U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish gets high marks for ease of grilling and sustainability
Waterloo, ON (May 29, 2009)—It’s time again for Canada’s favourite summer pastime: grilling. During this all-too-short season, there’s nothing like firing up the barbecue on a hot summer evening. There might even be a financial incentive to grill: with the economic meltdown still smoldering, more of us will be vacationing at home this summer, opting to grill more and eat out less.
Grilling infuses smoke and other flavours into the food while searing the outside of the food to create a crisp, savoury crust. But if you’re not in the mood for the usual steak or burger, why not try fish instead? It’s a healthy barbecue alternative and researchers are recommending we increase our intake of fish and avoid over-indulging in red meat.
But grilling with fish? Sure. Farmed Catfish from the southern U.S. is an ideal option for the grill because its firm texture keeps it from flaking or falling apart. No need for foil wrap or Gordon Ramsay2 -like attention to perfection. This firm fish is also difficult to overcook, and even if you do, just say you meant to blacken it!
Grilling is an indulgence, yet you can still feel good about the food you’re serving. U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish is growing in popularity because it has a lot to offer. The mild, slightly sweet flavour quickly absorbs a wide variety of the marinades and spices commonly used to season grilled foods. It’s also one of the most sustainable fish choices, receiving endorsements from Canada’s SeaChoice and Endangered Seafood Alliance as well as the Sierra Club, Audubon Society and Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Catfish was also featured as a sustainable choice on Chef at Home with Michael Smith.3 Many retailers are starting to make sustainable fish selection even easier at the fresh seafood counter by listing the country of origin and whether the fish is wild-caught or farmed.
When you have a fridge full of strawberries, don’t save them for dessert. Fire up the grill and serve Grilled Catfish with Strawberry Salsa. It’s brain food and vitamin C together! Hitting a farmer’s market on the weekend? Spice up your supper with Farmer’s Market Herb Catfish Packet and cleanup will be a breeze. Blue Ribbon Catfish uses a delicious blend of spices for real taste and a bit of a kick. This weekend, your family will flip for these recipes.
