Summer in the UK brings sunshine, barbecues, and a cracking opportunity to enjoy the freshest seafood. At The Fish Company, we’re buzzing about the bounty of fish and shellfish at their peak from June to August. Whether you’re planning a garden party or a quiet dinner, here’s a guide to the best seafood to savour this summer, straight from our family-run shop in Rainford, St Helens. Plus, we’ve sprinkled in a few fun facts to make your fishy feast even more exciting!
Mackerel: The Summer Superstar
Mackerel is a summer must-have, hitting its prime as the waters warm up. Its rich, oily flesh is packed with omega-3s, making it a healthy choice for grilling or pan-frying. We source our mackerel from trusted suppliers, ensuring it’s spanking fresh. Try it with a zesty lemon and herb marinade for your next barbecue. Fun Fact: Mackerel can swim at speeds up to 5.5 metres per second—that’s faster than Usain Bolt running the 100-metre sprint!
Quick Recipe: Slash the skin, rub with olive oil, garlic, and rosemary, then grill for 3–4 minutes per side. Serve with a potato salad for a proper summer dish.
Crab: Sweet and Sustainable
Summer is peak season for British brown crab, especially from the coasts of Devon and Cornwall. Its sweet, tender meat is perfect for salads, sandwiches, or a classic crab linguine. At The Fish Company, our crabs are hand-picked for quality, with juicy white meat and rich brown meat to suit every taste. Fun Fact: Crabs can regrow their claws if they lose one in a tussle—talk about a seafood superpower!
Quick Recipe: Mix crab meat with mayo, a squeeze of lemon, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Spread on crusty bread or toss with pasta for a dead easy summer lunch.
Mussels: The Coastal Gem
Mussels are at their plumpest in summer, especially from UK shores like those in Scotland. They’re dead cheap, sustainable, and a doddle to cook. Our fresh mussels are cleaned and ready to pop into a pot with white wine, garlic, and parsley for a classic moules marinières. Fun Fact: Mussels are nature’s water filters, cleaning up to 50 litres of seawater a day while they feed!
Quick Recipe: Sauté garlic and shallots in butter, add a splash of white wine, then steam mussels for 4–5 minutes until they open. Serve with crusty bread to mop up the juices.
Why Choose Seasonal Seafood?
Eating seasonally isn’t just about flavour—it’s about sustainability too. Fish and shellfish at their peak are often more abundant, meaning less strain on marine ecosystems. At The Fish Company, we work with suppliers who prioritise responsible fishing, so you can tuck in with a clear conscience. Plus, summer seafood is versatile—whether you’re firing up the barbecue or keeping it light with a salad, our fresh and frozen range has you covered.
Get Your Summer Seafood Fix
Ready to dive into summer’s finest catch? Pop over to our shop or order online for delivery across the North West. From mackerel to mussels, we’ve got the freshest picks to make your meals proper lush. Check out our website for more recipe ideas or give us a bell to chat about what’s in stock. Let’s make this summer a seafood sensation!