Go Fish! Your Guide to Florida Seafood - Ward's Supermarket
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Go Fish! Your Guide to Florida Seafood

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What screams summer more than days spent out on the water, followed by a seafood meal from your fresh catches of the day? Whether you’re an experienced fisherman or just learning about all the great seafood Florida has to offer, we’re here to help you boost your meals to the next level. See what you can enjoy throughout the year with our Florida seafood seasonal guide!

What Are Some Florida Seafood Staples? 

From our gulf, lakes, rivers, springs, and ocean, Florida has a wide variety of seafood to offer. Whether you’re looking for unique, adventurous foods to try or enjoy a classic fish fry, Florida seafood has something for everyone!

Alligator

Starting strong with a seafood delicacy unique to Florida! If you’ve been in Florida any length of time, you’ve either encountered a gator yourself or know that they are an ever-constant presence throughout the state. In true Florida fashion, many people actually enjoy this fearsome reptile as their lunch or dinner. Alligator hunting season is in the late summer and into the fall, but you can find alligator meat year-round.

Catfish

A southern spread is not complete without some breaded and fried catfish. Held in high regard by fishers due to its low contamination rate, catfish can be found throughout Florida seafood markets and restaurants. The best time for catfish is in the summer months, but you may be able to find smaller catches throughout the year. 

Crab

Enjoy meaty claws from Florida stone crabs and soft-shell sandwiches from our blue crabs. Whether you like your crab with just some butter or enjoy a warm bowl of bisque, both species of crab make an excellent choice for your seafood rotation. Stone crabs have a limited season from October through May, but blue crabs can be found throughout the year.

Grouper

Grouper is a popular fish choice for its mild flavor, versatile use, and meaty texture. While this fish is in high demand, it does have a limited season, with its peak being the summer.

Lobster

If you’re looking to treat yourself to a fancy dinner, lobster is a prized seafood delicacy. No need to travel all the way to Maine for this luxurious meal—it can be found in your local Florida markets! The best time to enjoy a lobster tail in Florida will be between the months of August and March. 

Mahi Mahi

Mahi Mahi, also known as dolphinfish, is a well-known fish throughout tropical regions. Prized for its mild yet slightly sweet flavor, it’s popularly used in fish sandwiches, tacos, or grilled on its own. This fish is best enjoyed from April to December. 

Oysters

While oysters may be a more divisive seafood item, people who enjoy fresh oysters with lemon will find themselves at home at Floridian seafood markets. Whether you like them live or shucked, you can satisfy your shellfish cravings with a Floridian oyster all year long—but the real fans will tell you fall and winter are the best times to enjoy this seafood delight. 

Scallops 

Often a common recreational activity for Floridian families, scalloping is a fun summertime activity. Scallops cooked just right are buttery, soft, and just slightly sweet, making them a delicious yet luxurious meal. These shellfish are in season in the late summer from July to September. 

Shrimp

Whether you like them dipped in cocktail sauce or as a main on pasta, fresh shrimp is unmatched. Florida is home to a variety of shrimp species. Luckily, we’ve already written the guide on shrimp buying! 

Snapper

Snapper is a popular fish among fishermen. With a delicate, light flavor, this fish pairs well with several different dishes. Depending on the species, you can find snapper year-round!

Tilapia

Tilapia is a very mild-tasting fish, making it widely used across homes and restaurants. Florida’s streams, lakes, and other freshwater sources are known for their abundance of blue tilapia. Tilapia is in season all year long, though you may find them more commonly in the spring than the winter. 

Tuna

If you love tuna salad sandwiches or spicy tuna sushi rolls, Florida tuna is perfect for you. Tuna is a popular fish for coastal fishers, especially since it has no closed season. While tuna can be caught all year, most species taste best during the summer!

How to Buy Local Seafood

If you’re just starting to buy fresh, local seafood, walking into a seafood market can be overwhelming. How do you know what to look for? What should you avoid? No need to worry—we’ll give you our best tips on how to navigate a Florida seafood market!

Check the Ice

Fresh seafood should be on ice or frozen. Fish meat should not be in any water, even if there’s ice as well. If it’s sold as frozen, you should not be able to bend the flesh—however, the flesh should also not have ice crystals as this is a sign of freezer burn. Check to make sure the packaging is fully sealed. 

Follow Your Nose

A seafood market is going to smell fishy, but it should not smell rotten. For most fresh seafood, you can expect a salty, briny smell, but a strong fishy odor may mean the product has gone bad. As a general rule, if you can’t stand to smell the item, you should definitely not eat it. 

Color & Appearance Matter

Discoloration and spots on your seafood are not normal. White fish meat shouldn’t have brown or gray marks, and red fish meats like salmon should have a vibrant pinkish color. The flesh should appear dry, not slimy. For shellfish, their shells should be unbroken. If you’re purchasing live seafood like crabs or lobsters, make sure they are moving up until you cook them—these types of shellfish spoil quickly if they die before being cooked.

Find Fresh Florida Seafood at Ward’s Supermarket

While we may not be exactly along the coast, there’s plenty of fresh, local seafood to be found at Ward’s Supermarket! Our meats and seafood department can help you choose the best seafood option for your meal and even tell you exactly when and where your food was packaged. Whether you’re preparing a seafood boil or fish fry, get your Florida seafood at your local Ward’s store!

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Gainesville, FL 32609

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