A sustainable summer treat: fresh swordfish available for a limited time at Whole Foods Market®

AUSTIN, Texas, July 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified harpoon-caught swordfish from Nova Scotia will be available for a brief two month period beginning in July at Whole Foods Market (NASDAQ:WFM). The company is the only national retailer to carry this fresh, never frozen summer grilling delight.

Fishermen rely on knowledge and techniques passed down for generations. By harpooning mature fish one at a time, the chance of catching other marine life or harming the ocean habitat is virtually eliminated. Boats bring in swordfish, which ship fresh to stores almost daily. Whole Foods Market has its own port buyer who travels to the North Atlantic coast to hand select swordfish as they come off the boats.

"We are thrilled to be working for the third year with this small band of fishermen who are truly committed to sourcing swordfish sustainably," said Dan Rand, port buyer for Whole Foods Market. "Our direct relationship with the harpooners in this small fleet plus our careful selection of the highest-grade fish with white meat, a firm texture and bright blood lines that signify optimum temperature and handling, ensures that our shoppers are getting the highest quality, freshest swordfish out there."

Peak-season swordfish has a mildly sweet flavor with a moist and meaty texture, making it an excellent summer choice for baking or backyard grilling.

Recipes like Sicilian-style Swordfish with Pasta and Capers and Pan-Seared Swordfish with Summer Salsa are available, along with other cooking tips at wholefoodsmarket.com/fish. Swordfish recipe photos and a video demonstrating harpooning and the selection process are available at http://media.wholefoodsmarket.com/news/a-sustainable-summer-treat-fresh-swordfish-available-for-a-limited-time-at.

Nova Scotia's harpoon fleet was the first swordfish fishery to be certified sustainable by the MSC. Whole Foods Market recognizes the MSC as the world's leader in sustainable fishery certification for more than a decade. With its strict standards and rigorous third-party certification – including chain of custody, which verifies that fish is fully traceable from the fishery to the store – the MSC supports well-managed, ocean-friendly fisheries that help ensure seafood is available for future generations.

SOURCE Whole Foods Market