6 Important Questions About Farmed Tilapia Answered

Editor/Mohamed Shihab

There’s a lot of buzz going around lately about farmed Tilapia that may be leaving you with more questions than answers about things like nutritional content, environmental practices and those sought-after omega-3s. Luckily, we’ve got answers! Read on to find out the truth behind commonly-asked questions about farmed Tilapia.

Is Farmed Tilapia Less Nutritious Than Wild Tilapia?

Far from it! Farmed Tilapia is actually quite nutritious. Farmed Tilapia is rich in vitamin B12 and magnesium, is a source of omega-3 fatty acids and is a good source of protein. The fat content in Tilapia depends on what it has been feeding on. While you never know what Tilapia may have been eating while it was in the wild, Tilapia from farms like Regal Springs are fed a mainly herbivore diet, which results in a fresh-tasting source of lean protein.

Does Farming Tilapia Hurt the Environment?

Tilapia producers in Mexico, Indonesia and Honduras such as Regal Springs work hard to ensure that they maintain and improve their environment at every available opportunity. These farms use less than one percent of the surface area of the clean lake water the Tilapia are raised in, help local community initiatives prevent deforesting, and recycle water by using it to fertilize crops. Unfortunately, not all countries hold themselves to such high standards, which is why it's important to check your Tilapia's country of origin.

Is Farmed Tilapia a Good Source of Omega Fatty Acids?

Omega-3s are important fatty acids that help with healthy brain development, but aren't naturally produced by the human body. Luckily, omega-3s can be sourced through seafood and farmed Tilapia is one delicious way to get a dose. Farmed Tilapia has about the same amount of omega-3s as other popular seafood such as yellowfin tuna, wild Mahi-Mahi, wild cod, wild haddock and shrimp.

What Do Farmed Tilapia Eat?

If you source your Tilapia from farms such as Regal Springs in Mexico, Indonesia and Honduras, you can rest assured your fish have been fed a healthy diet. These fish feed on high-quality, primarily vegetable-based food that allows them to grow strong and results in a fresh, clean taste. In contrast, wild fish often feed on algae, mud and waste at the bottom of shallow ponds.

Does Farmed Tilapia Contain Mercury or Other Contaminants?

Many people are concerned about eating fish due to its association with mercury and the chance that unknown contaminants may be ingested. However, Tilapia that's raised in Mexico, Indonesia and Honduras by farms like Regal Springs are raised in pristine deep water lakes that contain no mercury or contaminants. While you never know what your wild-caught salmon, tuna or swordfish may contain, you can rest assured that Regal Springs Tilapia are just pure, additive-free fish. Regal Springs Tilapia is also free from carbon monoxide, which is a common preservative used in seafood.

Are Tilapia Farms Held to High Standards?

Not all Tilapia are raised equal, which is why you should be on the lookout for Tilapia that has been raised in farms that are held to international standards. Look for certifications from organizations like the Aquaculture Stewardship Council, the Best Aquaculture Practices and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Tilapia farms that have been certified by these organizations are held to high standards, resulting in a fish that you know you can trust to be healthy, responsibly raised and contaminant-free.