Seasonal Catches: What to Eat and When

Introduction

Eating seasonally isn’t just a trend; it’s a way to enjoy seafood at its peak flavor, nutritional value, and sustainability. Understanding which fish and seafood are in season throughout the year can enhance your culinary experiences, support local fishing communities, and contribute to more sustainable fishing practices. This guide will walk you through the best seasonal catches for each quarter of the year, helping you make informed choices about what to eat and when.

Spring Delights: March to May

As waters begin to warm, spring brings a bounty of delicious seafood options. This is the perfect time to enjoy:

1. Halibut: Known for its firm, white flesh and mild flavor, halibut is at its prime in spring.
2. Salmon: While available year-round, wild salmon starts its peak season in late spring.
3. Soft-shell crabs: These succulent crustaceans are a springtime delicacy, especially on the East Coast.
4. Shad and shad roe: Often called the “founding fish,” shad and its prized roe are spring specialties.

Summer Abundance: June to August

Summer offers a wide variety of seafood options as waters reach their warmest temperatures:

1. Mahi-mahi: This colorful fish peaks in summer, offering a mild, sweet flavor.
2. Bluefin tuna: While conservation efforts limit its availability, summer is the best time for sustainably caught bluefin.
3. Lobster: Summer months see lobsters at their most plentiful, especially in New England waters.
4. Clams and oysters: Perfect for summer clambakes and raw bars.

Fall Favorites: September to November

As temperatures start to cool, fall brings its own unique selection of seafood:

1. Striped bass: This popular game fish is at its best in the fall months.
2. Albacore tuna: Fall is the prime time for this versatile, meaty fish.
3. Swordfish: While available year-round, swordfish is particularly good in early fall.
4. Dungeness crab: The season typically opens in fall, making it a perfect time for crab feasts.

Winter Wonders: December to February

Even in the coldest months, there are excellent seafood options to be found:

1. Cod: This versatile white fish is at its peak in winter months.
2. Monkfish: Often called the “poor man’s lobster,” monkfish is a winter delicacy.
3. Scallops: While available year-round, many varieties peak in winter.
4. Stone crab: The season for these sought-after claws runs from October to May, peaking in winter.

Year-Round Options

While many fish have distinct seasons, some seafood options are consistently available throughout the year:

1. Farmed fish: Species like tilapia, catfish, and farm-raised salmon are available year-round.
2. Canned and frozen seafood: These options provide consistent access to various species regardless of season.
3. Certain shellfish: Mussels, for example, are generally available fresh throughout the year.
4. Versatile white fish: Species like pollock and haddock are often good choices any time of year.

Conclusion

Understanding seasonal seafood not only enhances your dining experience but also promotes sustainable fishing practices and supports local fishing communities. By choosing fish and seafood when they’re at their peak, you’re likely to enjoy better flavor and quality while often benefiting from better prices. Remember that availability can vary by region, so it’s always a good idea to check with local fishmongers or seafood markets for the best seasonal options in your area. By aligning your seafood choices with nature’s cycles, you can savor the best of what each season has to offer while contributing to the long-term health of our oceans.