Fresh Cuts

DEEP BLUE SEAL OF APPROVAL

We speak with the MSC to learn more about sustainable seafood in Asia. By Carla Thomas

As the world’s largest seafood market, Asia accounts for around 70 percent of the production and consumption of seafood globally. That makes it an important battleground for tackling the global challenge of overfishing - a problem which not only damages marine life, but also threatens the health of our oceans and the livelihoods of billions of people.

“Encouraging fisheries to operate sustainably is one important way to solve the problem of overfishing,” says Dr. An Yan, the China Director for the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).

The MSC (msc.org) is a global, non-profit organisation dedicated to recognising sustainable fishing practices while transforming the seafood market. You may have already noticed their signature blue labels on certain seafood products, a guarantee that the fishery meets the rigorous sustainability standards set forth by the NGO.

“When individual consumers purchase seafood with the MSC blue ecolabel, they can be sure that they’re helping to protect our oceans by rewarding responsible fishing,” explains Dr. Yan.

We asked Dr. Yan to tell us more about the MSC, and how we can make more sustainable choices in the seafood aisle.

What does sustainable seafood mean?

To be certified as sustainable by MSC standard, a fishery has to meet three important criteria: 1. Sustainable fish stocks: Are there enough of a particular fish left in the ocean? Fishing must be at a level that ensures it can continue indefinitely and the fish population can remain productive and healthy. 2. Minimising environmental impact: What are the impacts? Fishing activity must be managed carefully so that other species and habitats within the ecosystem remain healthy. 3. Effective fisheries management: Are the operations well-managed? MSC-certified fisheries must comply with relevant laws and be able to adapt to changing environmental circumstances.

The sustainability of a fishery is an ongoing process. After they become MSC-certified, fisheries are regularly reassessed, and many continue to make further improvements.

How does Asia compare to the rest of the world when it comes to sustainable seafood practices?

The region represents a huge diversity of fisheries and

ecosystems. Seafood is also incredibly important to the livelihoods of the people in Asia, and millions depend on the fishing industry as a source of employment.

While a lot of work is underway to improve the sustainability of fisheries in Asia, more needs to be done. MSC has been supporting partners in the region to transition towards more sustainable fishing practices, including fisheries catching squid, swimming crabs, clams, anchovies, and several tuna fisheries, to name a few.

Currently, there are around 300 MSC-labeled seafood product lines available to buy online and in shops and restaurants in China.

As consumers, how can we help to lessen the impact on our oceans?

Seafood is one of the most traded food commodities in the world, which can make it hard for consumers to know where their seafood comes from, how it was caught and sometimes even what it is! Looking for the MSC ecolabel on packages or menus is the easiest way to know that the fish we are eating comes from a sustainably managed fishery.

Encouraging others to choose sustainable seafood and raising awareness of overfishing is also helpful. Every year, MSC runs our “Little Blue Label, Big Blue Future” campaign on World Ocean Day (June 8) to educate consumers, and contribute to a global movement to protect the oceans. Joining in with that and sharing videos, recipes, media articles and messages about sustainable seafood is a great way to help.

Which fish specifically should we choose to consume more responsibly?

Globally there are more than 500 certified fisheries landing more than 100 species of fish, so there is a lot to choose from! In Hong Kong specifically, some excellent sustainable choices are Atlantic Cod, American Lobster, Arctic Clam, Cold Water Shrimp and Halibut.

Even if you don’t see an MSC label in the market or restaurant where you are, it’s still a good idea to ask whether the fish they are selling is sustainable, and what they can tell you about where it came from. Shops, restaurants and markets all want to keep their customers happy, and the more we show that we care about sustainability, the more likely they are to start selling MSC-certified products.

