The Different Kinds Of Whitefish: A Quick Guide To Tasty Seafood
While a lot of big-name fish are showing up on the overfished lists, gourmets and casual shoppers alike have to figure out alternatives. If you're taking a break from sea bass, trout, tuna, or a number of other varieties of fish, even maybe cod, there needs to be an alternative. One of the largest fish populations is referred to by a vague and sweeping name, whitefish, but the dizzying whitefish varieties means that there are many different individual species within this family. To learn a little bit more about whitefish and their many incarnations, especially why they're a good alternative to the age-old question what's for dinner, it's as simple as doing a little bit of reading.
Four whitefish varieties make their home in the chilly and clean waters of Alaska, and all four still have high numbers, meaning that you can enjoy a tasty dinner without feeling guilty. The four species of whitefish found in Alaska all have distinct benefits and go great with certain types of food, in case you're planning a specific type of ethnic food or want something perfect for a fish fry or fish stew.
One of the most plentiful whitefish varieties found in the Alaskan waters is Alaska Pollack, which has long been eaten by both indigenous peoples in Alaska as well as populations of Japanese looking for a fish that is both healthy and tasty. Many people say the superior taste of Alaskan Pollack is because, as fish that spend their entire lives at sea, they maintain a superior taste from the freezing and fresh Alaskan waters.
Another of the most popular whitefish varieties found in Alaska's waters is Pacific Cod, which is special because it is one of the only types of Cod left in the world that hasn't been overfished. The strict rules that the state of Alaska enacts to make sure that populations aren't decimated have done wonders for this type of fish, which is perfect for just about anything. Fry it up as some fish and chips, enjoy chunks in a Portuguese stew...whatever you like, it tastes great. Pacific Cod from Alaska is always tasty, and thanks to those fishing rules, always a responsible choice, too.
So if the thought of another night of pork chops or mac and cheese has you yearning for a better, healthier choice that won't break the bank, go for the unexpected. Try one of the whitefish varieties fished in Alaska, and please both your taste buds and your budget. Best of all, you know you are providing a healthy and delicious dinner that didn't leave a negative impact on the environment, since the fishing standards in Alaska are the only reason that while fish populations around the world shrink, they hold steady in this most majestic state.
