Wild Edibles Seafood Update

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Good morning Chefs and Buyers,
 
Despite last weeks storm it looks as though March has come in like a lamb (at least locally), although forecasts call for midweek snow, and Massachusetts boats just returned to sea with winds tapering off a bit. We could see a brief spike in cod and ground fish prices before the week is over. Farmed salmon prices continue to climb as the Lenten season has demand at very high levels.
 
Spring is in the air, and for fish that signals the time to spawn, so we have some of the finest first of the season Carolina shad roe. These large roe pairs range in color from amber-blonde to ruby-red, all are rich and filled with tasty beads of roe. Shad roe pairs well with bacon and egg. What will be your take on this classic? Usher in the spring with these seasonally limited offering (usually available only until mid May).  Wild striped bass are plentiful and coming from Maryland and Virginia and coming down a bit in price as well. That is good because farmed stripers are tightening up as cold weather has affected the growth rates and harvests are lower than expected.
 
Black sea bass are large and in charge, these Rhode Island cold water fish are big, firm and candy gilled. Also from the smallest state in the Union we have a limited amount of razor clams and some fancy big monk.
 
From Florida we have gorgeous gag groupers, gleaming golden tile, small but fancy Spanish mackerel (1-2lbs), and petite porgies. Fresh 16/20 shrimp tails are sweet, succulent and cook up crisp as usual.
 
Chilean Turbot shipment has been delayed by at least a day while we wait for the Airports in Chile to resume normal traffic. While the farm was not affected by the earthquake, damage and congestion in the country has low priority items on hold.
 
 
"Up from the sea, the wild north wind is blowing Under the sky's gray arch; Smiling I watch the shaken elm boughs, knowing It is the wind of March."
~William Wordsworth
 
Have a great day,
 
Matthew Hovey http://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewhovey
718-433-4321 ext.121 / fax 718-433-4616 cell 718-679-0641
"Hand picked specialties from the Seas"
www.wildedibles.com 
http://sustainablefishmonger.com

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