September seafood picks: gizzard shad and Israeli carp

Gizzard shad and Israeli carp have been chosen as South Korea’s seafood picks for September by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries.

Gizzard shad typically measures 20 to 30 centimeters and has a flattened body. It can be eaten with its bones, providing calcium, and contains protein and essential amino acids. The ministry also noted omega-3 fatty acids among its nutritional components.

Israeli carp became a major freshwater farmed fish in South Korea after it was first introduced through Israel in 1973. It contains essential amino acids, taurine and omega-3 fatty acids, and is known for its chewy texture and lack of many fine bones.

The ministry selected namgasae as the marine organism of the month. The annual salt-tolerant plant grows on sandy beaches along parts of the east coast and Jeju Island. It grows to 10 to 20 centimeters, produces yellow flowers and has club-shaped fruits that spread seeds by attaching to animal fur or feet.

The monthly fishing-village destinations are Jeongok-ri in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, known for its open sea views and marina, and Seondori in Seocheon, South Chungcheong Province, where broad mudflats meet sunsets over the West Sea. Jukdo Lighthouse on Chagwido in Jeju and Hyeongjido, an uninhabited island off Yeosu, were also selected.