From our monthly newsletter, here are some quick tips on buying Fresh Seafood...
1) Buy as natural a product as possible. Buying "Thawed for your Convenience" fish is not a good idea. Not that all frozen fish is bad (I don't buy any) but really when something is frozen, you are truly trusting many people in the lifeline of that product to have taken care of it well. Better to buy fresh and natural products whenever you can. Whole fish is best, less exposure to air and bacteria. Plus you can evaluate the quality by the skin, the eyes (clear not cloudy) , the touch of the skin if possible (firm, no dent left behind) and never trust a fish monger who won't let you see the fish up close!
2) Buy just what you need for today! Taking a clue from our relatives in Europe and Latin America, families often buy at the market several times a day. While I realize that's not possible, buying as much as you plan to consume in just a day or day and a half is best. Take the time to go and get your best fish, and the meal will fall into place naturally. Accent the natural fish delicately and simply, and your food will always impress.
3) Buy what is in season, giving you freshest product and lower pricing!
Anything which is in season is most likely being caught in plentiful amounts, the stocks are being turned quickly, and since there is so much fish available, fishermen and companies want to move it quickly, so pricing is aggressive!
I hope these quick tips help you to buy seafood when you're out, and remember that...
Starting in October, Visions will make available for sale most of the fresh seafood products that I buy on a daily basis including Fresh Atlantic Salmon, Dry Pack Scallops, PEI Mussles, fish filets and even Live Maine Lobsters!
shoot me an email with any comments...
Along the same lines...if you ever need something special arranged, perhaps a 3-5 lb Lobster (or any other size), just contact me and I'll be happy to make special arrangements, even just for a small gathering of a few people! I want you to come, enjoy yourself, and spread the word about Visions...
