Frozen seafood: Fresh Catch Vs Frozen Seafood

Consumers tend to favour fresh seafood over frozen options when it comes to seafood consumption; however, according to a blind taste test conducted in Oregon, frozen options can actually outshine fresh options with proper cooling and care.

Select fresh catch frozen seafood from companies that employ flash freezing at its source to preserve quality and flavour, such as flash freezing on board the boat or at its origin point. Look for packaging without signs of freezer burn, discolouration or dry edges.

In-season fin Fish and shellfish

Fresh fin fish and shellfish are back in season this time of year when coastal clam shacks open their doors, providing high-quality protein, essential vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids – essential components of good heart health. It is important to purchase responsibly so as not to contribute to overfishing or environmental degradation of our seas.

Buying locally harvested seafood is the ideal way to support sustainable seafood sources. When selecting fish or shellfish, look for bright, shiny flesh with firm textures, clean smells and firm textures; when tapping clams, mussels or oysters, they should close immediately; otherwise, they are dead and should be discarded. Shrimp should have sweet, almost nutty notes with medium flakes and crisp skin for optimal eating pleasure and can be prepared any number of ways from deep frying, pan frying, steamed or grilling.

If you are purchasing shellfish, be sure to look for its processor certification number on its label. It ensures that it is harvested and processed according to national shellfish safety controls, while HABs (Harmful Algal Blooms) pose an increased health risk by producing dinoflagellates, which produce toxins that may make people sick or even lead to their deaths if consumed contaminated shellfish.

Wild Caught

Researchers continually confirm that eating seafood-rich diets is good for our health, with studies such as those done by Salmon Foundation showing its benefits as an excellent lean source of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A & D, B complex vitamins, selenium zinc, iron. Eating fresh catch frozen seafood also benefits both bodies and the planet.

Unfortunately, many people can’t easily eat fresh seafood due to seasonal availability issues and market shortages. Thanks to modern technologies, wild seafood caught can now be frozen instantly upon capture and stored for months at a time while saving both money and carbon emissions associated with transporting fresh fish to retailers for sale. Buying frozen seafood instead could save both.

When purchasing frozen seafood, be mindful to examine its Country of Origin label. As some countries don’t regulate as strictly as the U.S. does, some may use excessive antibiotic use in aquaculture or wild fisheries operations.

Sustainable seafood options can be found in various companies that source, freeze and deliver their products. They specialise in Cod, Salmon, Halibut Mackerel, Tuna and Swordfish options as well, and all their delicacies are free from artificial preservatives or exploitative sourcing practices – guaranteeing our planet a long-term seafood supply!

Farm Raised

Fuciks and Cornish have found that although fresh is generally superior, flash-freezing wild-caught fish doesn’t compromise its quality or taste and may provide an effective way to replicate straight-from-the-sea flavour when certain varieties aren’t in season.

Farm-raised fish is commercially produced under controlled environments that mimic aquatic habitats and is fed a diet consisting of ground-up fish particles; therefore, it may be more susceptible to diseases and infections, necessitating antibiotic use than wild-caught counterparts.

Farm-raised seafood can help alleviate strain on wild fish populations; however, not all farms offer sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. When looking for farm-raised fresh catch frozen seafood options, it’s essential to look for certifications from organisations that demonstrate these commitments.

Seafood Recipes

Seafood is an easy meal to whip up at home and an excellent source of protein, omega-3s, iron and vitamins B and D. Seafood can be enjoyed in various ways, from steaming to grilling to sauteing on noodles – the key to any successful seafood recipe is fresh flavour with fast cooking times; therefore it would be smart to keep flash-frozen fish such as salmon filets, cod fillets, shrimp and tilapia loins in your freezer so that on busy weeknights you have healthy seafood dinner ready to go.

Poke bowls containing fresh catch frozen seafood, raw fish, rice and crunchy veggies have taken the nation by storm. A delicious feast that’s both fun to prepare for large groups or effortless during a busy weeknight. Pair this meal with a light salad or heartier side items like spicy sausage and sweet corn for maximum enjoyment!