If you think seafood is a seasonal dish, think again! There is seafood for every season in North Carolina. While summer is the optimal season for seafood, there are plenty of other catches to enjoy year-round.
Even as the colder weather settles in, North Carolina still has plenty to offer in the seafood department. You don’t want to limit your seafood intake to the warmer months because there are many health benefits to your favorite catch. Did you know that seafood is low in saturated fats and high in protein? It also promotes heart health because it’s very high in Omega-3 fatty acids which help to keep your heart healthy. You wouldn’t want to limit those benefits just because the season changes, would you? We didn’t think so!
If you’re not sure what saltwater fish and other seafood dishes are best for each season, check out this guide.
Seafood in Spring
Spring is a great season for seafood in North Carolina because the weather is just starting to heat up in preparation for summer. Whether you’re looking to cook at home or treat yourself at a restaurant, these make great choices for seafood in Spring:
- Clams
- Oysters
- Dolphin fish or Mahi-Mahi
- Kingfish
- Snapper
Also, be sure to take advantage of saltwater fish like bluefish and mackerel during this time of year.
Seafood in Summer
You can’t go wrong with seafood in the summer! There are so many light and flavorful dishes with a variety of fish to choose from. Did you know that this is the best time of year for shrimp? Whether it’s shrimp cocktail, a shrimp dish with a side of pasta, or shrimp on the barbecue, you can’t go wrong when choosing shrimp during the summer.
Other fish to put on your menu include:
- Black Sea Bass
- Snapper
- Grouper
- Triggerfish
With so many different saltwater fish to choose from, you’ll have recipes and dishes to try all season long!
Seafood in Fall
Although the temperatures start to drop during the fall, there is still plenty of fish to enjoy. While it may not be the optimal time for shrimp (although you can still enjoy it), it is a good time to try mullet, flounder, and sea trout. You may even want to add some tuna to your list. Blue crab, grouper, and bluefish are also fishes to keep on your list during the fall in North Carolina.
Seafood in Winter
Saltwater fish like mackerel makes a great choice for seafood in North Carolina during the winter. Although it is colder, there are still many options available. You can try:
- Sea Trout (grey and spotted)
- Black Sea Bass
- Striped Bass
If you want another choice, try oysters. They are harvested year-round and make a great go-to dish when you’re craving some seafood.
Knowing which season is best for certain fish can help you find the freshest and most delicious seafood out there. North Carolina has so much to offer when it comes to seafood that you don’t want to miss out!
Seafood for Every Season at NC Seafood
No matter the season, NC Seafood at the Farmer’s Market in Raleigh always has fresh catches for you to try. For the past 30 years, we have been serving the highest quality fried Calabash-style seafood. Visit us today and discover why so many people have come to enjoy our tasty seafood year-round.