I’m often asked about how long cooked frozen fish is good for, and the short answer is: as long as it’s still good to eat! If you’re looking to freeze some fish for the winter, then it’s best to go with something sustainable and affordable, as long as it’s not too farmed, particularly when you’re talking about salmon. The best way to find out what kind of life a fish leads is by looking at its environment and the type of food that swims in it. For that reason, I’m going to discuss some of the more sustainable and affordable fish species that you can buy and cook at home in this article.
Freshwater Tuna
The most affordable and sustainable sources of fish are often found in freshwater environments like lakes, ponds, and even some small streams. The good thing is that freshwater fish are usually only a few pounds, so they’re not too challenging to cook at home. One of the most popular freshwater fish to cook and eat are tuna species, which are often very affordable and are high in protein and low in fat. The best part is that they’re usually very sustainable, as the oceans are quite abundant in their natural habitat. It would be a shame to waste even a single fish when they play such a crucial role in the eco-system.
Whole Fish & Shrimp
The other great thing about catching your own fish is that you have the option of buying only what you need for the day. You don’t necessarily have to worry about overfishing, as the environment won’t be affected by your lack of knowledge. There are also many varieties of fish you can choose from, and all of them are high in protein and low in fat. When it comes to shrimp, the more the merrier, as they say. Shrimp are usually inexpensive and can be enjoyed by everybody, even kids. They’re also a great source of protein, and with the ocean being so abundant, it’s always good to have another protein-rich food option on hand. Cooking and eating fish and shrimp together might just become a yearly tradition for your family.
Marlin
Nowadays, many fish farms rely on catching marlin. Unfortunately, this fish is one of the most popular predatory fish that are often farmed. The good thing is that this particular fish doesn’t pose any serious threats to the environment. In fact, the opposite is true. Overfishing has led to a decline in the population of this particular fish, hence its increased popularity. The problem is that marlin are usually quite expensive to buy, as they breed fast and live in large groups. They also require a lot of space, so finding a smaller pond for them to live in can be quite difficult. If you’re looking for an affordable and sustainable source of protein, then marlin aren’t the best choice. However, if you’re an avid fisherman, then you can always enjoy catching and preparing your own marlin for your family to enjoy.
Rainbow Trout
This is one of my personal favorite fish varieties when it comes to cooking and eating. Not only are they incredibly delicious, but they also provide good health benefits. Trout are typically very abundant in North American waters, and as a result, they’re quite easy to find and inexpensive to purchase. They’re also very sustainable, as they don’t require too much space or food. In fact, some fish farmers breed trout specifically for food consumption. If you’re looking for a food source that can be bought in large quantities and cooked easily, then rainbow trout are your best bet. It’s always a great feeling to find a fish that’s native to your home state, and even better when you can connect with the local suppliers who stock the fish.
Pollock
This is another favorite of mine when it comes to buying and cooking fish. Most people are not familiar with this particular fish, which is a shame, because it’s actually one of the most popular and sustainable fish varieties. The good thing about pollock is that unlike many other fish varieties, it requires very little care and feeding. As a result, it’s often times less expensive to buy and cook. Naturally, this variety tends to cost more than most other fish, as it’s one of the more expensive proteins to source for food processors. Nevertheless, if you’re looking for an affordable and sustainable fish that can be cooked easily, then pollock are your best bet. It’s also important to note that some people may have allergic reactions to fish, so it’s always best to buy organic.
There are many varieties of fish you can buy and choose from, as long as you’re aware of what type of environment they come from and how they are raised. Fish are a vital part of any healthy diet, and it’s great to be able to buy and prepare them at home whenever you want. Not only is it quicker and easier to cook, but you know exactly what kind of food goes into it. It also encourages families to spend more time together while also being mindful of what they’re eating. It’s not necessarily about fad diets or expensive purchases, but instead, it’s about nourishing your body with nutrients-rich food that’s sourced from sustainable sources.