Best Practices When Shopping For Live Lobster And Other Seafood

By Debra Reed


Indulging in delicious seafood meals is rather healthy since they contain less fat than poultry or beef. In fact, dishes containing seafood are not just tasty but are ideal for daily consumption without the fear of significant weight gain. So when you feel the need to shop for such edible products but are unsure about what to choose, the handy tips listed below should clarify a few key points for you.

Lobsters are a highly popular shellfish choice where it is a main ingredient for many soups and stews, and you would benefit from learning to select prime crustaceans at the market. Choosing a live lobster should have telltale signs like the creature curling its tail when plucked from the tank. When buying them frozen, ensure that there is no sign of life before making the purchase.

Shopping for fish, regardless of their breed or variety, can be tested in two ways. For the fresh catch of the day, the odor must be close as possible to seawater. Funky aromas indicate that the selections on hand are not good. If choosing those that are packed in ice, select pieces that are frozen solid but without the presence of freezer burn that manifests as white spots on the exterior surface.

Clams are ideal for enhancing thick stews as they lend a savory flavor to the broth. They are generally sold by weight in bags so buy only what you need. Like most shellfish being sold, they should be alive they have been harvested. Shells that are tightly closed are the best indicators of freshness, and anything that remains open even after they have been tapped are bad choices.

Far from being just harvested for precious pearls, oysters are also very valuable for their meat. Often consumed raw or paired with minimalist dressings such as lemon juice, oysters are also great when cooked in a wide variety of ways. When buying oysters in bulk, ensure that you should use them hours after their purchase to retain optimal freshness and flavor levels.

Shrimp is one of those things that can be acquired tastes for some people. This may be due to the fact that they look strange when uncooked, though when they are properly prepared, they actually taste delicious. When shopping for fresh shrimps for use as a garnish or as a main dish in itself, they must possess a firm quality when pressed with your fingers and give off a mild briny odor.

Much like lobsters, crabs look quite intimidating because of their pincers but they can be very tasty and nutritious when cooked. This ubiquitous crustacean can be found in most markets that sell seafood. Should you prefer to butcher fresh crabs instead of buying canned crabmeat, make sure they are alive if you do not want to get the frozen varieties on hand.

One of the new and unusual seafood options that is making waves in the culinary scene is the sea urchin. The delicate yet flavorful meat called uni located inside these spiny and spiky creatures is low in calories and high in protein. Good indicators that you are purchasing the freshest product is when the uni possesses shades of gold or orange and has a buttery texture with a briny taste when eaten.

Exploring your culinary options can be thrilling when you choose the surf over turf. The points mentioned in this guide can help you be more aware of what is the best options for you. Your menu plans will certainly achieve a degree of clarity and sophistication when you incorporate the best seafood in your meals.




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