10 Fun Facts About Fish

The ocean holds many secrets and is home to as many as two million different organisms. The seafood that we eat makes up only a small part of life in the oceans. There is a lot that you can learn about fish and shellfish.

Here are a few fun facts about popular kinds of seafood-

1. 1. The next time you want to give your feline friend a treat, offer them a small serving of white fish like haddock, flounder, or cod! Whitefish is better for your cat’s health than tuna. Vitamin E is an essential nutrient for cats. Snacking on too much tuna can reduce your feline friend’s vitamin E levels. Whitefish don’t have this negative side effect and can be a good source of vitamin E.  
   2. Have you ever wondered what the difference is between sashimi and nigiri? Many restaurants in the U.S. use these two terms interchangeably but, technically, they are not the same. Nigiri is the name for a unique type of sushi with a thin slice of raw fish sitting on top of a cluster of sticky rice flavored with vinegar. Sashimi isn’t a type of sushi. It is the name for thinly sliced strips of raw fish that are served on their own without rice.
   3. Want to know the safest fish to eat raw? Many types of seafood can be eaten raw with a low risk of food-borne illness. The list includes yellowfin tuna, southern bluefin tuna, northern bluefin tuna, sea bass, mackerel, blue marlin, swordfish, yellowtail, salmon, trout, squid, clams, scallop, shrimp, octopus and crab.
   4. If you struggle to get oysters out of their shell, try this trick! Soak the oysters in club soda for up to 5 minutes after you wash them. It will make shucking them much more manageable.
   5. Have you ever tried eel? Many Americans haven’t tasted these snakefish. In Europe and the Mediterranean, eel is an expensive delicacy. Fried eel is popular in Egypt and Italy. In Dutch nations, smoked eel is enjoyed on toast. Eel stew is popular throughout Europe.
   6. If you think Russian is the only place that exports five-star caviar, you are in for a surprise! Oklahoma’s lakes and rivers are home to paddlefish that produce delicious roe on par with Russia’s. You won’t break the bank when you treat yourself to Oklahoma’s fine caviar.
   7. If your doctor’s recommended reducing your cholesterol, add more fish into your diet! Healthy fats in seafood can help your body manage your cholesterol levels and reduce your bad cholesterol, according to Healthline.   
   8. Trying to bulk up? Consider eating more sardines. These small fish are packed with a surprising amount of protein. 3.5 ounces sardines contain more protein than a 3.5-ounce steak!

 

1. Cooking seafood is a challenge for many home cooks. In most cases, it’s because you are cooking it at the wrong temperature. Fish should be cooked at low to medium heat. The pan or oven shouldn’t be hotter than 350° F if you want to enjoy the full flavor of your seafood.
2. Another tip for preserving the flavor of fish is to thaw it in milk. Thawing frozen fish in milk will enhance its flavor and color. Fresh fish can also benefit from a milk bath before you throw it in the oven or sauté it.

We hope these fun facts help you enjoy fish even more! If you are looking for the best fish and shellfish in New England, stop by City Fish Market!