When we mention seafood, what comes to mind are the creatures that leap on the surface of the water and hide in the deep sea, carrying the taste of the ocean and becoming delicious dishes on people’s dining tables. A journey about the freshness of seafood is not only an ultimate provocation to the taste buds, but also an experience of deep understanding of marine ecology and culture. This article will take you on a journey to find the freshest seafood and explore seafood feasts that can awaken all your senses.
Our first stop was Tsukiji Market in Japan, which is a world-renowned seafood trading market. In the early morning, the first ray of sunshine has not yet illuminated the earth, and the auctions at the construction market are already bustling. The huge tuna was brought to the trading table, and sushi masters selected the best ingredients with keen eyes and professional skills. Here, freshness is a belief, and every cut of the sashimi represents the ultimate pursuit of freshness.
Traveling back to Sydney, Australia, Sydney Fisherman’s Wharf is a business card of this city. Here, a large amount of seafood is directly unloaded from the ship, almost directly delivered from the sea to the mouths of diners. Tasting a golden Australian lobster or a perfectly cooked blue crab, each bite is a tribute to nature’s most primitive gift.
One cannot ignore the Mediterranean coast, where seafood is renowned for its unique Mediterranean flavor. On a small island in Greece, fishermen drive small boats to fish in the Aegean Sea. At night, they cook the caught seafood on the beach, grilling squid and octopus, and pair it with a refreshing glass of Uzzo wine. The sea breeze and starlight add a touch of romance to this meal.
Head north to Norway, where the deep fjords offer clear waters and a wide variety of seafood. Norwegian salmon is renowned worldwide for growing in cold seawater, with firm and nutritious meat. It is an unspeakable enjoyment to taste a slice of fresh cut salmon sashimi here. Norwegian grouper and king crab, on the other hand, have become a favorite among seafood enthusiasts due to their delicious meat and unique flavor.
In Maine, USA, lobster is a local culinary icon. Here, lobster fishing is not only an industry, but also a culture. Whenever the fishing season comes, Maine’s ports become bustling with activity. Freshly caught lobsters can become delicious dishes after simple cooking.
Finally, our journey returned to Guangdong Province in China. Here, seafood culture is also deeply rooted. Guangdong people love the kind of “lively and energetic” freshness, from fishing boats to dining tables, pursuing the ultimate reduction in time and distance. A bowl of Yusheng Congee just out of the pot or a plate of steamed shrimp just right will leave you with endless aftertaste.
The journey of seafood freshness is not only an exploration of taste buds, but also a cultural exchange. Every type of seafood carries its own story, and every cooking method represents an attitude towards life. In this journey, we are not only searching for the freshest seafood, but also experiencing and learning how to coexist harmoniously with nature, and how to respect and protect the marine resources that we rely on for survival.
