Many of us have spent the last couple of weeks digging out of this cold.  Stuck with sore backs and frozen noses, it has been a real test of wills between us and Mother Nature.  Some will get tested again, soon enough, with the Lenten Season upon us.  Lent starts this week - and, for some, that means saying goodbye to a favorite indulgence.  The good news is that with the beautiful Seafood we have to offer, you never have to sacrifice flavor.  Here is an outlook you can abide to. 
 
This is a great week to feast on traditional New England fare like Cod, Haddock, Flounder, and Pollack.  These ground fish species, as well as Skate and Monk, will offer attractive price points combined with exceptional quality.  Winter is the best time to enjoy these species due to their higher fat store, and they accommodate many methods of preparation and seasoning.  They also make delicious stews.
 
The Mexican Grouper season recently closed, but we are still getting beautiful domestic Red Grouper from Florida.  We could see some price increases during the next six weeks of the closure, so keep an eye on this market. 
 
Ono is coming in this week; it has been some time since we’ve seen this evasive fish.  We will have a limited quantity of large fish flown directly to our door from Tahiti.  The flesh has a firm, dense texture with a silky, rich flavor.  It is great for searing or grilling and pairs perfectly with fresh citrus. 
 
2021 will be a tough year for Scallops due to closures and quota cuts.  The current market is stable, but buyer beware of what is down the pipeline.  If we see business pick up, then prices could jump way past last year’s offerings.  Watch this market carefully and plan accordingly, it could be a bumpy summer.  For now, enjoy the fruits de mare, and know that you never have to give up good fish!

Gourmet Gab

February is American Heart Health Month, so Fortune would like to bring awareness to two under-rated cooking oils that can help you and your customers to improve heart-health.

 
Rice Bran Oil, known as “The World’s Healthiest” edible oil, contains vitamins, antioxidants, nutrients, and is trans-fat free.  Rice bran oil is also an excellent source of poly- and mono-unsaturated fats. Studies have shown that consuming these unsaturated fats can improve blood cholesterol levels, which can decrease your risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.* Formed in 1999, California Rice Oil Company had a goal of providing the highest quality rice bran oil on the market and succeeded with their company and bringing a superior rice bran oil to the market.

That’s all great, but what about cooking with it? Glad you asked! Rice Bran Oil is a versatile oil that’s often overlooked in the kitchen. With a smoke point of 490° and a delicate, neutral flavor, it is great for frying, sautéing, baking, in vinaigrettes, or wherever you may use a traditional cooking oil. With a light viscosity, the food absorbs up to 20% less oil, resulting in enhanced flavors of the food you’re cooking, especially heart-healthy seafood.

Another versatile oil and kitchen secret is La Tourangelle’s Grapeseed Oil. When the seeds of the grapes are pressed, they produce an oil with remarkable properties. It is extremely light in flavor and has a high level of polyunsaturated fat.  Grapeseed oil has high levels of Vitamin E, which has high antioxidant properties and contributes to the reduction of damaged cells from free radicals, which may help prevent heart disease and some cancer.* This oil with its high smoke point is another one perfectly suited for your seafood plates. La Tourangelle’s Grapeseed oil is verified Non-GMO, and available in both for your retail shelves or kitchen needs.

*Source WebMD