Fresh
seafood is some of the most wholesome and tasty food on the planet.
Fish and seafood have been endorsed by government agencies and non-profit
organizations as part of a smart, healthy diet. Generally, seafood
is very low in harmful saturated fat, but high in valuable omega-3
fatty acids. All sorts of seafood provide muscle-building protein
and are packed with essential vitamins and minerals.
The incredible diversity of edible marine life, coupled with infinite
preparation possibilities means that, no matter what your taste, there’s
a fresh seafood dish you’ll enjoy. Fish alone offer a plethora
of distinct flavors and textures. Some types of fish seem as though
they’ll melt in your mouth and derive their flavor almost entirely
from the ingredients with which they are cooked. Some need to be cooked
with other elements because their flavor on its own would be overwhelming.
Other fish are solid, firm and eat like a steak or pork chop.
Cold water fish with oily flesh such as salmon, trout and tuna contain
the highest levels of omega-3 fats. The American Heart Association
recommends that people with healthy hearts and those who have been
diagnosed with heart disease can both reap the benefits of omega-3
fats. These “good fats” have been shown to lower blood
pressure, regulate heart rhythm and decrease the risk of blood clotting.
A study conducted by the American College of Cardiology suggested
that eating more fish may lower the risk of congestive heart failure.
The American Alzheimer’s Association has recommended including
fish as part of a “brain-healthy” diet.
With seafood, as with many other types of cuisine, freshness is tantamount
to quality. Unfortunately, truly fresh seafood can be difficult to
obtain. Anyone who lives near the coast should have no problem finding
fish and other fare straight out of the sea. For individuals who don’t
live near the shoreline, the best bet may be ordering fresh seafood
online.
It is a precarious preposition since you can’t tell exactly
what you’re going to get, so look for a site that guarantees
satisfaction. There are dozens of online shops that advertise fish
caught daily and provide overnight delivery. Buying from such a shop
will pretty much guarantee the freshest product possible. It’s
not likely that the local grocer or even a high-end restaurant can
get fresher fish. Many sites will even ship live creatures, such as
crabs and lobsters, in specially designed packages.
Those who are lucky enough to live somewhere with a fresh seafood
market, should know what to look for before buying something just
because it’s labeled “fresh”. Fish, in particular,
should be carefully inspected before purchase. Check for firm, almost
bouncy flesh that responds when you touch it. Color should be as bright
and even as possible throughout the meat and the skin. If scales have
not been removed they should still be firmly attached, smooth and
shimmery. Fish should have a moist feel inside and out. When shopping
for whole fish look for bright red, moist gills. Make sure the eyeballs
are not sunken into the skull. They should be as bright and clear
as possible. Be sure to smell the fish as well, different species
exude different scents, but they should all smell clean and fresh.
Whether fresh seafood is purchased online or in town, safe handling
methods are critical. Instructions should be included which outline
proper cooking procedures as well as storage suggestions.