Celebrate National Seafood Month with Wild, Sustainable Alaska Cod, Alaskan Leader Seafoods- Pure as the Bering Sea's Icy Blue Waters

America celebrates National Seafood Month each October, a time to take notice of sustainable fisheries and enjoy the benefits of eating seafood. One of most popular fish in the marketplace is U.S. wild-caught Pacific cod, a smart seafood choice because it is sustainably managed and responsibly harvested under U.S. regulations.* Often called the king of whitefish, consumers love its mild taste, and versatility in recipes. But not all cod is created equal. For premium-quality Pacific Cod from Alaska's North Bering Sea, Alaskan Leader Seafood, the most progressive, innovative and vertically integrated "Hook & Line" fishing company in Alaska delivers the best cod in the marketplace.

Alaskan Leader's catch area encompasses the pristine waters of the North Bering Sea, where the big, healthy, wild cod produce uncommonly large and delicious fillets. The Alaskan Leader fleet uses the "one hook, one fish" catch method; a custom-designed and patented longline system that places individually baited hooks along the ocean floor. This harvesting method is the most ecologically friendly and leave's the ocean's floor and ecosystem undisturbed and limits the amount of bycatch coming onboard. This method also preserves the utmost quality in the catch. Once hooked, the fish remain alive and healthy until brought onboard, where they are quickly processed and flash frozen at sea (FAS), creating the best quality product in the marketplace.

"What consumers ultimately want when they purchase fish, is for it to taste delicious. Our method of flash freezing (FAS) soon after the cod is caught helps retain that "ocean fresh flavor" that so many consumers desire, making it the best in the market," said Keith Singleton, president of the value added division for Alaskan Leader Seafoods.

Today's customers like their fish mild, moist and flaky, all attributes of Alaska cod. It can be baked, poached, steamed, sautéed, or deep-fried for fish and chips. And it makes an excellent ingredient in seafood salads, casseroles and chowders and is compatible with a variety of sauces, herbs, spices and flavored butters.

Lean Alaska cod is especially appealing to consumers who are watching their diets. Low in fat and calories, high in protein, it contains all the essential amino acids and several important minerals. To incorporate more cod into a healthy diet, Alaskan Leader Seafood offers these delicious recipes for healthy and tasty meals.

Pesto, Parmesan and Bread Crumb Crusted Alaska Cod
Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp. Melted butter
• Two 4-6 oz. Alaska Cod Fillets
• 1/3 cup pesto
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup bread crumbs

Brush the fillets with the melted butter. Mix the pesto, grated Parmesan Cheese and breadcrumbs together. Using a spatula, coat the top of the Codfish with the Pesto mixture. Make sure to cover the entire fillet Bake in an oven safe dish for 15-20 minutes depending on thickness

Seared Wild Alaska Cod
Ingredients

• Two 4-6 oz. Alaska Cod Fillets
• 1 Tbsp. Olive Oil
• Seasonings: Your favorite Seasoning Salt, Old Bay Seasoning, Lemon Pepper & Black Pepper

If frozen, thaw the fillets and pat dry with a paper towel. Sprinkle seasonings on the each fillet.
Pour one tablespoon of olive oil into a non-stick skillet. Heat the skillet to medium high and place the Cod into the pan. Cook about 4-6 minutes per side until fish is flaky.

100 Percent Utilization/100 Percent Sustainability
All of Alaskan Leader's product is 100 percent Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Certified Sustainable, and rated "Best Choice" by SeafoodWatch. Many conservation groups along with The Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch and The Environmental Defense Fund applaud the "Hook and Line" fishery as the most Eco-Friendly fishing method existing today. Lastly, Alaskan Leader Cod is 100 percent traceable back to the vessel and 100% product of USA.

About Alaskan Leader Seafoods, LLC
Alaskan Leader Seafoods is the most progressive, innovative and vertically integrated hook and line fishing company in Alaska. The company is still 50% owned by the original seven fishing families who founded the company over 25 years ago. Its vessels are the newest and cleanest in the fleet, maintained so well that they fly the Maltese Falcon Cross, the symbol of inspection excellence from the American Bureau of Shipping. All its vessels are American built, U.S. Coast Guard inspected and licensed. Its sustainable hook and line fishery is applauded by several conservation organizations including the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch and The Environmental Defense Fund as the most eco-friendly fishing method existing today. Each and every product that carries the "Alaskan Leader Seafoods" brand ensures that it is harvested responsibly, carefully processed and guaranteed as a 100 percent USA product. For more information visit http://www.alaskanleaderseafoods.com

*According to http://www.fishwatch.gov/profiles/pacific-cod