A Complete Guide to Choosing Highly Sustainable and Fresh Seafood

As a consumer, you may be used to buying seafood from your local grocery store of market long enough that you would never even think to question its freshness or ethical standards. Additionally, you may be fortunate enough to live in a coastal area where fresh fish is the norm. However, with today’s shopping trends and the ability to get any food you want at any time, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the varieties of fish available.

To better understand how to choose the most sustainable and freshest fish, here are expert secrets to get you started.

When the Fish Was Caught

Most consumers expect to be told that their seafood is freshly delivered every day. However, the main thing to ask about is when the fish was harvested and shipped. Seafood delivery services may have 5-day old fish directly caught from the source, maintaing its freshness. This also applies to fish arriving in supermarket stores after ten days of shipping.

Smell the Fish

It is never rude to ask your fish delivery guy for a whiff. Remember, fresh fish should not smell that much, and ocean fish like the halibut have a surprisingly sweet aroma. Additionally, some freshwater fish may have a lake-like smell so much that when you are blindfolded, you cannot determine whether its real fish.

Frozen Fish Can be a Great Choice

Provided the freezing process is done correctly. One important thing to remember is that fish have seasons just like fruits. You can’t expect similar products to be delivered all year-long. However, freezing technology and tactics have changed the way harvested fish is stored as well as maintaining the quality of the frozen fish products. This means that seafood home delivery can be made under environmentally friendly conditions and you’ll be getting the best possible products.

It’s Impossible to Purchase Wild Atlantic Salmon

Research has shown that there are no wild Atlantic Salmon species left to fish. Moreover, the only salmon product tagged “wild” is the Pacific Salmon. Hence when you see any store claiming to sell wild Atlantic Salmon, run away just as fast. The wild Pacific Salmon season runs from June to October and that is typically the only times of year that you will find fresh wild salmon available.

Understand Your Fish Prices Well

You need to know the process involved in farming salmon, especially when the price is too low to be realistic. You shouldn’t be spending $6.99 per pound on freshly caught salmon, that should sound the alarm bells that you’re not getting what the lable says. Look for the wild Alaskan or Canadian salmon as they are the most sustainable and have the healthiest populations. As for shrimp, avoid anything that is less than $10 per pound as this symbolizes the supplier’s inability to follow best practices.

Purchase Local Seafood

When you choose to buy domestic seafood, you’ll be saving yourself money as well as helping local fishermen and the environment.

Conclusion

These are some of the best ways to finding and enjoying the freshest and most sustainable seafood. By following this guideline you’ll have an easier time choosing your favorite seafood as well as supplier. Additionally, you’ll be supporting small business, helping hte environment, and getting the freshest and best tasting seafood you can find.