With U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish having a mild, neutral-flavor it can be prepared in numerous ways. The versatility of catfish often makes it a vulnerable substitution for other fish species such as pangasius and tilapia, which are predominately imported. In some cases, substitutions are acceptable but in the case of the mentioned fish species, substitutions can pose health concerns. U.S. Farm-Raised catfish is a good choice for families because it is good for the environment and your health compared to unsustainable imported species that pose health concerns. Please keep reading to see our comparison. Also, check out our Live Well blog to learn more about the health benefits of U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish.
Know What You Are Eating When Ordering Off the Menu
Pangasius is a fish that is often posed as a catfish. It is farmed primarily in Vietnam and imported into the United States. The fish is commonly called basa, tra, swai or sutchi catfish and the imports for this fish have significantly increased over the last two decades. According to the Alabama Extension, Pangasius makes up about 70% of the U.S. market for catfish and federal law prohibits the fish from being labeled as catfish, which has led to it being sold in restaurants as unidentified whitefish. Also, tilapia is another common substitute for U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish, which has caused consumers to not know what they are eating or where it came from. Ask what you are being served and its country of origin before you order.
Know What You Are Purchasing
One of the best ways to know if you are purchasing U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish is to look at the label. Packaging both frozen and fresh, must be sealed with a label that states it is 100% American-made. You can also use seafood guides, such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium Watch, that will educate you on how to make informed decisions on what you are purchasing.
Know The Difference: U.S. Farm-Raised Heartland Catfish
Heartland Catfish’s U.S. Farm-Raised products are a healthy, safe and viable food source. We take steps to ensure our products are farmed and processed in an environmentally responsible manner. You can find restaurants serving our catfish on the Catfish Trail for a U.S. Farmed-Raised dining experience and check out our products on our website!
