In abundance Available in smaller quantities
This list shows a small selection of our seafood which is at its best this time of year. A lot of the fish we sell are available all year round, but we recommend buying them in season and when they are most abundent, so you get the best quality, best price and most sustainable options.
What does in-season seafood mean?
Just like fresh fruit and Veg, all fish have their own seasons. Unlike fruit and veg which can be sourced from around the world all year, seafood can only be caught when they’re in local waters. This means that at times, you will see very little if any of a particular fish. For instance, Turbot will be available on the markets throughout the year, but in modest quantities, inflating its cost, leaving only the finest of London restaurants to pay the premium required to secure it for their menus.
Why should you buy in-season?
Buying fish in season offers more than just a good price. When a particular fish is abundant, prices typically drop, but more importantly, it's often more sustainable. Choosing seafood at its peak season helps protect populations and supports responsible fishing practices. You'll also enjoy higher-quality fish with better texture and flavour.
How to find out what’s in season?
You can usually tell what’s in season by paying attention to what fish is being marketed by fishmongers. But if you are still unsure, you can double-check local Cornish species on the Cornwall Good Seafood Guide website or a list just like this one.
Our top picks for January:
Hake
Hake is a staple of Cornish seafood. As a white fish with a delicious mild taste and flaky texture, making it a versatile option and a great substitution for cod. A popular choice in and around Cornwall, Hake, supports local fishermen all while helping the environment by reduction transport needs. Our Hake comes from an MSC accredited fishery, which means It meets high sustainability standards, ensuring the stocks stay healthy and the environment is protected.
Mackerel
Mackerel is very distinctive with its blue and Black stripes and bright silver underbelly and is a prized catch in UK waters. Oily fish like Mackerel come with plenty of health benefits including being high in omega3, Vitamin D and Protein. They have a firm flesh and richer flavour that pairs well with simple seasoning like lemon and herbs – and it’s delicious when smoked.
Sardines
Cornish Sardines are small but mighty with an oily, rich flavour. These Sardines – also known as pilchards – are an integral part of Cornwall’s fishing history. Caught using sustainable methods, Cornish Sardines are a great choice to minimise the impact on the environment. They are a versatile fish and are delicious when serve with a vibrant Salsa Verde and freshly-cracked black pepper and lemon.
Oysters
Rock Oysters are a non-native species that were introduced into UK waters in the 1960s. They are low-impact, don’t pollute the water and are available in abundance. Rock Oysters or Pacific oysters are rated a 1 by the Cornwall Good Seafood Guide – the best possible rating when it comes to sustainable fishing practices. With a milder, sweeter flavour, Rock oysters are most commonly enjoyed raw with a splash of lemon or tobacco sauce.
Mussels
Mussels grow naturally all over the Cornish coast. Farmed mussels are a great sustainable choice as they are not only available in large quantities, but they also have little impact on the environment as they feed on passing plankton, avoiding the need for feed, which can pollute the surrounding waters. Create delicious classic dishes like moules frites or be a little more adventurous with a spicy tomato sauce.
Learn more about seafood seasonality and sustainability practices on the Cornwall Good Seafood Guide Website.
