One of the most frequently consumed seafood items in the world is Salmon. As a result of this we have eaten our way through the ocean. Wild salmon is essentially extinct in the Atlantic, and currently the commercial fishing season for wild salmon in California has been shut down due to such low stock levels. Demnad however has remained at an all time high, thus perpetuating the cultivation of Farm Raised Salmon. While there are many salmon farms that raise their fish in an ecologically friendly manner (check Loch Duart at www.cleanfish.com), many fish farms are contributing to the decimation of wild salmon stocks. Farmed Salmon spread disease and parasites to wild salmon, some cultivated species also interbreed with native fish, reducing the ability of their offspring to survive. Some say soon enough farmed salmon is going to be so genetically mutated that they are going to be able to walk and drive cars, eventually take seats in congress and start farming humans….ok that last part is not true.
The easiest way to reduce this downward spiral is to avoid eating unsustainably farmed salmon, or at least to decrease some of the pressure on wild stocks by ordering alternative fish. Arctic Char is an amazing substitute!!!
Farmed Arctic Char are easily raised in land based tanks, isolated from natural bodies of water. These tans are environmentally friendly because they contain waste, pollution, and disease. From a culinary perspective Artic Char is like a mix between trout and salmon. It is a fatty fish of high culinary regard for its rich flavor– tender like salmon and best simply prepared. Give this recipe a try and sleep better during Earth Week.
Gently Roasted Arctic Char w/ Arugula & Almond Vinaigrette
Yield: 2 portions
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Ingredients:
2 6-8 oz filets of arctic char (available at most local Whole Foods Markets)
1 tble grapeseed oil or canola oil
2 cups of organic arugula
1/4 tsp minced shallot
1 tsp chopped thyme
1 tble dijon mustard
1/4 cup sherry vinegar
3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tble almond oil
3 tble rough chopped marcona almonds (available in the cheese section of all Whole Foods Markets)
Sea Salt and Fresh Cracked Pepper
Method:
1. Rub the arctic char down with tble of cooking oil, season with sea salt and fresh cracked pepper. Place in a saute pan and put in a pre-heated oven set to 300 F. Cook the Arctic char for 15 minutes on the oven.
2. While the char is cooking in the oven add the shallots to the sherry vinegar and whisk together, allow to sit for 5 minutes in order to allow the onions to break down a bit in the vinegar.
Love this blog I’ll be back when I have more time.
You inspired me. We are serving artic char with heirloom tomatoes and spring garlic this weekend.
Hi, interesting post. I have been pondering this topic,so thanks for sharing. I will certainly be subscribing to your site.
I love the entry. It looks delicious. Thank you!