Description of the burbot fish, where it is found and what it eats, whether it is a predator or not

Burbot has not become as popular a fish as its close relative cod, although it has amazing properties and benefits for human health. Its meat is tender and tasty, and its liver is healthier than that of other types of cod. Unlike most fish of its family, burbot lives in freshwater rivers and lakes. Interestingly, the thick skin of burbots was once used to make expensive boots. These are just some of the interesting facts about this fish.

Description of the fish

Burbot is a freshwater fish that lives in rivers and lakes, the only member of the cod family that has left the depths of the sea for a freshwater habitat. It cannot be found in warm waters, as this fish dies when the water temperature rises.

This fish is easily recognizable due to its long body, which is covered with microscopic scales. Its head is small and looks slightly flattened. The mouth is large and contains tiny teeth. A distinctive feature of the burbot are two pairs of whiskers: one near the mouth and a smaller pair on either side of the nostrils. It also has two fins - one larger than the other. A brownish-green stripe is noticeable along the spine. Part of the abdomen is also colored greenish-gray or greenish-brown, and the colors of the head and tail range from almost white or yellow to almost black.

An adult reaches 1.5 m in length and weighs up to two tens of kilograms. The size of a fish is also determined by its habitat; those found in areas further south tend to be smaller. Burbot usually live in lakes and cold-water rivers, where they prefer sand or rock bottoms. They also take refuge among the roots of trees washed away near the river bank, or under large stones.

As a rule, this river inhabitant forages for food at night, when the water is coolest. During the summer months, burbot activity levels decrease. This type of cod is a predatory fish; it feeds on smaller fish, as well as crustaceans, frogs, snails, small mammals and insects. Therefore, earthworms, unsalted bacon, and fish fillets are ideal baits to use when catching it.

The burbot spawning period occurs in the cold months - from winter (December) to March. If the winter is not cold, spawning does not occur. The female burbot lays eggs in the water, and the juveniles are born after 28-130 days, depending on the water temperature. In the first year of life, small fish grow only ten centimeters, and then another 10 cm in the second year, after which they become adult fish. The average lifespan of burbot is twenty years, although due to intensive fishing activity, not all individuals live that long.

It is allowed to catch this fish at any time of the year, but the best time to catch it is from October to spring. It is recommended to use nets in the wee hours before sunrise. Burbots are found mainly in Alaska, in the waters of the Scandinavian countries, as well as in the Baltic and Caspian waters. However, unfortunately, burbot has become a rare species in England and Poland due to overfishing.

Useful and harmful properties

Fish is a very healthy and nutritious product for humans. Some nutritionists even believe that it is healthier than meat. This is because fish is an easily digestible food containing almost all the essential nutrients needed to maintain good health. But what are the potential benefits of this aquatic creature's meat?

1. For the heart and blood vessels. Researchers believe that dietary fatty acids in burbot liver and fillets, as in other types of fish, have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health. Research shows that people who frequently eat both freshwater fish and those that common in sea water, they are less likely to experience heart problems.This is explained by the fact that the composition of fish fillet helps reduce cholesterol levels, avoid atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease, and also strengthen blood vessels, including arteries.
2. For vision. Burbot may not be the most optimal food for improving vision, but it still has benefits. Research has shown that fish fillets contain high amounts of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, which is present in carrots and helps maintain eye health.
3. For the musculoskeletal system and teeth. In addition to being high in protein, burbot fillets are also a source of calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D and other nutrients. When consumed together, these nutrients not only promote strong bones, but also help healthy bones grow. This is especially useful for children. Fish is also an excellent option for those who are susceptible to developing diseases associated with the musculoskeletal system, such as osteoporosis and arthritis.
4. During pregnancy. Doctors recommend that expectant mothers eat fish, including burbot, at least twice a week to provide both themselves and their baby with the necessary nutrients. Particularly important sources of nutrition are burbot fillets and liver, which contain a lot of essential elements.
5. To prevent aging. Burbot meat contains minerals and vitamins that help regulate metabolic functions inside skin cells. The nourishing combination of minerals and vitamins in fish helps nourish skin cells, preventing premature wrinkles and fighting acne.
6. For those who want to lose excess weight. Burbot is an excellent choice for those who want to lose weight, since the meat of this fish belongs to the group of low-calorie proteins.Protein-based dishes can provide long-term satiety and contain essential minerals, micro- and macroelements.

Features of meat

Many people value this fish for its appetizing white flesh and minimal bones. Oddly enough, the taste of burbot is reminiscent of lobster. That's why in America it is often called the "poor man's lobster." Burbot fillet is lean, most of the fat is deposited in the liver.

However, improperly prepared burbot fillet is extremely dangerous for humans. This is due to the fact that these fish often carry tapeworms.

The calorie content of fillet varies depending on the cooking method and added ingredients. On average, 100 grams of fillet contains about 80-85 kilocalories.

