Smart sushi

Thursday, October 23, 2008 -- 10:43 p.m.

Are you a sushi-lover? If so, you're most certainly not alone. In a National Restaurant Association survey last year, the members of the American Culinary Federation were asked to rate sushi, among other things, as "hot," "passe" or "perennial favorite." 49 percent said sushi was "hot"; 28 percent called it a "perennial favorite."

I recently became a fan too (of the fishless kind) after a trip to Butterfly Sushi Bar. It's simple, healthy and definitely not something I could whip up everyday. What's not to like?

Well, there is one thing--and it's a big one. Some of the fish used in sushi is not so good for the environment. Specifically, there are species that are caught in ways that destroy habitats, are overfished, or some are farmed--sometimes with methods that pollute the water or harm other nearby wild fish.

And with sushi becoming such a phenomenon, these unfortunate methods of obtaining the fish are increasing.

Of course, keeping track or hunting down information on which fish are smart choices or not can be tricky. Luckily, the Environmental Defense Fund has done it for you.

Not only do they have a site listing the "Eco-best," "Eco-OK" and "Eco-worst," they also have a downloadable pocket version, as well as a .pdf you can put on your mobile phone.

Happy (and sustainable) eating!