The end of the year and the beginning of a new one is always a busy time. December is marked with jubilant celebrations, and all the preparation that these require, while January calls for reflection and the setting of new goals for the year ahead.
When it comes to what’s on the menu, consumers are therefore hankering for something that provides some balance to the indulgences of the festive season, while not wanting to compromise on the all-important taste of what they eat.
To balance both sides of this equation, they would do well to look to the cuisines of the Mediterranean and Asia, where fish, healthy fats, and fresh fruit and vegetables make up the diet of two happy, healthy regions.
When it comes to fish, more than just being delicious and healthy, if you pick up the knack of buying it frozen, it won’t break the bank either.
Out at sea, the crews of fishing companies like Norebo have refined the freezing method to ensure that the icy freshness is locked into their products.
With the catch brought aboard, the crew will first fillet the fish, then trim the fillet, before packing and freezing it, all within just hours of the fish being caught.
This means that none of the arctic freshness is lost, to the delight of Norebo’s customers.
Back on shore, and with their freezer well-stocked with frozen at sea fish, the consumer has the option of a delicious, but equally healthy, meal to get them back on track after a well-deserved month of roast potatoes, red wine, and late-night chocolates.
Frozen cod, known for its light, flaky texture once cooked, is simply brimming with nutrients and vitamins.
Indeed, not only is cod proven to keep our bones healthy and strong, but it aids digestion and provides a boost to our immune systems, something vital in the cold winter months.
If you are conscious of not wanting to eat too much red meat this festive season, then fish such as halibut and haddock will deliver you and your loved ones a hefty portion of protein, without all the calories of a beef steak or fillet.
Yet just because the festive season may be drawing to a close, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy yourself, and the versatility of frozen at sea fish means that there are a whole range of delicious options to cook up for a healthy dinner or lunch.
Firstly, defrosting the fish couldn’t be easier. Simply cover your unpackaged Norebo product and leave it in the fridge.
Small cod or haddock fillets should be in there for 6-7 hours and cod loins and larger fillets will need 8-9 hours.
A simple trick is to put your frozen at sea fish in the fridge in the morning so that its ready to go by the time you’re ready to prepare dinner.
Now the cooking can begin, and frozen fish is a delight to cook with.
Let’s say it’s a busy weekend in January and you fancy a quick, simple dinner, so why not have pan-fried halibut?
Simply heat some sunflower oil in a large pan and then cook the fish skin-side down for 3-4 minutes until its crispy and then turn it over to make sure that both sides are golden brown. Accompany the halibut with a parsley sauce, a heated brew of butter, milk and chopped parsley, and serve with a creamy mash.
Or what about haddock with a crunchy herb crust? Whizz bread, herbs, and lemon rind in the blender, gently cover the fillets and then nestle cherry tomatoes in between them. A drizzle of olive oil and 15 minutes in the oven later and voila!
Last but not least and nodding to the old adage that ‘variety is the spice of life’, you simply can’t beat steamed parcels of fresh Atlantic cod with chilli, ginger, and pak choi.
Cover your tray in baking parchment, place the pak choi front and center and then top it with the fillet and garnish. Add a dash of soy sauce and then wrap the cod up in a tightly enclosed parcel. It only takes 10-15 minutes in the oven to have a dinner fit for royalty, and healthy too.
These recipes provide a form of escape in what is set to be another difficult few months and cooking fresh, healthy, and delicious food like this will be a real pick-me-up for consumers.
What’s more, they’ll be able to enjoy their steamed parcel of flavorsome Atlantic cod, if that’s what they choose, knowing that its well within their budget.
We all know that we want to give our loved ones the best that we can afford, so give frozen at sea fish a try, a product where you get more for less: its tastier, fresher, and cheaper to boot.
