Description of the grenadier fish and where the grenadier is found, its benefits and what it eats

Grenadier is not the most desirable fish for many consumers due to its soft and scaly texture. However, it is still a healthy food that provides the body with essential vitamins, minerals and bioactive elements needed for good health. When properly prepared according to suitable recipes, grenadier can produce delicious dishes.

What kind of fish is this

This ocean-dwelling species is related to cod.It can be seen in markets under different names such as blue hake, grenadier and hoki. Sailors call it the rat's tail because of its distinctive shape.

The grenadier has an unusual and unattractive appearance, resembling a large tadpole, with a large head with bulging eyes that connect to a thin, elongated body that tapers to a tail. Its scales are either black or silver-gray.

The adult size is approximately one meter, and they usually weigh no more than two kilograms. Females are larger and more agile than males, which helps them evade fishing nets and allows them to live up to 40 years. Those who live in the Bering Strait have an even longer life expectancy - more than 50 years.

Grenadier is a predatory fish that ambushes prey. She hides at the bottom of the ocean and waits for prey. Its diet usually consists of small crustaceans, mussels, krill and sea urchins, worms and small fish; Thanks to its sharp teeth, it easily breaks through shells. Even larger grenadiers do not hesitate to attack those that are smaller than them.

Their feeding habits vary with the seasons; in summer and autumn they usually gain weight, and in winter and spring grenadiers consume almost no food, as spawning begins.

Grenadiers reach adulthood at the age of 5-8 years, with a body size of 65-70 cm. Males are known to behave quite aggressively during the mating season. One female can lay up to 400 thousand fertilized eggs; however, parents do not provide care for their offspring, so a large number of eggs and fry are eaten by other marine life.

Habitat

Grenadier is a species found in northern Pacific and Atlantic waters, which are located near the polar climate zone, where the water temperature never rises above +8 °C. In areas close to California and Japan, a related species known as the small-eyed grenadier is found. Additionally, in Russian waters, grenadiers can be seen around the Sea of ​​Okhotsk off the coast of Kamchatka, as well as near the Kuril Islands.

Russian fishing vessels catch grenadier in the Sea of ​​Okhotsk and the Sea of ​​Japan, making Russia the dominant country in this type of fishing. Denmark and Germany also have active commercial grenadier fisheries, despite its high demand; however, its population has not yet suffered from intensive fishing. Every year, Russian fishermen catch about 60 tons of grenadier.

Beneficial features

Many shoppers are put off by the strange appearance of deep-sea fish and keep their distance in the store, and that makes sense. Smalleye grenadier is one of the most nutritious sea fish. If prepared correctly, you will be able to please your family with a tasty and at the same time low-calorie treat.

Grenadier fillet is a source of many useful components, such as:

• vitamins A, E and C, as well as almost all B vitamins;
• minerals;
• essential amino acids that can only be obtained through food, such as arginine, leucine, tryptophan and lysine;
• omega acids.

The grenadier is similar in vitamins and minerals to other cod fish, but because it lives in polar waters, it contains higher amounts of omega acids. As a result, the concentration of omega-3s in grenadier is approximately 30% higher than in cod. Eating its meat two to three times a week can provide significant health benefits as it is low in fat. Therefore, grenadier should be included in dietary or therapeutic nutrition.

Regular consumption of grenadier provides many benefits, including the following:

• strengthening bones and muscles;
• prevention of rickets in children and osteoporosis in the elderly;
• improving the structure of hair, skin and nails;
• increasing the elasticity and strength of capillary walls, which, in turn, improves blood circulation and at the same time improves its composition;
• reducing the likelihood of the formation of malignant tumors;
• increasing life expectancy along with maintaining youth;
• increasing the effectiveness of the immune system;
• supporting the endocrine system, as well as improving visual abilities.

Grenadier meat is a safe delicacy that has no side effects. The only problem that may arise when consuming it is if someone has an individual intolerance or food allergy. Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or have small children should be cautious about including fish in their diet.

Macrurus is an ideal protein product for those who are overweight and on a diet due to its low fat content. It is also beneficial for those who exercise because it is low in calories and fat while providing essential amino acids and other bioactive substances that are easily absorbed.

Eating fish two hours before training will provide the body with the necessary nutrients for cell regeneration, so there is no need to worry about fat accumulation. Macrurus can be useful in recovery from serious illnesses and after surgery, as well as in cases of muscle and bone injuries.

Contraindications

Consumption of grenadier fillet may have contraindications for humans. Here are a few of them:

1. Allergy. If you are allergic to seafood, then eating grenadier may cause an allergic reaction.
2. High mercury levels. Grenadier sometimes contains high levels of mercury, especially if caught in polluted waters. Therefore, its use is sometimes contraindicated for pregnant women, nursing mothers, children and people with impaired renal function.
3. Gastrointestinal diseases. Some people may experience digestive problems if they eat grenadier fish in large quantities or if it has not been properly cooked.
4. Medicines. According to the medication label, some medications, such as anti-inflammatory drugs and anticoagulants, may interact with omega-3 fatty acids found in grenadier fish.

Chemical composition

Grenadier fish fillet contains many useful and necessary elements for the human body. 100 grams of grenadier fillet contains about 20 grams of protein, 12 grams of fat and 170 kilocalories of energy.

