How to Find Safe Fish On-the-Go

April 9th, 2008

Did you know that now you can get information about safe fish while in the fish market? Just point your mobile browser to m.edf.org/seafood.

Launched last month by the good folks at the Environmental Defense Fund, this quick mobile reference guide breaks fish into three easy categories: Eco-Best, Eco-Okay, and Eco-Worst. It also provides recommendations for more than 200 types of seafood. You can even access the latest health alerts. I checked this out with my Treo and it sure works for me!

And now that you know how to find safe fish, if you’re wondering where to find it an affordable price, check out this post.

— Lynn

Not a Fish Tale: Save Big on Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon

April 3rd, 2008

Nutritionists recommend 2 to 3 servings of eco-safe fish per week. Figuring out which fish is safe to eat used to be a major challenge. Thanks to guides such as this one from the Environmental Defense Fund, that’s no longer an issue. And “organic” fish? Don’t bother.

But with prices through the roof, finding affordable fish is an issue. I nearly fainted when I saw previously frozen wild king salmon for $21.99 per pound at Whole Foods.

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There’s a well-kept secret at Whole Foods that can save you a lot of money. Skip the fresh fish counter, and check out the section where pre-packaged frozen fish is kept. There you’ll find Whole Foods’ house brand, Whole Catch. Instead of paying $16.49 for 12 ounces of previously frozen wild sockeye salmon, you can purchase Whole Catch frozen wild Alaskan sockeye salmon for $7.99, a savings of $8.50! That’s not pocket change, particularly if you’re trying to incorporate fish into your diet on a regular basis.

True, it does take some pre-planning to defrost the fish overnight. But that’s a trade-off worth $8.50 per meal. And if you’re in a hurry, you can always defrost it in the microwave.

Another tip? If you live in an area where fish prices are sky high, consider bringing a cooler and stocking up on fish when you’re at the beach this spring and summer. Prices generally are lower there, and sometimes you can even find good deals on great fish at the supermarket. But remember to check with the local fisheries council if you’re going out-of-town and are unfamiliar with the local fish. Sadly, there are more contamination warnings out than ever before due to environmental irresponsibility, so you need to be careful, particularly if you are feeding children or pregnant women.

Looking for more savings before hitting the grocery stores this weekend? Check out Money Saving Mom and The Bargain Shopper Lady.

— Lynn

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