Scott Cothran from South Carolina made a huge payday by reeling in a massive swordfish onboard his boat Pay Dirt.
Swordfish is one of the world’s favorite seafoods, prized for its delectable taste and nutritional content that includes omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, vitamin B12 and zinc as well as being relatively low in mercury content.
Price
Price and demand can determine the price of swordfish, with fresh fish costing between $20-30 per pound for delivery. But its rich, delicious meat makes it worth paying extra; its omega-3 fatty acid and selenium content is essential to good health while it contains few fats or calories, making this fish an excellent addition to any healthy diet.
Fresh swordfish is a favorite choice for grilling and frying, due to its oily and flavorful meat with mildly sweet notes that complement its crisp texture. In addition, it provides important vitamins and minerals such as calcium, potassium, vitamin B12, zinc and more – though remembering it contains mercury should only be done so sparingly!
This predatory fish has quickly become one of the cornerstones of seafood restaurants worldwide, and its popularity is on an upswing. It boasts succulent meat with delicate aroma and few bones that make cutting it effortless. Perfectly versatile in culinary creations that range from raw servings, grilling or broiled pan-frying; its delicate flavors are an ideal complement to many different cuisines.
Fresh fish is available year-round, yet for optimal purchasing it should be purchased when it is in season. While swordfish prices tend to increase during winter months, summer prices will often prove more cost effective.
Swordfish can be found throughout tropical, subtropical, and temperate ocean environments and can reach up to 1.165 meters in length. Their name derives from their long blade-like snout that covers about one third of their total body length.
Though swordfish season typically begins around early July, some boats have already caught a healthy supply since June due to an abnormally warm North American winter. At the Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic held earlier this month in Biloxi, there was for the first time a swordfish division for tournament competition – Scott Cochran from South Carolina set an all-new state record with his 242-pound fish worth more than $325,000 that made its way through Scott Cochran’s hands!
Flavor
Swordfish is an ideal option for seafood enthusiasts searching for something meatier than tuna. Less oily than its tuna counterpart and with mild ocean-inspired flavorings. With its dense texture perfect for grilling or adding seasonings or marinades to enhance its delicious taste further.
Swordfish’s mild flavor makes it a versatile ingredient to pair with various spices and herbs, including sumac, African grains of paradise or mesquite seasoning. Grilling brings out citrus notes; try marinading it in orange zest, basil or parsley before grilling for optimal results. For something spicy try mixing cayenne pepper, paprika and garlic powder or Caribbean-style jerk blend for an added kick!
Fry your swordfish in a pan for another delicious treat! This method creates a crispy crust and delicious, savory sweetness. Try seasoning it with rosemary, oregano and thyme; or even add blackening spices like chili powder or onion powder for a smoky, spicy flavor!
Swordfish pairs beautifully with fruity flavors. Its firm texture and rich flavor pair well with blueberry balsamic reduction – find a recipe at Hey Grill Hey for this dish. Or add mango salsa for an additional delicious combination!
Addition of swordfish to your diet can be an easy and delicious way to increase omega-3 fatty acid intake and other essential nutrients. Just remember to consume in moderation due to mercury being harmful for pregnant women and young children. Eating too often could even cause developmental issues.
When purchasing swordfish, look for one with fresh metallic skin and no dull spots or offensive smell. Inspect the label to see if there is an official seal from an approved seafood distributor; and ask your vendor for a list of ingredients and preparation methods so you can select the ideal swordfish species for yourself.
Nutrition
Swordfish (Xiphias gladius) is an immensely delicious and nutritious fish that offers an outstanding source of lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, vitamins B3 and B12, zinc and magnesium–nutrients essential for overall good health and muscle development. Swordfish also serves as an excellent source of zinc which supports immune health while aiding healing. In addition, its magnesium content promotes good sleep quality and relaxation within your body.
Swordfish is a popular fish choice for grilling with various marinades. It makes an excellent low-cal option, since its fat content is lower than other varieties such as tuna. One 3.5-ounce serving provides approximately 170 calories. Swordfish also provides essential omega-3 fatty acids essential to human health – with approximately 1.3 grams per serving from both EPA and DHA sources alone!
Swordfish’s meaty flavor pairs perfectly with various marinades, grilling or broiled preparations and can even be served rare to medium rare for optimal results. Unfortunately, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should limit their consumption as it contains mercury which could pose risks to infants; thus it’s advised they enjoy this dish only on an occasional basis.
Due to an exceptionally warm North American winter, fishermen were able to catch an abundance of swordfish this year, leading prices to spike significantly; buyers have even paid as much as USD 6.50 a pound wholesale for 100 swordfish; this price exceeds normal estimates by far. According to seafood distributors, this higher cost may be explained by higher-grade North Atlantic swordfish being harvested while South Atlantic ones tend to be smaller.
Safety
A swordfish is a large species of marine fish with a sharp protrusion at its front head that serves to stun prey before killing them, one of the fastest hunters in the sea and reaching speeds up to 50 miles per hour. Additionally, this popular seafood choice can make for delicious meals when consumed as part of an appropriate dish.
Swordfish is an extremely versatile protein source and can be prepared in numerous ways for delicious meals, from grilling or sauteing, through to frying. Their mild taste means it works well when combined with herbs and spices for an exquisite dish. Fans of swordfish eat it often; many consider it one of their favorite types. While the expense might put some off, people consider this delicacy worth their while!
Swordfish can be found worldwide, though North America is where most production takes place. The United States leads this industry with the United States being the highest producer, followed by Chile and Canada. When selecting your swordfish to purchase, be sure it was caught legally and fresh as this will benefit both you and the fish itself.
Though swordfish is an excellent protein-packed food option, pregnant women and children should limit their consumption as it contains high levels of mercury which has been linked with nerve damage and memory loss. As recommended by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), pregnant women should refrain from eating swordfish due to this potential hazard.
A swordfish offers a distinctively sweet-and-meaty taste, full of selenium to fight cancer and improve heart health, protein, vitamin B12, niacin and zinc as well as low amounts of fat and calories.
The National Marine Fisheries Service offers several solutions for managing swordfish stocks, but none of them are effective. One proposal involves permitting recreational anglers to sell swordfish caught using hand gear directly back to them – increasing existing swordfish quotas by thousands while being difficult to track all caught through this method.