100 grams of burbot fillet contains about 16.5 grams of protein, 3.3 grams of fat and 0 grams of carbohydrates. In addition, it contains useful substances such as:

• potassium (310 mg);
• magnesium (25 mg);
• phosphorus (250 mg);
• sodium (50 mg);
• iron (1.5 mg);
• zinc (0.6 mg);
• selenium (20 mcg);
• vitamin A (10 mcg);
• vitamin E (0.5 mg);
• vitamin B1 (0.1 mg);
• vitamin B2 (0.15 mg);
• vitamin B6 (0.2 mg);
• vitamin B12 (1 mcg).

Burbot fillet is also rich in unsaturated Omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart and vascular health, and also have a beneficial effect on the nervous system and immunity.

Burbot is prized for its liver, which makes up more than ten percent of its total body weight. It is not only considered a tasty delicacy, but is also filled with healthy fats that are perfectly absorbed by the human body. In fact, burbot liver is even more nutritious than cod liver. It has four times more vitamin D and many times more vitamin A than cod.Moreover, the fat contained in its liver is very beneficial for our nervous and cardiovascular systems.

Application

The fillet of this cold-water fish is not only distinguished by its high nutritional value, but is also widely used in cooking and folk medicine. Its meat is used to prepare a variety of dishes, such as salads, soups, roasts, and pies. Due to its tenderness and low fat content, burbot fish often becomes the main ingredient in dietary dishes.

In folk medicine, burbot is used to treat various diseases, as well as to strengthen the immune system and prevent colds. In addition, burbot liver oil contains vitamins A, D, E, which are beneficial for skin, hair and nails, as well as for maintaining vision and bone tissue.

In medicine

The predator burbot has long been widely used to treat many ailments. The healing power of burbot is quite remarkable; healers used it to help with a variety of diseases, ranging from cataracts to alcoholism.

From cataracts. In earlier times, healers took freshly harvested burbot liver, cut it into pieces and placed it in a jar filled with water from a spring or melting snow. Having tightly closed the jar, they exposed it to the sun for seven days. After performing these steps, a layer of fat formed on top of the mixture. This fat was carefully collected and filtered through cheesecloth folded at least four times. It is said that if this fat is instilled into the eye for thirty days and one drop is used every day, cataracts can be cured.

For frostbite. This recipe is well known to the residents of Yakutia. They have a special method for treating frostbite. First, they smear the affected areas with butter, and then apply an ointment made from burbot liver. This mixture is created by mixing liver with oil, or simply placing a piece of liver directly on the affected area.

For the treatment of thyroid gland. Previously, healers treated an enlarged thyroid gland with burbot. To do this, you need to drink a decoction of fresh burbot every day. This medicine consists of only two ingredients: water and fish, without any seasoning or salt.

From a hernia. Traditional healers recommend drinking burbot decoction for hernias. It is recommended to consume freshly prepared decoction daily, at least half a liter per day. However, the cooking process must take place in a special way: the fish should be simmered over low heat with enough water for three hours.

In cooking

Before cooking this river fish, it should be thoroughly cleaned of gills, scales and entrails. One of the simplest cooking methods is to bake the fillet in the oven. For special occasions, it is worth stuffing the belly of the fish with vegetables and herbs before baking. To prevent it from drying out, wrap the carcass in foil before placing it in the oven.

Burbot liver pate

Ingredients:

1. 500 g burbot fish liver.
2. 1 large onion, diced.
3. 1 medium carrot, diced.
4. 3 eggs, beaten.
5. 1/2 cup green peas.
6. 1/4 cup cream.
7. 2 tbsp. butter.
8. Salt and pepper to taste.

How to cook:

1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees.
2. Fry the chopped onions and carrots in a frying pan with butter until they are soft.
3. Add the burbot liver and fry until browned on all sides.
4. Leave to cool and cut the liver into small pieces.
5. Mix beaten eggs with cream, green peas, salt and pepper.
6. Pour the egg mixture into the liver and vegetables and mix well.
7. Place the mixture in a baking dish.
8. Then place the form with the pate in the oven, preheated to 180 degrees, on a baking sheet with water on the bottom, for 40-50 minutes, until the pate is golden on top and baked inside. You can check the readiness by inserting a knife or toothpick into the center: if it comes out dry, the pate is ready.

Let the pate cool slightly in the pan, then carefully remove it and leave to cool on a wire rack. To serve, cut the pate into pieces and serve with red or green currants, crispy toast and fresh herbs.

Fried burbot with sour cream

Clean the burbot and cut into portions. Fry the pieces in vegetable oil until crispy. At the same time, simmer onion rings and carrots with spices and a spoonful of sour cream.

Once this is done, reduce the heat and place the fish pieces on top of the vegetables. Cover and let everything cook over low heat for another 10 minutes. Finally, garnish with herbs before serving.