In terms of chemical composition, grenadier fish is rich in such important elements as magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, zinc and iodine. Also, 100 grams of grenadier fillet contains about 14% of the daily value of vitamin D and 8% of the daily value of vitamin B12.

Macrurus is also an excellent source of omega-3 essential fatty acids, which play an important role in maintaining heart and vascular health and lowering blood cholesterol levels.

In addition, grenadier fish contains many other beneficial substances such as taurine, selenium, niacin and tryptophan, which help strengthen the immune system, improve vision, maintain healthy skin and hair, and improve mood.

Tips for choosing fish

Because of their spiky scales, grenadier fish are usually scaled before sale. You can often find whole fish without a head on sale, as well as pieces and fillets.

To get the freshest product, it is best to buy grenadier during the commercial fishing season, which is spring or early fall. When purchasing frozen grenadier, pay attention to the thickness of the ice layer; if it is too thick, this indicates that the fish has been stored for some time and has lost a significant part of its nutritional properties.

Frozen fish is required for long-term storage at home. Fresh fish should be consumed immediately after purchase. The shelf life of grenadier that has been frozen is no more than six months. If the fish has been frozen several times, it should be consumed within two weeks.

Cooking recommendations

In the northern coastal regions, they are good at preparing grenadier dishes, since the flesh of this fish is tender with a pinkish tint and is not fibrous.It has a slight fishy smell, and its texture is soft and slightly watery, as if constantly wet.

Fish can be prepared in various ways, such as frying, baking, stuffing or making cutlets. In addition, it can be dried, smoked or pickled, but it is not recommended to boil or make soup from it, as in this case the fillet will quickly deteriorate and disintegrate into fibers.

To successfully prepare grenadier, it is recommended not to defrost the fish in the microwave or a bowl of hot water, as the carcass will become fragile. Instead, remove the fillets ahead of time and leave them on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator for several hours.

To fry grenadier in oil, use a very hot frying pan and place small pieces of fish on it; then cook each side for no more than one minute to maintain its texture. If baking in the oven, set the temperature to 200°C and bake for twenty minutes. For a multicooker, set the baking mode.

Macrurus goes well with stewed vegetables, sautéed mushrooms, noodles and boiled green beans. Rice or bulgur are the best “plate neighbors” to serve with it. Parsley, basil and spices are suitable as seasonings. You can serve fish dishes with cheese, cream or tomato sauces. To marinate grenadier you should use garlic, hot mustard, lemon juice and soy sauce.

Popular and simple recipes

Grenadier fillets can be prepared in several ways, including pan-frying or grilling.

Fried grenadier recipe

Fried grenadier is a simple and delicious way to prepare this fish. Here is a simple recipe for making fried fish.

Ingredients:

1. Grenadier fish fillet – 4 pieces.
2. Salt and pepper to taste.
3. Flour – 1/2 cup.
4. Vegetable oil - for frying.

Instructions:

1. Select a clean grenadier fish fillet and cut it into pieces.
2. Salt and pepper each piece to taste.
3. Place the flour on a plate.
4. Dredge each piece of grenadier fish in flour until evenly coated.
5. Heat vegetable oil in a medium frying pan.
6. Place the fish in the pan and cook over medium heat until golden brown, turning once.
7. When the fish is ready, remove it from the pan and drain it on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Grilling:

1. Step 1: Prepare the fish, cut it into portions, salt and pepper.
2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium heat and apply a small amount of oil to grate.
3. Step 3: Place grenadier fillets on the grill and grill for 3-5 minutes on each side until cooked through.
4. Step 4: Serve the fish with a side dish or sauce of your choice.

It is important not to overcook the fish so that it does not lose its juiciness and taste.

How to bake in the oven

A simple recipe for baked grenadier fish in the oven.

Ingredients:

1. Grenadier fillet – 500 g.
2. Onion – 1 pc.
3. Carrots – 1 pc.
4. Bell pepper – 1 pc.
5. Garlic – 3 cloves.
6. Lemon – 1 pc.
7. Salt - to taste.
8. Pepper - to taste.
9. Vegetable oil – 2 tbsp. l.
10. Greens for decoration.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees.
2. Cut the onion into half rings, carrots and bell pepper into strips. Place vegetables on an oven tray.
3. Cut the grenadier fillet into portions and season generously with salt and pepper.
4. Place the fillets on top of the vegetables on an oven tray.
5. Cut the lemon into slices and place it on the fillet.
6. Pour vegetable oil over the fish.
7. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes.
8. Garnish the finished fish with herbs and serve.

Steamer recipe

How to cook grenadier in a double boiler.

Ingredients:

1. Grenadier fillet – 4 pcs.
2. Salt – 1 teaspoon.
3. Ground black pepper – 1/4 teaspoon.
4. Lemon – 1 pc.
5. Fresh herbs (parsley, dill) - to taste.

Instructions:

1. Cut grenadier fillets into portions.
2. Prepare a steamer and pour enough water into it.
3. Salt and pepper the fish on all sides.
4. Place the fish on cross-cut lemon slices.
5. Place the fish in the steamer and close the lid. Cook for approximately 15-20 minutes until the fish is cooked through.
6. Remove the fish from the steamer, garnish with fresh herbs and serve.