Carp is one of the most common freshwater fish in the world. It has tasty and tender meat, which is a source of valuable nutrients. This fish is used in cooking all over the world. In addition, carp is a commercial object and is actively grown in ponds and fish farms. It is worth learning in more detail all aspects related to carp: its nutritional value, various cooking methods and other interesting facts about this type of fish.
Description of the fish
Carp is a widespread species of freshwater inhabitants that belongs to the carp family.It can be found in bodies of water such as the Black, Caspian, Aral and Azov Seas, as well as in the Amur River and Lake Kapchagai.
A common species of carp, called the resident carp, usually remains in one body of water for its entire life and moves little. The semi-anadromous species, on the other hand, is distinguished by its tendency to live in freshwater lakes or other freshwater sources, migrating to rivers during the breeding season. The common carp is especially well suited to life in places such as Siberia and Central Asia.
The carp is easily distinguished by its golden scales with a bluish tint, which are slightly lighter on the belly and darker on the back. Each of its scales is outlined with a black line. In addition, it has a broad dorsal fin of dark gray color, which stands out in color against the background of its other shades.
This non-predatory fish has a long lifespan, reaching thirty-five years. Having reached maturity at approximately 7 years of age, it usually weighs 2 or 3 kilograms. In rare cases, they can reach 25 kilograms and be a meter long. These unusual specimens owe their size to being kept in ideal conditions with plenty of space.
Its composition
This fish is rich in beneficial elements necessary for the human body to function normally.
100 grams of fresh carp contains:
- Proteins – 17.5 g.
- Fats – 5.5 g.
- Carbohydrates – 0 g.
- Calorie content – 100 kcal.
In addition, carp fish contains:
- Vitamin A – 6.9 mcg.
- Vitamin B1 – 0.16 mg.
- Vitamin B2 – 0.11 mg.
- Vitamin B6 – 0.23 mg.
- Vitamin B12 – 1.6 mcg.
- Vitamin E – 0.5 mg.
- Folates – 4 mcg.
- Nicotinic acid – 3.1 mg.
- Potassium – 370 mg.
- Phosphorus – 270 mg.
- Magnesium – 32 mg.
- Calcium – 22 mg.
- Iodine – 3 mcg.
- Iron – 0.7 mg.
- Zinc – 0.5 mg.
Also, carp contains Omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties, improve the functioning of the cardiovascular system and affect brain health.
Carp caviar has a high concentration of lecithin, an element that enhances cell production and growth. Its regular use helps slow down aging and look good.
Its milk should not be thrown away either, as it provides:
- prevention of cardiovascular diseases;
- reducing the level of “bad” cholesterol in the blood;
- stimulation of brain activity;
- Strengthening the nervous system and helping to combat stress.
Some components present in milks are even used for medical supplements and cosmetic treatments.
Useful and harmful properties
This fish is good for both children and the elderly due to its high nutrient content. Not only does it provide the body with essential vitamins and minerals, but it also aids digestion, increases energy levels and improves mental clarity.
The unsaturated fatty acids present in fish not only have an overall health benefit, but also help fight inflammation, which is key to a healing diet and good overall health.
In particular, including such fish in the diet helps prevent the formation of cholesterol blood clots, which can cause problems with blood vessels and be very dangerous, especially for older people. In addition, the Omega-3 substance contained in fish increases blood flow and maintains blood pressure at a normal level; this improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system and significantly reduces the risks of a heart attack.
Carp is considered one of the best-tasting representatives of carp species due to its tenderness. This fish is found in many reservoirs; in catches it reaches 20 kg or more, while industrially grown carp usually weighs up to 2 kg. Old carp with a lot of fat in the abdominal cavity are especially valued by chefs for frying and stuffing, as well as various sauces.
For whom fish is contraindicated
Experts do not recommend eating carp meat due to the fact that it is indiscriminate in terms of food. It is also prone to being in polluted waters, where it feeds on everything from worms, shellfish and insect larvae. This leads to the accumulation of harmful substances in the flesh of this fish.
In addition, those who are breastfeeding may be susceptible to an allergic reaction from eating carp meat, so it should be introduced into their diet with caution.
Application
Carp fish is widely used in cooking and is prepared in a variety of ways, including frying, boiling, baking and smoking. It is also used in the production of canned food and fish products. In addition, the carp fish is a valuable object for catching during sport fishing.
Other uses of this marine fish include its use in medicine. Some studies have shown that carp extract exhibits anti-inflammatory properties and has a protective effect on the liver. Additionally, certain components of carp fish may help lower blood cholesterol levels and improve overall cardiovascular health.
In culinary recipes
Carp is valued in the culinary world due to its delicate taste and juicy fillet.In addition, this taste is stable enough that it can be enjoyed both separately and as part of dishes where the aroma of the fish should stand out. The taste of the fillet is largely determined by what the fish was fed.
Carp is an easy-to-prepare ingredient that even inexperienced cooks can use. Soups are prepared from this fish, it is fried or baked. It is often served with intricate sauces that do not interrupt the taste of carp, but rather enhance it. The larger the individual, the fewer small bones it contains, which means the more useful it is in cooking.
When losing weight
Carp is an excellent choice for those looking to cut calories in their diet. It contains only 97 kilocalories per 100 grams. Therefore, it is often included in diets that require a balanced diet and sufficient amounts of minerals and trace elements.
Fish is much easier to digest than pork or beef because it contains a minimal amount of connective tissue. This property makes it especially useful for those whose work requires them to be in a sitting position for a long time. In addition, due to its high protein content and vital microelements, fish is the most suitable food for children and adolescents, who are most in need of proper nutrition.
For children's diet
It is important to understand that the human brain is approximately 60% fat, which is necessary for its normal functioning and maintenance of cognitive abilities. That is why it is extremely important to include unsaturated fatty acids in the diet of people who engage in intense intellectual work or study.Obviously, such people include schoolchildren who need additional nutrition for their brain, which grows and develops with them as they absorb a huge amount of information every day.
If you add various types of freshwater fish to your child’s diet, his memory and mental abilities will noticeably improve. After this, children will be able to concentrate better on tasks, experience less difficulty in performing intellectual work, and will be more resistant to stress.
It is essential for children to consume a variety of foods because their growing bodies need all the essential vitamins and minerals for proper growth and optimal mental and physical functioning. In addition, fish can be beneficial for those who lack certain vitamins due to various diseases.
Recommendations for selection
Before eating carp, be sure to check its freshness. It is very important that the carcass is not frozen, because in this case the meat will have neither taste nor texture, and all the beneficial properties will be lost.
Before purchasing fish, be sure to pay attention to how long it has been stored. Even if a product is frozen with the utmost care, it still does not provide the same benefits as if it were purchased fresh. Thus, if possible, purchase fish that are recently caught. Also, check that the fish's eyes are clear and not cloudy (this is a sign that the fish has been stored too long or is unhealthy).
When buying fish, it is important to pay attention to the gills. In carp, they should be bright red and without mucus around them. If excessive mucus is present, it means the fish was not stored in proper conditions.The presence of wet scales indicates that the fish was recently caught and is acceptable to eat.
When buying carp cut into portions, pay attention to its smell. It should be strong, fresh and rivery. To test for freshness, press the fillet with your finger; if it is springy, this indicates that the fish is fresh.
