You might have often heard about sustainable or ethical seafood. It is that kind of seafood that is harvested ethically, i.e. by not jeopardizing the other sea animals or the ecosystem. You don’t overfish the species so that future generations can savor them. Such harvesting is beneficial for the chef, fishermen, consumers as well as the environment. Below is a list of five eco-friendly and sustainable seafood choices that are not as detrimental as far as the future of fishing is concerned. Moreover, they are extremely mouth-watering and are healthy additions to your platter, aside from the excitement that they bring to the family. Have a look.
Sardines
Sardines are known for their rich and strong flavor that has a minerally touch to them. Though they are abundantly available in cans, the fresh ones are fabulous in taste. Sardines are specifically available in the Pacific where they used to be overfished previously. However, they are coming back and that’s good news for seafood lovers. Sardines are fished without having a large impact on the environment. Aside from that, the multitude of other sea creatures that are caught alongside is not that significant. Sardines grow at a fast pace and doesn’t contain any kind of contaminants. Just remove the guts and scales of the fish and cook them on the grill. There are a lot of sardine recipes you can choose from.
Oysters, Mussels, Clams
Oysters, mussels, and clams are extremely popular varieties of seafood. A fresh variety of these is known for their briny taste. They contain high levels of vitamin D as well as Omega-3. You should opt for farmed ones so that you don’t harm other creatures. Shellfish farms benefit the marine environment since they are supposed to filter water. These farms also prove to be a perfect habitat for other animals and plants from the marine world. 95 percent of the total consumption of oysters in the world is of the farmed variety. While 89 percent of clam consumption comes from farms, farmed mussels constitute 90 percent of its net consumption. Raw oysters are delicious. The other options are grilling, broiling, steaming, or cooking these shellfish in a stew or braise.
Alaskan Salmon
If you compare wild salmon to its farmed variety, the former is much better in its flavor. The wild variety finds a special place in almost every chef’s kitchen. It contains essential nutrients including the essential Omega-3. The market varieties of salmon are Chinook, Silver, Red, Pink, Chum, Coho, Sake, Keta, Sockeye, and King. The Wild Alaskan variety is regulated by agencies that keep a keen eye. This variety is known for its robust nature and ability to endure commercial fishing. The way Wild Alaskan salmon is fished hardly disturbs the marine environment. Grilling, boiling, and poaching are some of the most popular methods to savor salmon. Smoked salmon has a lot of demand among seafood lovers from different places across the planet.
Dungeness Crab
Dungeness crab enjoys a special place in the hearts of seafood lovers owing to its sweet and juicy flavor. This variety happens to be the best choice when you talk about crabs. Bycatch is limited during the harvesting of Dungeness as nets, ring nets, as well as dip nets, are used. The best varieties are trap caught in Washington, Oregon, California, and parts of Canada. The Atlantic Dungeness Crab and the ones that are trap caught in the Alaska territory should be avoided. Great in taste, Dungeness crab is available live, canned, frozen, or even live throughout the year. You can go through how to cook Dungeness crab over the internet.
Barramundi
The mild and sweet flavor, along with a delicate texture makes barramundi a delectable dish. It can be a great alternative for Chilean sea bass, grouper, or red snapper. Barramundi is harvested in eco-friendly and closed tank systems that have re-circulating facilities. The technological progress in farm fishing has been remarkable over the past few years. The fish are being raised in clean environments. Barramundi can be cooked in several ways. You can fry, grill, steam, barbecue, or cook foil-wrapped barramundi on coals.
These are some of the most popular as well as environment-friendly choices for seafood lovers. They are healthy, and delicious, and are raised through a process that doesn’t jeopardize the marine ecosystem.