a bad fishmonger ? they do a bad job by not removing the scales?
Maybe the expect the regular clients not eating the skin?
Can't talk about California, but here in Montréal, fish sold in supermarkets are scaled, especially if the fish is sold in portions.
It is harder to remove scales in filleted portions.