What blue catfish looks like and how it is useful, where it is found and recipes

Recently, blue catfish can be seen more and more often on store shelves. This fish is becoming more and more popular in our country, but not everyone takes the risk of purchasing it because of its unusual name. This is a large sea fish with amazing taste and unique texture of meat. Catfish is widespread in the cold sea waters of the Northern Hemisphere and is of great interest to fishermen and producers of fish products.

What kind of fish is this

Blue catfish are the most commonly caught and traded species.It is related to the perch, but is a member of its own family, the catfish.

As for catfish fillet, it is in great demand due to the lack of bones and sweetish taste, as well as juiciness and fat content. The pulp itself has a characteristic white tint.

Dimensions and appearance

Unlike the striped variety, the color of this representative can vary from gray to blue and even brown. It lives at depths of up to one and a half kilometers in the northern waters of the Atlantic, as well as in the seas of the Arctic Ocean.

Outstanding specimens of this fish can reach two meters in length and weigh up to 30 kilograms. At the age of 5 years, she begins the spawning process, although her spawning grounds still remain unknown. In addition, she is monogamous throughout her life, which is 14 years; she bonds with one partner for life.

Where are the fish found?

Blue catfish are found in North Atlantic and Arctic Ocean waters, especially along the far eastern coastline of Russia. The most popular commercial fishery for this species occurs off the Atlantic coast of Canada, as well as in the Nordic countries. Russia catches catfish in the Barents Sea.

How is blue catfish different from others?

Catfish can be divided into five species, and blue (also known as blue) is just one of them. Each type has its own characteristics, so you should familiarize yourself with them before buying in the store.

Blue catfish are easily recognized by their characteristic blue color, which distinguishes them from the spotted variety.

Speckled catfish, also called spotted catfish, are striped at birth, but as they mature, these stripes turn into speckles.This particular species can be found in the North Atlantic waters near Alaska in waters that are about half a kilometer deep just off the coastline. These fish have large protruding jaws and teeth, making them look intimidating, and their body length is more than 1 meter and weighs about 28-32 kilograms.

Far Eastern and eel catfish are not usually eaten; these species are used primarily for their skin rather than meat by some small northern populations.

Interestingly, blue catfish are usually caught in trawl catches only when their length is at least 50-80 cm, which suggests that the fish lives a long time - seven years or more, depending on the habitat.

The external characteristics of the spotted and blue catfish are similar in that they both have an elongated body, a wide mouth and creepy teeth protruding forward. In addition, both species have a large head with a powerful jaw used for opening shellfish. Their habitats overlap, since they both live in the northern part of the Atlantic waters. Their diet is also similar, as it consists of jellyfish, mollusks, crustaceans, seahorses and other echinoderms.

Their lifestyle and behavior are also quite similar as they prefer a solitary lifestyle. A distinctive feature of all catfish is that all their teeth are replaced annually, even regardless of the degree of wear.

In terms of nutritional value, these two varieties are also the same, their meat is white, boneless, and slightly sweet in taste.

Nutritional value of fish

Blue catfish meat, like other types of fish, is a valuable source of protein and other useful substances.It is rich in microelements such as iron, zinc, copper, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus. In addition, catfish meat contains vitamin A, vitamin B12, vitamin D and Omega-3 fatty acids, which have a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system and help reduce blood cholesterol levels. However, it is worth remembering that the energy value of catfish meat depends on the cooking method and serving size.

Blue catfish meat has a relatively low energy value compared to land animals - 120-130 kcal, but it is important to note that this number is high compared to other types of seafood. This is due to the high fat content: 100 grams contain 4.9-5.6 grams of fat. 100 grams of fillet contains more than 17 grams of protein.

Useful and harmful properties

Blue or blue catfish are a healthy food source due to their wide range of vitamins and minerals. This fish is an excellent source of protein, because only 300 grams can satisfy a person’s daily requirement.

Blue catfish meat contains a number of beneficial vitamins and substances, including:

1. Protein: 18 g (36% of the daily value for an adult).
2. Fat: 1.5 g.
3. Vitamin B12: 11.9 mcg (198%).
4. Selenium: 61.6 mcg (111%).
5. Phosphorus: 276 mg (28%).
6. Niacin: 4.7 mg (24%).
7. Riboflavin: 0.2 mg (12%).
8. Vitamin D: 0.1 mcg (2%).

These vitamins and nutrients not only promote a healthy diet, but also improve the immune system, strengthen vision, and support healthy bones and muscles. However, it should be borne in mind that the percentage of the daily value may differ depending on the age, gender and physical activity of the person.

