Plunge into the world of seafood, commonly associated with marine fishes but it is indeed far beyond that. As per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the term ‘seafood‘ includes commercially harvested creatures from both freshwater and saltwater environments including fish, mollusks, and crustaceans.
So, what are you waiting for? Elevate your healthy diet with seafood. Explore our curated articles of the freshest, healthiest seafood options available – from the juiciest shellfish to the most exquisite fish selections.
What do you mean by seafood?
When we talk about seafood, we’re referring to a variety of marine life that has become a staple in the human diet. This contains a rich array of creatures from the aquatic world, excluding mammals yet embracing species from both freshwater environments and the saltwater oceans. Seafood is known for its nutrition, offering everything from succulent fish to shellfish, as well as a myriad of crustaceans and echinoderms.
Saltwater Fish
Saltwater fish thrive in the saline waters of oceans, seas, and brackish environments. These fish are often distinguished by their higher fat content, which is a source of the much-lauded omega-3 fatty acids – crucial for a heart-healthy diet. Among the most sought-after saltwater fish, you will find tuna, salmon, halibut, and cod.
Freshwater Fish
Freshwater fish make their home in the serene waters of rivers, lakes, and streams. If you’re seeking a subtler flavor or looking to diversify your seafood consumption, freshwater fish presents a fantastic option. Known for their gentle, less pronounced flavor, species like trout, bass, and catfish are frequently featured on restaurant menus. These freshwater varieties provide a lighter alternative for seafood lovers and are a gateway for those new to the flavors of the aquatic world.
What are the 5 types of seafood?
When you sit down at a seafood restaurant and browse through the menu, you’re not just looking at food options; you’re scanning through a diverse world of underwater cuisine. But let’s make it simple. Here are the 5 types of seafood.
1. Saltwater and Freshwater Fish
First, we’ve got saltwater and freshwater fish. That’s your salmon swimming upstream, the bass you might catch on a lake trip, or the cod you find in your favorite fish and chips. Saltwater fish come in a remarkable variety of species, such as tuna, salmon, and halibut. These oceans of seafood enjoy ample room to grow, resulting in their often-larger size.
Alternatively, freshwater fish species, including trout, bass, and catfish, populate ecosystems like lakes and rivers. These fish have a different diet that doesn’t provide as much omega-3 content as marine algae, but they remain an invaluable source of protein and other nutrients. Among them, whitefish are gaining culinary acclaim for their subtle flavor and flaky texture.
2. Shellfish
Think of clams and oysters. Shellfish encompasses both crustaceans and mollusks, with well-loved varieties like shrimp, crab, clams, oysters, and mussels. Not only are they rich in protein, but they also boast vital vitamins and minerals, including zinc and selenium. With versatile cooking methods such as steaming, roasting, grilling, or frying, shellfish offers a flavorful alternative to traditional meats.
3. Mollusks
Mollusks, a fascinating seafood group, include species such as squid, octopus, and snails. Packed with protein and nutrients like zinc and selenium, these creatures provide ample culinary variety. Available at grocery stores, seafood markets, and restaurant menus, mollusks are sure to impress with their diverse preparation possibilities.
4. Crustaceans: The Jewel of Seafood Nutrition
Lobsters with their big claws, crabs ready for a crab boil, and shrimp. They are celebrated for their high protein content and low-fat composition.
5. Echinoderms
Echinoderms include starfish, sea urchins, and sea cucumbers, widely appreciated in various global cuisines. They are a substantial source of protein and are endowed with vitamins and minerals, such as zinc and selenium. Sea cucumbers, in particular, are sought after for their meat and are considered a delicacy in numerous cultures.
What does seafood contain?
Seafood is loaded with vitamins like niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin E, vitamin B12, thiamin, riboflavin, and an impressive lineup of minerals including zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, copper, potassium, and selenium.
Moreover, like mediterranean diet, seafood is high in protein, which is great for building muscle and repairing tissue. Similarly, vitamins like B12 keep your blood and nerve cells humming along, and minerals like selenium play a key role in keeping your immune system strong and your metabolism ticking.
Meanwhile, omega-3 fatty acids are the superheroes of heart health; they help keep inflammation in check, and they’re fantastic for maintaining healthy skin. And if you’re concerned about bones and teeth, seafood has got you covered with calcium and phosphorus.
Trends And Innovations in Aquaculture
1. High-tech Aquaculture Through Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs)
Our first trend in 2024 was high-tech aquaculture, where robots and drones are the new farmers of the sea where farming fish is done by unmanned submarines, and fish are raised in robotic cages that roam the ocean’s depths. Our underwater allies, the Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), give us a clear view beneath the waves, allowing us to check on fish farms without even getting our feet wet. They’re quick, they’re efficient, and they’re changing the game for fish farmers who can now inspect their nets in mere minutes, all from the comfort of their desks.
2. Robotic Cages
Our second trend is the robotic cages, the new homes for fish that promise to shake up the aquaculture industry. They’re like underwater apartments that move around freely in the open sea, with robots on call to fix any issues. Sure, they’re a bit pricey to start with, but in the long run, they’re money savers, offering a new horizon for fish farming efficiency and safety. Even big names like Rolls Royce are on board, talking about how ships could be cleaner and more efficient.
3. Underwater Drones
Our third trend was underwater drones. Not the ones in the sky, but the ones that dive deep to check on our fishy friends. They can do the risky work of monitoring fish farms, making it cheaper and safer. Plus, with the power of sensor technology, these drones can send live video streams back to farmers, letting them check on their aquatic livestock without risk.
These drones, along with their robotic counterparts, rely on some pretty advanced sensors. These aren’t just for filming underwater adventures; they help with navigation and can measure everything from pH levels to oxygen and pollution, giving farmers the info they need to keep the conditions perfect for their fish.
4. Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS)
Our fourth trend was the Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), which showed us how to grow fish in a loop, saving water and reducing waste. Whether it’s fish in Indian tanks or oysters on US solar-powered rafts, these systems are all about doing more with less, showing that the future of fish farming is not only smart but also sustainable.