MSC’S TOP 5 SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD CHOICES

American Lobster Atlantic Cod

Arctic Clam Cold Water Shrimp

Halibut

FOOD NEWS

SODALICIOUS

As the festive season beckons, so too does the promise of overindulging on alcoholic drinks. Holiday parties fueled by free-flow wine and creamy cold-weather cocktails (we’re looking at you, eggnog) - it’s too easy to overdo it with so much Christmas cheer in the air! So we’re pleased as holiday punch to hear about ONLY, a new Hong Kong-based health-conscious alcoholic beverage brand. Touted as the city’s first zero-sugar, zero-carb premium vodka soda in a can, it rings in at only 80 calories with no artificial sweeteners or flavours. Enjoy in moderation, and this could be a decent compromise to keep your healthy eating habits in check over the holiday period. Comes in two flavours, Yuzu Ginger and Tahitian Lime, and can be picked up in 12-packs from select liquor stockists, including Tramline Liquor Co. in Kennedy Town or Feather & Bone in Mid-Levels.

drinkonly.co

IT TAKES TWO

Two of our favourite health-forward businesses are teaming up this month! Organic nut butter brand MOMO has partnered with NoHo cafe Grain of Salt to offer a special nutrient-dense menu. From hearty gluten-free pancakes made with oats, bananas and drizzled in a delicious dark chocolate hazelnut sauce, to Thai-inspired kelp noodles with tempeh and almond sauce, this collaboration is a match made in dietary needs heaven. We’re also drooling over the house-made brownie with MOMO’s own almond milk ice cream. Menu launches on November 6 at Grain of Salt and runs until February 2022, and dishes range from $88$138. be sure to check it out!

47 Gough St., Central, 2968-1083, grainofsalt.co

Spill TheTEA

A local, family-run tea importer with decades of heritage, cteagallery is passionate about introducing the wellness benefits of traditional Chinese tea to a new audience. Spearheaded by Ken and Jeff Cheng, the fourth generation to run the business, their mission is to modernise Chinese tea for the next generation.

Your brand has been around for many years. Why did you decide to move into the wellness space? Starting last year, we wanted to spread the message that drinking tea is not just a traditional pastime; tea is also a healthy and flavourful modern drink. We spoke to our individual and corporate customers alike, and we kept hearing that regularly drinking tea helped them to kickstart a healthier lifestyle, and so we decided to move into wellness.

Customers nowadays are aware that too much coffee and too many soft drinks are not good for you in the long term. Tea is a versatile drink and can be enjoyed both hot and as a cold brew. It’s naturally sugar-free and has less caffeine, making it a great option.

Can you tell us more about your rebranding and who you hope to attract to your brand with your new identity? The rebranding focuses on both business owners, and a younger audience, such as couples, families, and tea-lovers around the world who want to kick-start a healthy daily routine. Our company has been in business selling loose-leaf teas to businesses since the 1950s, and now we have moved into locally producing tea bags. We also offer a larger selection of teas sourced from all over the world. We’ve also recently launched powdered tea for baking. What are some of your best-selling teas? Our best-selling tea can be distinguished into several categories:

Golden Buckwheat Tea

Good for: lowering blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol; boosting immunity

Osmanthus Oolong Tea

Good for: skin health

Peach Oolong

Good for: cooling the body

Jasmine Tea

Good for: improving skin health; reducing cholesterol

Shizuoka Hojicha

Good for: relaxation, easing anxiety and low mood

Chrysanthemum

Good for: nourishing the liver, improving vision and calming the mind.

Lychee Rose

Good for: maintaining healthy blood pressure

Palace Pu’Erh

Good for: digestion

White Peony

Good for: detoxifying and anti-ageing

How does tea and wellness connect in Chinese culture?

The pandemic has made people prioritize their health and wellbeing in a big way, and compared to even a few years ago there has been a huge uptick in healthy habits. With its many health benefits, tea is the perfect accompaniment to a healthy lifestyle, as it naturally contains antioxidants, can boost your metabolism, lower your cholesterol, and support well ageing.

Due to these benefits, the trend of tea consumption has shown an increase in popularity in Chinese culture. It is delightful to see so many people becoming passionate about tea; people used to consume tea only when dining in Chinese restaurants, and now tea-drinking is becoming a daily ritual.