While we have yet to discover the elusive “fountain of youth”, consuming salmon regularly might get you pretty close.  Salmon  contains an antioxidant (Astaxanthin) that helps slow down the aging process. Salmon is an easy protein to digest, easy to prepare, and highly nutritious.  While most are aware that salmon contains a healthy dose of  omega-3 fatty acids which help to keep skin soft and selenium which provides the skin with protection from sun exposure, few realize that salmon is also a rich source of vitamin D, and research shows us that many people are deficient in it.

Equally important is the source of our seafood. It can have profound effects on quality, taste, and freshness. Since contamination is a concern for most seafood enthusiasts, it is important to have a thorough conversation with your seafood vendor.  Asking the merchant how your fish was raised (farm raised or wild caught) is a great place to start. Wild salmon is the best way to reap the nutritional benefits associated with salmon, and when it comes to taste, the wild sockeye from Alaska’s Copper River is touted as the best tasting in the world. The fishing season for sockeye is fairly short (about 2 months) but you can gain access to frozen or canned varieties all year long. Among salmon varieties that pose a relatively low risk of contaminants, two of the most popular are Chinook (also known as King salmon) and Coho. They are wild caught, high in beneficial nutrients, and safe to consume on a fairly regular basis. Regardless of the variety you choose to consume, it is a smart idea to limit seafood consumption to two meals a week.

If you are searching for a reliable marketplace for your seafood shopping, Charlotte area residents can look no further than Clean Catch (http://cleancatchfish.com). Located on Selwyn Avenue, this market provides high quality seafood “sourced from fisheries, processors, and producers who have been certified against the leading standards for product quality, eco-labelling, sustainability, organic, traceability and responsible fishing”. Clean Catch has built a lasting reputation for itself based on impeccable service and the highest degree of cleanliness.. The best part about Clean Catch is the venue lacks the pervasive “fishy” smell that makes some people shy away from the average fish market. They are dedicated to providing customers with the best seasonally available seafood the domestic and international markets have to offer, so make sure you check out Clean Catch’s selection for your next seafood dalliance.

  For a quick, easy, and nutritious meal idea featuring salmon consider the 1° of Change: The 21-Day Purification Program Cookbook’s  recipe below:

Citrus Salmon

Serves 2-4

• 1-2 pounds salmon fillets
• Sea salt and ground pepper

Marinade:

• ½ cup fresh orange juice
• ¼ cup fresh lime juice
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons shallots, chopped fine
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Rinse salmon fillets under cool water and place skin side up in a baking dish. In a separate bowl, whisk together marinade ingredients. Pour marinade over salmon, cover, and allow to marinate in the refrigerator for 2-4 hours. Preheat oven to 400℉. Drain off marinade and place salmon fillets skin side down in baking dish. Bake the salmon 10 minutes per inch of thickness. Season with sea salt and pepper to taste. This recipe goes great with roasted vegetables.