Funky Oyster BarRECIPES AND TIPS

Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet based on the principles of the Mediterranean diet entails eating fish, preferably oily fish, about three times a week. However, we need to be aware of what species of fish to eat because not all of them are the same.

Today, most of the fish we buy from fishmonger’s shops comes from farms where the diet of fish, or what we might call their “lifestyle”, is very different to that of fish that are born, grow and live in the sea. These factors lead to substantial differences in terms of nutritional properties and characteristics. Moreover, many fish farms are managed in a way that is harmful to the environment and marine life, unless we opt for the ones that farm clams, mussels, oysters or other organic products.

Some of the most purchased and consumed species of fish are those that have the greatest negative impact on the environment and are the most vulnerable and at risk of extinction, such as bluefin tuna, swordfish, grouper, and smooth-hound. 

In contrast, some species can be considered “sustainable”, just as good and price controlled. These are: dolphinfish, little tunny, needlefish, mackerel, Atlantic bonito, sardines, mullet, saddled seabream, greater amberjack, sea bass and gilt-head bream. Another useful tip is to respect the minimum size limit, meaning you should avoid buying fish caught too young, and therefore small in size, which is invaluable for the ecological balance of species.