News
Our Rainbow Trout farm, Lamasur, was certified sustainable by the Institute for Marketecology (IMO) late last month. Located in Bajo Mono, in the town of Boquete, Chiriquí, Panama, Lamasur is a vertically integrated company that has been exclusively producing Rainbow Trout since 1993.
The farm was evaluated against strict quality standards for maintaining healthy populations and ecosystems and for product traceability. Among other criteria, the auditor verified compliance with the non-use of antibiotics, added growth hormones, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and poultry and mammalian by-products in feed. Our husbandry practices were recognized as sustainable as the impacts of farming on the environment have been minimized by protecting surrounding habitats, monitoring water quality to prevent pollution and responsibly sourcing feed ingredients.
Since their beginnings, Lamasur has been committed to the care of the environment through a protection program in the Parque Nacional Volcán Barú, one of the protected areas in that zone. The farm is responsible for protecting the flora and fauna of the surrounding 2,500 acres. Additionally, they have a cleaning program for the river Río Caldera with the town of Boquete, the fire department, the National Environmental Authority and the National Chamber of Civic Protection.
Regarding social responsibility, the company has not only focused on the well-being of their employees but they also maintain yearly donation programs to charity organizations such as the Casa Esperanza ("House of Hope").
We are proud to offer a product to the United States market that not only complies with strict quality standards such as this certification, but is also produced in an environmentally and socially responsible manner.
In a world where more than 70 percent of the globe is covered with water, fish is a readily available food. As consumers catch on to its health benefits; however, the global demand for fish is steadily increasing while our seas are being overfished. As a fish eater myself and mother of four looking to feed my family right, I've looked into what sources provide "family friendly" fish from nutritional, environmental, and consumer standpoints. I'm voting for farmed tilapia on this one for several reasons.
Tilapia Helps Battle the Bulge - When looking for lean protein sources, it's hard to beat tilapia. It's low in calories and fat but still offers some "good" omega-3 fatty acids. Tilapia's nutrient profile makes it a great choice for a satisfying, delicious fish that won't expand your waistline. A healthy 6-ounce serving has under 200 calories with 34 grams of protein. What's more, a recent study in the Journal of Functional Foods suggests that fish protein may suppress appetite by stimulating the release of certain peptides during digestion that are known to decrease appetite. For years, dieters and weight-conscious consumers have been choosing fish over beef for its lower calorie and saturated fat content, but if eating fish can help reduce overeating, its potential weight lost and weight management benefits could be invaluable.
Sustainability: Choose Tilapia - In researching sustainable fish, I've found that responsible aquaculture, such as that used in Ecuador (where we get most of our farmed tilapia in the U.S.), provides one of the safest (non-contaminated) and most Earth-friendly fish around. Fish is raised in a low-density environment that allows them to grow in a stress- and disease-free environment, eliminating the need for chemicals and antibiotics. In other words, farmed tilapia is a smart food choice for a fresh fish that keeps the planet and us healthy. Read more about sustainability of tilapia here. http://eattilapia.com/sustainability/
Consumers Reap Benefits of Tilapia - In addition to being safe and healthful nutritionally, farm-raised tilapia is a family-friendly fish. It's more affordable than wild-caught fish -- a factor that ranks high on the list of what matters most to cost-conscious consumers. That's good news for families on a tight budget that don't want to sacrifice nutrition and health.
When it comes to eating fish, tilapia is also a favorite because of its mild flavor and texture. The fillets are a great pick for kids since they have no bones. What parents appreciate is that tilapia fillets on the table help make dinner stress-free -- no choking worries or food wasted!
Go (Outdoor) Gourmet - Winter is over, and as we move to more outdoor living, this easy recipe [Summer Garden Tilapia] can be made on the grill, a campfire or in the kitchen. Use local or even home-grown herbs and tomatoes if you have them. Either way, this simple, fresh fish dish is sure to please the whole family -- and it can help keep you out of the kitchen on warm weather days!