The beneficial qualities of blue catfish are evident in its nutrient-rich composition, and positive reviews indicate benefits in a high-calorie diet and nutritional value. This fish is especially useful for those recovering from serious illnesses or surgeries, as well as for athletes who want to quickly gain muscle mass.

Additionally, there are certain medical conditions that require regular consumption of blue catfish. For example, high iodine content is beneficial in treating thyroid problems. In general, the various vitamins and minerals contained in this inhabitant of the deep sea improve vision and heal wounds on the skin, as well as prevent the development of atherosclerosis and help remove excess cholesterol from the body, thereby helping to prevent possible heart problems.

Catfish meat can be prepared in numerous ways and can be combined with many ingredients. This means that someone who wants to make catfish a regular part of their diet will not feel limited in their food intake, as they can enjoy delicious and varied food while getting the essential nutrients their body needs.

So even those who don't typically have good self-control and tend to choose unhealthy foods instead of healthy options may be able to stick to a nutritionist's advice.

Blue catfish meat, like any other product, is not always healthy, and in some cases even harmful.For example, if you are allergic to catfish (or seafood in general), then consuming such a product is not recommended, despite the potential benefits that have already been discussed.

In some cases, this fish can cause harm to health. Too much iodine in the body from fish high in this mineral should be avoided altogether, and catfish is no exception. In other cases, it is not the fish itself that is dangerous, but the dishes made from it, since some people with digestive problems cannot tolerate fried, spicy or salty foods. It is clear that catfish is not prohibited in such situations, but it should still be steamed or boiled.

Recently, there has been a surge in activity from people advocating for a reduction in seafood consumption. They reason like this: due to insufficient efforts to reduce waste dumped into the oceans, fish live in polluted waters and absorb toxins into their bodies, which, when eaten, are transferred to humans.

It's also worth noting that catfish has a short shelf life. Frozen fish will last for two months, while fresh catch will only remain edible for one day. Therefore, when choosing fish in a store, you need to be extremely careful, since there is always a potential risk that it has spoiled while it was on display.

When it comes to steaks or any other pre-cut meat, it's a good idea to choose products that are clearly marked with an expiration date. In a whole fillet, you can determine the degree of freshness - fresh specimens have a white tint, not gray. When buying a whole carcass, try to buy one with the head still intact, since the eyes are an indicator of freshness; If they are not cloudy, then the fish is in good condition. On the other hand, if the carcass has already been decapitated, this may be an attempt to hide its staleness.

It is important to note that frozen fish also spoils. In fact, you can only freeze and then defrost a product once because the texture of the meat is destroyed during this process. There is a good chance that the catfish has spoiled during thawing.

This is easy to detect - if the catfish was repeatedly frozen, then pieces of ice are visible inside, but if the carcass was processed using the correct method, it will look like a piece of ice.

How to cook catfish

Blue catfish may not be a well-known delicacy, but it can be prepared in a variety of ways and still look attractive and taste good. Common cooking methods include pan-frying and grilling, baking in a slow cooker, poaching, or steaming.

Grilled steak

Breaded Catfish Fish Steak is a great way to prepare this delicious and nutritious fish. Here's a simple recipe that can be made in a skillet.

Ingredients:

1. Catfish fish fillet – 2 pcs.
2. Eggs – 2 pcs.
3. Breadcrumbs - 1 cup.
4. Vegetable oil - for frying.
5. Salt - to taste.
6. Black pepper - to taste.

Instructions:

1. Break the eggs into a bowl and beat them with a fork.
2. Place breadcrumbs in another bowl.
3. Season each piece of fish with salt and black pepper.
4. Dip each piece of fish in the eggs and then in the breadcrumbs to coat all sides.
5. Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add vegetable oil.
6. Place the pieces of fish in a frying pan and fry them for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Catfish baked with potatoes

Cheesy potatoes and catfish are a great combination that can be easily prepared in the oven. Here's a recipe that's a great choice for dinner or lunch.

Ingredients:

• 500 g catfish fillet;
• 4 large potatoes;
• 100 g hard cheese;
• 2 tablespoons olive oil;
• 1 teaspoon salt;
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper;
• fresh rosemary (optional)

Instructions:

1. Slice the potatoes into thin slices and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet greased with olive oil. Salt and pepper the potatoes, and then place in the oven preheated to 200 degrees Celsius for 20 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, cut the catfish fillets into portions and season with salt and pepper on both sides.
3. Remove the pan from the oven and place the fish portions on top of the potatoes. Sprinkle with chopped hard cheese and add fresh rosemary if desired. Return the pan to the oven and cook for another 15-20 minutes until the fish is cooked through and the cheese is golden brown.
4. Serve garnished with fresh rosemary and lemon slices to enhance the flavor. Bon appetit!