SEAFOOD to surprise this festive season

Discover the varieties that exist and their characteristics, as well as the properties and benefits of seafood. Find out all about this season’s king of dishes.

When we talk about seafood, we can distinguish two main types: crustaceans, which have a shell, such as prawns or crabs; and molluscs, which are always covered by two shells, such as clams or mussels. Although they can be found almost all year round, no Christmas meal is complete without a little seafood.

Types of seafood

Crustaceans: They have two pairs of antennas, a segmented body and specialised articulated limbs. These limbs perform various vital functions, such as moving, feeding and reproduction. Among the crustaceans, there are several popular types of shellfish:

Crabs: you eat the legs, the claws and the interior of the central body, cooked. The meat is delicious and exquisite, but you will need the right tools to break the hard shell and extract the flesh.

Lobsters: are large seafood with an elongated body and two large claws at the front. Their flavour is milder, but just as tasty.

Red shrimps: are the most commonly used crustacean in the Levante region for preparing rice dishes or for grilling. Like other crustaceans, their most intense flavour is found in the head.

Norway lobsters: Characterised by their pinkish colour, firm flesh and hard shell, Norway lobsters are one of the most traditional gastronomic products in our country. They are usually grilled with a little salt.

Molluscs: have a soft body and, in most cases, a hard shell that protects them. However, not all molluscs have a visible outer shell: this is the case for octopuses and cuttlefish. Among the most popular are the following:

Mussels: are notable for their intense taste of the sea and their meaty and succulent texture. They come from the cold waters of the northern seas.

Oysters: They are famous for their smooth smooth texture and salty flavour, and are true jewels of the sea. Oysters are highly nutritious and an excellent source of protein.

Clams: are very versatile in the kitchen and can be prepared on their own, with a delicious marinara sauce, or to accompany other dishes, such as stews or seafood casseroles.

Scallops: They are a highly prized delicacy in gastronomy, offering a unique culinary experience.

Squid: They are another seafood delicacy that will be a must on your table, with white, tender and juicy flesh. With a mild and very tasty flavour, they are ideal for both simple dishes and more elaborate recipes.

Octopus: have a unique taste and texture. Its firm yet tender flesh and intense flavour make it a key ingredient in numerous dishes.

Cuttlefish: of the same family as squid and octopus, their versatility allows for the creation of countless dishes, rice dishes and stews.

Properties and benefits

All of these seafoods can be served cooked, as a side dish or as part of more elaborate recipes. In the case of crustaceans, it’s possible to eat them as a single dish because they are seafood with a very intense and characteristic flavour. Moreover, some of them, such as prawns, are very useful because of their versatility. They can be cooked, stewed,

fried or grilled. In addition to being essential in our kitchen, both on their own and as accompaniments, they offer numerous health benefits.

Source of protein: seafood provides proteins of high biological value, as it provides essential amino acids. Therefore, they are ideal for diets that promote muscle recovery.

Low in fat: contain a very low level of calories and fat, the latter being less than 2%. This makes this food perfectly suitable for slimming diets, as they are also rich in protein and have a satiating effect.