Frozen seafood offers many advantages, from high quality and freshness to convenience and waste reduction – all important components supporting conservation efforts that help safeguard endangered fisheries.
One major reason is frozen seafood’s lower seasonality sensitivity; this makes it easier for consumers to maintain a steady supply without incurring price fluctuations associated with fresh products.
Quality
Quality frozen seafood depends heavily on its freezing method. While traditional methods such as air blast freezing may compromise fish quality, new technologies like pressure freezing and ultrasound freezing are revolutionising this industry by rapidly freezing fresh food at its freshest state.
For best results when purchasing frozen fish, ensure its packaging is intact. Aim for one free from rips and tears with no visible ice crystals; any signs of such can indicate extended freezer storage time or the fish was thawed and refrozen multiple times before reaching your table.
Remember that quality can decline during frozen storage for many fish sold at lower temperatures, such as cod and lizardfish. One way to prevent this deterioration is to store seafood at lower temperatures than its commercial value and allow it to thaw before cooking.
Frozen fish species such as salmon, tuna, halibut and mackerel can usually be purchased at your local grocery store or seafood market. Remember that new species may only be available during certain seasons – you must plan purchases accordingly.
Frozen seafood costs more than new options but can still provide an economical way to try different fish species. You may even find some wild-caught options preserved environmentally and responsibly.
Before buying seafood, be sure to inspect it thoroughly. Look for bright red gills and firm, supple flesh.
Clean and vibrant aromas are one of the primary indicators of fresh seafood. If it has an unpleasant fishy or rancid scent, it’s unlikely to be fresh.
When purchasing quality seafood, take the time to inquire with the vendor regarding their fishing and harvesting practices. A good vendor should be able to explain how they catch and prepare their product and provide details about handling (cleaning or chemicals used).
Once you’ve selected your fish, check its packaging to ensure it contains an “eat by” date and is frozen properly. According to USDA recommendations, frozen raw fish should be consumed within three to eight months and three to twelve months when stored frozen.
For maximum flavour and texture retention of frozen seafood, store it in an airtight container below -18 degrees Celsius for optimal freshness and avoid freezer burn.
Variety
Frozen seafood offers a quick and convenient way to stock up on high-quality, delicious seafood stored for up to a year in your freezer. Use it in many recipes while staying frozen until needed!
Frozen seafood sales have seen exponential growth over the years due to several factors, including increasing consumer desire for less perishable foods, global warming concerns and an ever-increasing awareness about how important environmentally friendly options can be.
Seafood can make an excellent addition to any diet, as it is low in saturated fat and high in proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Furthermore, it is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. However, it is important to remember that seafood may contain harmful toxins or parasites; thus, consuming seasonal fish harvested sustainably is the wisest.
Most seafood markets sell an assortment of fish seven days a week, which may include an array of species or seasonal varieties only available during certain times of the year.
Salmon is a popular choice and often available year-round; however, other species, such as trout and arctic char, tend to only become available during certain seasons.
Convenience
Frozen seafood convenience has quickly become a key driver in global markets due to increasing disposable incomes, greater health awareness campaigns, an expanding food service industry and rapid urbanisation.
Frozen fish and shellfish can be purchased in various stores, including supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores and specialty markets. Furthermore, it can be ordered online, making the availability more accessible for consumers who desire an array of seafood options.
Frozen fish and shellfish offer greater variety and better quality and are more convenient than their fresh counterparts due to time constraints preventing consumers from shopping and preparing fresh foods on time. By opting for products more readily available, they can meet their food goals more quickly.
Frozen seafood is more sustainable and wasteful-friendly than its fresh counterpart since it can be stored safely for longer without losing its taste or nutrients. Furthermore, frozen products do not experience unpredictable price fluctuations like their fresh counterparts.
