When we enter the fish market from any supermarket Mercadonayou risk neglecting a detail which, although subtle, interests the most observant: the The fish boxes are available in two colors, blue and green. However, this little nuance is not a simple aesthetic or random choice.
Actually, has a direct relationship with the origin and freshness of the fish we buy this arouses the curiosity of customers, especially on social networks, where several users have shared their theories on this subject. The answer to this mystery has been revealed. @esperanzahealthylivea popular dietitian on TikTok, who did not hesitate to question Mercadona employees about the meaning of these colored boxes. What he discovered and then shared on his social networks gave rise to an interesting debate about the fish we eat and its origin. Next, we will explore in depth What are the blue and green boxes at the Mercadona fish market hiding? and what implications this has for the consumer.
Differences between Mercadona’s blue and green boxes
According to the explanation proposed by the tiktoker @esperanzahealthyliveTHE Mercadona’s blue boxes are intended to contain farmed fish, That is, fish raised in a controlled environment. This type of fish is cheaper and more accessible, and as the tiktoker explains It’s the same one that is distributed in all the chain’s supermarkets. Fish farms ensure a stable supply of fish, regardless of sea conditions or fluctuations in traditional fishing.
On the other hand, The green boxes represent market fish, which is fished in the traditional way on the high seas. This fish is considered fresher and more natural, given that it comes from the coasts near Mercadona where it is sold. Here, each store has the freedom to choose which fish from the local auction it prefers to receive, which introduces variability in the offer, depending on the region where we are located. This fish, fresher and less processed, is generally preferred by those looking for the best quality.
Is it always like this?
Although this explanation was widely accepted, some users pointed out in their comments on the TikTok video that it actually had another meaning. In fact, it seems that in some Mercadona stores, The fish in the green boxes comes exclusively from Cantabrian markets, while The one in the blue boxes comes from Mediterranean markets. We are not sure, but this variability in fish origin could depend not only on geographic region, but also on the demand and supply available at any given time.
Others, however, point out that in reality, Not all fish in blue boxes are farmed. That is to say, certain species, such as hake or monkfish, which are wild fish, can also appear in the blue boxes, depending on the season and availability. These types of exceptions can cause confusion among consumers, because the color of the can is supposed to clearly indicate the origin of the fish.
What does this mean for the consumer?
For customers, knowing the difference between blue and green boxes can make all the difference when choosing which fish to take home.. Knowing that green boxes contain fish from the market can motivate those looking for fresher fish.sustainably fished, to opt for this option, even if it can sometimes be a little more expensive. On the other hand, farmed fish, usually found in blue boxes, offers a cheaper alternative without sacrificing acceptable quality, although it may not be as fresh as market fish.
In any caseThe key is to be informed. Mercadona has opted for this chromatic differentiation to allow the customer to more easily identify the products, but it is always up to the consumer to inform themselves and inquire about the origin of the fish they are purchasing. As the tiktoker did, it doesn’t hurt to ask to know the origin of what you buy and thus to be aware of what you consume, especially in a context where sustainability and the freshness of the fish are aspects increasingly appreciated by customers.
But which box to choose?
The choice between the blue and green boxes will depend on the preferences and needs of each consumer. Those who value freshness and are willing to pay a little more will likely lean towards fish from the green boxes, while those looking for a cheaper option, without sacrificing quality, may opt for farmed fish from the blue boxes.
In any case, Mercadona has implemented a system which, although not infallibleprovides a clear way to distinguish the origin of the fish you sell. As a consumer, it is always advisable to be well informed and, if in doubt, ask supermarket staff about the origin of the fish. Only in this way can we make a conscious purchase aligned with our needs and values.
@esperanzahealthylife_ Pescaderia del mercadona #mercadona #comesano #comebien #comehealthylife #healthylife #salud ♬ original sound – Esperanza HealthyLife
