Here at The Healthy Fish, we want you to join us to celebrate National Seafood Month. This month-long celebration highlights the commercial and recreational fishing industries and its positive impact on the economy. Here’s a list of seven ways to observe this tasty month:
1. Buy Sustainable Seafood
As worldwide demand for seafood grows, so does the need to maintain sustainable fishing and farming practices. When selecting your seafood, consider if the producer is committed to sustainability and if they raise fish free of antibiotics, growth hormones and chemicals. You also want to buy seafood from producers who are internationally certified by Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) or Global Aquaculture Alliance.
2. Shop in Season
Most consumers associate seasonal eating with regards to produce and animal protein. Yet, many fish have months when they are abundant and others when they should not be fished or purchased. Use Fish and Season’s Fishcalendar, which allows consumers to sort by fish type, season and whether or not it’s sustainably fished. For example, halibut, blue crab and rainbow trout are all available during National Seafood Month from sustainable sources.
3. Try Something New
Consider expanding your recipe repertoire with meals like pescado frito. Grab a whole fish that weighs about half a pound, and ask your fishmonger to clean and scale it for you. Once home, use a sharp knife to score each side of the fish with diagonal cuts. Season with salt and pepper and dredge in flour. Fry in oil that’s at least one inch deep for 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until crispy. Serve with rice, beans and lime wedges for a tasty meal cooked in under 20 minutes.
4. From Fresh to Smoked
Smoking fish is a very popular method, whether it’s whitefish, trout, salmon or tuna. Hot or cold smoked, this tasty alternative to fresh fish can be served alongside a fall-inspired vegetable platter or placed on top of a fresh baguette with crème fraîche and a sprig of dill at your next party.
5. Add More Seafood to your Diet
Adding more seafood to your diet is as easy as heading to your frozen-food section. Costco sells Frozen Tilapia Loins in individually wrapped portions for those nights where all you want is a fast, healthy meal. Tilapia is high in protein and low in saturated fat. Try this fish en papillote recipe, which steams the fish to flaky perfection. And for lunch the next day, add the Tilapia to a salad for a light and lean lunch.
6. Get to Know your Fishmonger
Fishmongers should be your best friends when it comes to sourcing great seafood. They can tell you where your fish is from, and if the fish was sustainably fished or farmed. Your fishmonger can also cut and de-bone the fish in order to save you time at home. In addition, the fishmonger can share various cooking techniques—pan-fried, steamed, baked, grilled—and what pairs well with your fish.
7. Delicious Soups and Stews
Seafood cioppino, clam chowder and bacalao (salt cod) stew are three hearty choices for when the cold weather hits and the leaves start to fall. These stews are perfect for a busy weeknight and will allow for leftovers the rest of the week. Enjoy with your favorite glass of wine and some toasted sourdough bread.
Use National Seafood Month to find sustainable seafood, and try new seafood dishes—there’s something for everyone. While this celebration is technically only one month long, we love to celebrate it all year. There’s a variety of fish and seafood available year-round, so take a minute to use this helpful list of healthy sides that pair well with seafood.
Photo Credits: Elena Shashkina / Shutterstock Inc., Karyna Che / Shutterstock Inc., hlphoto / Shutterstock Inc., Honest Food
