If you’ve ever tried to get your kids to eat their veggies, you’ll know that mealtime can sometimes feel like a negotiation. Luckily, seafood is one of the few foods that delivers on all fronts: tasty, versatile, and packed with nutrients that growing bodies and brains need.
Omega-3s for brain and heart power
Seafood is naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for developing brains and supporting heart health. Regularly including fish like whiting, salmon, or kingfish in family meals can help with concentration, memory, and overall wellbeing; perfect for school-aged kids with busy brains and active bodies.
Gentle on little tummies
Many local South Australian fish have mild flavours and soft textures, making them approachable even for picky eaters. Whiting, calamari, and prawns can be lightly grilled, pan-fried, or tossed through pasta for a simple, kid-friendly meal. No complicated recipes required!
Fast, family-friendly meals
Busy families need meals that don’t take hours to prepare. Seafood cooks quickly, meaning you can go from market to plate in a flash. Imagine fresh prawns on the barbecue, a fillet of grilled whiting with salad, or a simple seafood stir-fry…meals that are nutritious, quick, and fun to eat.
Support local and teach kids about food
Buying local seafood doesn’t just give you the freshest catch, it’s also a great way to introduce kids to where their food comes from. Visiting Adelaide’s fish markets or independent retailers can spark curiosity, teach them about sustainable fishing practices, and even turn a grocery trip into a mini adventure.
Tips for parents
- Let kids help prep: peeling prawns or arranging fillets can be fun and educational.
- Make it colourful: pair seafood with seasonal veggies or fruits to make meals visually appealing.
- Keep it simple: fresh fish grilled with a squeeze of lemon or lightly pan-fried is often all you need.
The takeaway
From brain-boosting omega-3s to quick, tasty meals, seafood keeps kids healthy, curious, and connected to the local waters and communities that provide it. With so many options available from South Australian waters, there’s no reason not to dive in.
For more information visit: brand.sa.gov.au/buy-sa-for-sa/seafood
