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Seasonal Seafood: What’s Fresh and In-Season Right Now?

When it comes to enjoying the best seafood, freshness is paramount. The flavor, texture, and nutritional value of seafood are all at their peak when it is in season. At Fresh Fish Market, we strive to bring you the freshest seafood available, delivered right to your door. Understanding which seafood is in-season can elevate your culinary experience and ensure you’re enjoying products at their finest. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what’s fresh and in season right now and why purchasing seasonal seafood is beneficial for both your taste buds and the environment.

Why Buy Seasonal Seafood?

Buying seafood in-season doesn’t just benefit your palate; it’s also a more sustainable choice. Seafood caught in season tends to be fresher, more abundant, and more affordable. Since seasonal seafood is often sourced locally or regionally, it also helps reduce the environmental impact of transportation, lowering carbon emissions. Additionally, supporting seasonal catches ensures that the fishery practices you’re contributing to are not overfishing or depleting marine populations.

At Fresh Fish Market, we are committed to offering only sustainably sourced, in-season seafood to our customers. We prioritize working with responsible suppliers who follow eco-friendly practices, so you can feel good about your seafood purchases.

What’s In-Season Right Now?

Seasonal seafood varies by region and time of year. Below, we break down the best seafood options available by season to help you make informed decisions when shopping for fresh seafood online.

Winter Seafood (December – February)

Winter may seem like a time when seafood options are limited, but it’s a great season for several delicious, hearty catches. The colder waters bring out the best in certain seafood varieties. Here’s what’s in-season during winter:

• Oysters: Winter months, especially from November to February, are considered the best time for oysters. They are at their plumpest, and the cold water helps intensify their flavors. Popular varieties include Blue Points, Wellfleet, and Kumamoto oysters. They are perfect for raw consumption on the half shell or roasted with garlic and butter.
• Lobsters: Lobster is a classic winter treat. Cold-water lobsters, particularly those from Maine, are especially sweet and tender. This time of year is ideal for enjoying lobster tails, lobster rolls, or simply boiling lobster for a cozy dinner. The colder waters provide the best conditions for catching lobster, ensuring top-notch quality.
• Scallops: Winter is the prime season for dry-packed scallops. Unlike wet-packed scallops, dry-packed scallops are free from added preservatives and retain their sweet, delicate flavor. They are great for pan-searing or adding to pasta and risotto.
• Cod and Haddock: Cod and haddock are popular cold-water fish and are available in abundance during winter. These white fish are known for their mild flavor and flaky texture, making them ideal for a variety of dishes, from chowder to baked fish.
• Clams: Clams are another cold-water favorite in the winter months. New England clams, including littlenecks and quahogs, are perfect for clam chowder or for steaming with garlic and wine.

Spring Seafood (March-May)

As the weather warms up, spring brings an exciting variety of fresh seafood options. This season is known for many species that come into their prime:

• Soft Shell Crabs: Soft-shell crabs are one of the most highly anticipated seafood delicacies in spring. During molting season, blue crabs shed their exoskeletons, and the soft shells are harvested. They are great for frying, sautéing, or grilling.
• Salmon: While wild-caught salmon is typically in season later in the spring, farmed salmon is available year-round. Spring salmon is known for its rich, buttery texture, making it ideal for grilling, roasting, or serving in a fresh tartare.
• Tuna: Fresh tuna is at its best in spring, especially in varieties like yellowfin and albacore. These fish are perfect for sushi, sashimi, or grilling. Sashimi-grade tuna is prized for its tender, flavorful meat.
• Shrimp: As the waters warm up, wild-caught shrimp start to come into season. This season’s shrimp are sweet, plump, and tender, making them perfect for shrimp cocktails, stir-fries, or grilled skewers.

Summer Seafood (June – August)

Summer is synonymous with seafood, and this season brings a wide variety of options that are perfect for outdoor barbecues, beach parties, and light meals. The warmer waters lead to an abundance of fish and shellfish:

• Mahi-Mahi: Mahi-mahi, also known as dolphinfish, is a firm, flaky fish with a slightly sweet flavor. It’s perfect for grilling and is often used in fish tacos, grilled fish salads, or served with tropical fruits for a refreshing summer dish.
• Snapper: Red snapper and other varieties of snapper are abundant during the summer months. This fish has a mild flavor and a firm texture, making it ideal for grilling, baking, or broiling.
• Swordfish: Swordfish is another great summer fish, with a meaty texture that holds up well on the grill. It has a slightly smoky, rich flavor and is perfect for skewers or grilled steaks.
• Crab: Summer is the peak season for blue crabs and Dungeness crabs. These sweet, tender crabs are perfect for crab cakes, crab boils, or simply served with drawn butter.
• Shellfish: Mussels, oysters, and clams are in season in summer, making them perfect for steaming, grilling, or adding to seafood pasta dishes. Whether you’re enjoying a seafood boil or a simple clam bake, these shellfish are always a hit.

Fall Seafood (September – November)

As the weather cools down, fall brings some of the best seafood options of the year. The waters are teeming with flavor, making it a great time to enjoy a variety of hearty seafood dishes:

• Salmon: Fall is the prime season for wild-caught Alaskan salmon, particularly Chinook (King) and Sockeye. These salmon are rich in flavor and perfect for smoking, grilling, or baking. This is the time to indulge in the best-quality salmon you can find.
• Alaskan King Crab: Fall marks the start of Alaskan king crab season. Known for its sweet and tender meat, Alaskan king crab is a luxurious seafood option that can be steamed, baked, or served in a decadent seafood bisque.
• Sea Bass: Sea bass is abundant in the fall, offering a mild flavor with a slightly sweet finish. Its firm texture makes it ideal for grilling, roasting, or pan-searing.
• Squid: Fall is squid season, and this versatile seafood is perfect for adding to pasta, grilling, or making crispy calamari.
• Flounder and Sole: These flatfish varieties are abundant in the fall months. They offer a delicate texture and subtle flavor, making them perfect for pan-frying, baking, or grilling.

How to Find the Freshest Seafood Online

At Fresh Fish Market, we make it easy to find the freshest, seasonal seafood. When shopping online for seafood, here are some things to look for:

• Shipping Practices: We use premium packaging and expedited shipping methods to ensure that your seafood arrives fresh, no matter where you are. All orders placed before noon are shipped the same day, so you can enjoy your seafood at its best.
• Sustainability: We are committed to offering only sustainably sourced seafood. Look for certifications like MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) on our products to ensure that your purchase supports responsible fishing practices.
• Storage Tips: Fresh seafood should be eaten as soon as possible, but if you need to store it, make sure it’s kept at the proper temperature. Freezing is a great option for preserving seafood, but always make sure to follow the appropriate guidelines for thawing and cooking.

Conclusion: Freshness Delivered to Your Door

Understanding what seafood is in season can help you make the most of your seafood meals and enjoy the best flavors and textures. Whether it’s winter oysters, spring soft-shell crabs, or summer lobster, purchasing seasonal seafood ensures you’re getting the freshest, most sustainable options available.

At Fresh Fish Market, we offer a wide variety of seasonal seafood, all carefully selected and delivered right to your door. Explore our current in-season offerings today and enjoy the freshest seafood delivered directly to your home.