Floridian Food! Cuisine of the Sunshine State!

Floridian Food – Cuisine of the Sunshine State

Florida boasts over 8,000 miles of coastline with the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, in addition to fresh water lakes all offering a plentiful quantity and selection of fresh seafood.  Key Lime pie isn’t the only specialty within the homes and favorite restaurants throughout the state.  A wide variety of fresh seafood contributes greatly to the flavor of Florida’s cuisine.

There are over 80 different seafood varieties, giving diners a wide selection of culinary treasures. And, the catch of the day is not only delicious but, it’s good for you, too. Consuming fish just two times a week can reduce the risk of heart-related death by 36 percent.

Florida fishermen catch over 90 percent of America's supply of red snapper, as well as providing America with several types of grouper, wahoo, Florida pompano, mullet, stone crab, pink shrimp, spiny (aka rock) lobster, and Spanish mackerel, amberjack, American alligator, blue crab, blue fish, cannon ball jellyfish, farm-raised catfish, clams, flounder, golden crab, king mackerel, mahi-mahi, oysters, calico scallops, shark, red and yellow tail snapper, striped bass, swordfish, tilapia, tile fish, and yellow tuna.

Mahi Mahi (also called “dolphin” but this leads to confusion with the species that we don’t eat, porpoises, a.k.a. “Flipper”) is a Florida favorite -- one of the most popular and plentiful fish in South Florida eateries and waters. The Keys in Florida are known for mahi-mahi fishing. Fish tacos can be found on many local menus and if you’ve never tried them, you should – they are delicious!

Florida’s vast selection of fish and seafood has led to the creation of many popular regional dishes, including the spiny lobster.  It has no claws, so all of its sweet, tender meat is found in the tail. Spiny lobster can be prepared in many ways and included in a variety of dishes, such as Lobster Divine and Florida Lobster Roll.

Another shellfish that is found on many seafood menus in Florida is the stone crab. Stone crabs are considered delicacies for the white sweet meat from its claws. The succulent meat is obtained by cracking the shell of the claw with a mallet, then taking the meat, which is usually chilled, and dipping it in a delicious sauce. The claws are just as delicious served warm with drawn butter!

One of Florida's most unusual seafood recipes calls for the meat of one of its most ferocious aquatic animals: the American alligator. At one time, alligators were on the endangered species list, but now these grumpy reptiles are plentiful throughout the state. They're used in delicious meals like smothered alligator, fried alligator bites, crocked gator, gator jambalaya, and several other gator dishes.  These are just some of the specialties you will find on a true Florida menu.

Florida has a smorgasbord of seafood restaurants, ranging from high-priced, upscale establishments to small seafood vendors by the beach. So if fresh fish and delicacies from the sea are what you're craving, visit the multitude of menus on Foodoozle.com, featuring choices in Deerfield Beach, Boca Raton and Delray Beach. With more eateries coming soon, for your online food ordering pleasure!