Many people who dine in restaurants or shop at seafood counters think that fillets displayed on the ice were fresh-caught and just pulled off the boat. The truth is that most of those fillets are actually frozen and then defrosted before being put on display.
Flash-frozen seafood immediately after harvest stops the clock on natural deterioration, locking in flavour and quality. Frozen seafood can be even better for you than fresh seafood. For more wild-caught frozen seafood, check this out.
It’s Fresher
When seafood is frozen right after being caught, it suspends the fish in its most nutritious and flavorful state. It allows it to be shipped further distances without losing nutrients. It’s no secret that wild-caught seafood has more omega-3 fatty acids, less saturated fat, and higher levels of minerals than farm-raised varieties. But many consumers don’t know that frozen fish can be just as good for you as fresh, especially from artisanal fishermen.
While fresh fillets on display in a local fish market may appear to have been pulled straight out of the water, they’re often already canned or on their way to being quickly flash-frozen and preserved. A recent blind taste test found that flash-frozen fish were rated equal to or even better than their “fresh” counterparts. That’s good news for the health of your family and local fishermen. It also means that you can enjoy wild-caught seafood all year long.
It’s More Sustainable
Seafood is a staple in restaurants and food service establishments, but the demand for seafood has put wild fish populations at risk. When selecting frozen tuna or other seafood, consider sustainable options to reduce pressure on wild fish.
Wild-caught fish aren’t associated with the pollution and disease that many farmed seafood species are, nor do they rely on destructive fishing methods like trawling. Responsible fisheries follow science-based fishery management plans to ensure a healthy and plentiful seafood supply.
When shopping for seafood, look for labels that indicate the country of origin and third-party certifications that indicate sustainable practices. For example, look for certifications from the Aquaculture Stewardship Council and Best Aquaculture Practices and logos from the Marine Stewardship Council and Alaska Responsible Fisheries Management. This way, you can rest assured that the seafood you purchase is a sustainable choice for the environment and the local communities. Buying sustainable seafood also supports local economies, as the proceeds go back to the community that catches and farms this delicious food.
It’s More Affordable
Frozen seafood allows you to enjoy your favourite type of fish and shellfish all year round without worrying about buying what’s in season. Plus, you can stock up on seafood when prices are at their lowest and still save money by purchasing in bulk.
Additionally, freezing reduces waste along the supply chain by reducing spoilage and transportation costs, resulting in lower prices overall. Frozen seafood can also be cheaper than fresh seafood due to these savings.
Even if value and sustainability aren’t crucial to you, there’s no reason to settle for subpar salmon. Walmart’s Great Value wild-caught pink salmon scores just 2.1 stars on customer reviews. Try a fish delivery service like Vital Choice instead to get premium quality wild-caught salmon and other sustainable seafood. For more wild-caught frozen seafood, check this out.
Their seafood options include Pacific cod, rockfish, cold water shrimp, Pacific scallops and more. And you can rest assured that their products are never frozen in a way that sacrifices taste or nutrition.
It’s More Delicious
Seafood is one of the healthiest proteins you can eat, especially wild seafood, thanks to its omega-3s, which help reduce inflammation and improve your immune system. However, a busy lifestyle can challenge keeping up with your healthy diet.
Thankfully, several seafood companies now offer wild-caught frozen fish and seafood that are both sustainable and convenient. For example, the online-order delivery service Vital Choice provides wild salmon and other wild seafood caught in Alaska or the Pacific Northwest by independent American fishermen and is MSC-certified.
Another option is the seafood company Sizzlefish, which carries wild-caught, responsibly-raised and non-GMO fish and shellfish from U.S. waters, including halibut, cod and coldwater shrimp. Customers can order a la carte or sign up for a curated monthly subscription box, which comes with a meal of fresh, frozen, and shelf-stable, sustainably sourced options. For more wild-caught frozen seafood, check this out.