Smart About Seafood
When it comes to healthy eating, there’s a lot to know. At Diamond Reef®, we aim to help you choose high-quality, flavorful products that meet the highest industry standards. We also want to share how to store, handle and prepare your seafood properly. We take the complexity out of seafood by providing easy answers to your important questions.
Seafood Nutrition
Seafood is a healthy food choice, providing key nutrients and protein for consumers of all ages.
While the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends eating seafood 2 or 3 times weekly, most Americans aren’t taking full advantage of the health benefits associated with eating seafood as an alternate protein source. Freshly-frozen fish offers excellent benefits in line with the USDA recommendation.
Seafood benefits include:
- Plenty of high-quality protein
- Beneficial long chain omega-3 fatty acids
- Low in saturated fat
- Rich in vitamins and minerals
- Support of bone strength, brain development and healthy immune and cardiovascular systems
Certifications
Just like many industries, a healthy amount of oversight is the key to customer confidence. We support Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) and are committed to delivering a product that is as environmentally conscious as it is delectable. It’s your assurance that every product we put our name on meets high standards, protects the open oceans we fish, and enhances the species that we farm.
Learn more about BAP Certification at bapcertification.org.
Food Safety
Safety is always first. With a few simple guidelines you can enjoy the fresh flavor of seafood without any worry.
Tips for Buying Frozen Seafood
Frozen seafood is a great choice, as Diamond Reef fresh catch is immediately processed and frozen after being caught. This captures the fresh flavor and healthy benefits – with no rush on when you need to serve it.
Follow the tips below when buying frozen seafood:
- Ensure there are no ice crystals or discoloration
- Fillets or steaks should remain frozen until ready to cook
- Spots or discoloration could be a sign of dried-out fish
- Make sure packaging is intact
- Avoid packages that are above the frost line in a store’s display freezer
Storing Seafood
The fresh flavors of the ocean can be kept right in your freezer. Get your products home and back into the freezer quickly and ensure you don’t thaw and re-freeze seafood. This helps avoid an environment that invites bacteria growth. It’s that simple. Frozen seafood is a quick and easy way to keep a healthy protein in your home for meals that everyone will love.
Handling & Preparing
Nothing gives you pause like the phrase – “cross-contamination.” But with some easy steps, you can avoid any concerns about working with seafood and simply enjoy its great flavor and versatility.
- Hands, surfaces and tools must remain clean
- Keep raw or thawed seafood separate from other food items
- Use plastic, acrylic or rubber cutting boards
- Do not put cooked seafood on plates that held raw product
