Community Supported Agriculture is a hot commodity nowadays. "Buy local" has become something of a battle cry among community-minded restaurants and individuals, who say that the benefits of locally grown fruits and vegetables are numerous, including greater compensation for the farmers and fresher, better-tasting products for the consumers. Now, the Alaska Marine Conservation Council (AMCC) is throwing its hat into the ring with the first offering from its own "Community Supported Fishery" (CSF).
This month, the AMCC, through its "Catch of the Season" program, will offer Kodiak Island Tanner crab, delivered to Anchorage for pickup by subscribers.The Tanner crab, according to the website, "is a close relative of the opilio or snow crab. Tanner crabs are sought after for their rich, sweet flavor and tender texture which makes them ideal for a variety of recipes."
AMCC Executive Director Kelly Harrell says that the Tanner crab can be difficult to get in Anchorage, because it's a small-market item. She says that much of the Tanner crab catch is typically shipped overseas to Japan and other markets. But this is the niche that the CSF is trying to fill.
"It's about tapping into these small markets," she says.
To read the rest of the story, please go to: Alaska Dispatch (Anchorage, AK).