Pikeperch fish: benefits and harm to the body

Common pike perch is a predatory fish common on the entire Eurasian continent, which is one of the basic dietary products in many countries. Pike perch has a delicate taste, while it is absolutely safe for health, low-calorie and rich in valuable substances. Its regular use can beneficially affect the human body. The fillet of this fish has a rich chemical composition, it contains micro and macro elements, fatty acids and substances that can significantly improve health indicators.

What does zander look like and where is it

Ray-finned fish is a genus that includes the species “common pike perch”. This genus is one of the largest in Europe and Asia; moreover, it includes the most significant species for the food industry. Sudak is no exception. This is one of the most popular fish among fishermen, as well as in industry. Fishermen from all over the continent know about zander, as it is often found in freshwater bodies of water. Moreover, this predator plays an important role in maintaining a balance in aquatic ecosystems - it provides regulation of the population of peaceful, non-predatory fish.

Pikeperch is common in rivers and some lakes in the basins of such seas:

• Azovsky;
• Black;
• Aral;
• Caspian
• Baltic.

Some species of pike perch prefer marine conditions for life. Therefore, the eternal debate of fishermen about whether it is found in the sea can be considered meaningless - this fish has several varieties:

1. Common pike perch (the most numerous river species).
2. Volzhsky, or Bersh (a subspecies that lives mainly in the waters of the Volga).
3. Lightfin perch is one of the rare marine species.
4. Marine - the name speaks for itself, the species lives only in salt bodies of water.
5. Sandy, Canadian zander - a freshwater species that lives in the rivers of North America, weighs up to 2 kg.

To date, zander has no conservation status, ecologists have no concerns about this species. With the deterioration of the environmental situation in the 2000s, pikeperch temporarily disappeared from some Siberian rivers and lakes, but today the situation has improved as a result of artificial stocking of water bodies.

The appearance of zander is familiar to every fisherman - it is impossible to confuse this fish with anyone. Here are the main features:

• large elongated body;
• wide fleshy back;
• medium-sized head, elongated muzzle;
• a wide, large mouth with a huge number of sharp, conical teeth;
• silver scales;
• large fins with sharp spikes;
• large stripes on the back and sides (depending on the habitat).

The weight of pike perch in adulthood can be higher than 15 kg, but adults are quite careful and sensitive, so catching such a fish is very difficult. Most often, prey of fishermen are individuals weighing up to 5-10 kg.

What is the difference between bersh and zander

Bersh and pike perch are representatives of the same genus, both of which belong to the Okunev family. Often, inexperienced fishermen and river fish lovers confuse these two varieties. Bersh has an external resemblance to zander, so it is difficult for an inexperienced fisherman to distinguish between these two varieties. But knowing the main differences, you can easily determine where the bersh and where the pike perch.

1. Zander has rather large teeth, and large fangs stand out against their background. Bersh differs from pike perch in the absence of fangs and smaller teeth.
2. The bersh on the gills - pearly small scales, in the pike perch this part of the body is smooth.
3. Zander has a much larger mouth.
4. Bersh is characterized by smaller fin sizes, as well as the absence of spikes on it, more pronounced and distinct stripes on the back and sides.

In a fish store, zander can be distinguished by these characteristics. But there is still something regarding the differences between the two species, but relevant only for fishermen. To catch zander, you need to use a larger bait than in the case of the Volga species.

Composition and calorie content

Pike perch belongs to the category of low-calorie fish with a small percentage of fat, so it is a universal component of various types of menus. This fish is suitable for a healthy diet of a healthy person, fits perfectly into the children's menu and is considered indispensable in diet food.

Nutritional value per 100 grams of product:

• proteins - 18 grams;
• fats - 1.1–2 grams.

Calories - 80–90 kcal, depending on the age of the fish (older individuals contain a little more fat).

Carbohydrates are not contained in pike perch fillet, therefore fish is considered the most dietary product. Proteins of animal origin are well absorbed by the body, participate in metabolic processes, and contribute to the restoration of cells and tissues. But, besides this, zander contains vitamins:

• retinol (vitamin A);
• niacin (vitamin PP);
• tocopherol (vitamin E);
• cobalamin (vitamin B12);
• pyridoxine (vitamin B6);
• riboflavin (vitamin B2);
• folic acid (vitamin B9);
• thiamine (vitamin B1);
• pantothenic acid (vitamin B5).

This does not end the list of substances valuable to the body, which are part of the pike perch fillet. There are also micro and macro elements, fatty acids and other components that actively change the state of the body, affecting the rate of many biochemical reactions. Here is a complete list of additional biologically active components:

• phosphorus;
• potassium;
• calcium;
• magnesium;
• sulfur;
• iron;
• chlorine;
• zinc;
• chromium;
• fluorine;
• selenium;
• iodine;
• sterols;
• fatty acid;
• amino acids.

Zander, due to such a rich composition, even in small quantities is able to benefit the body. If you make it an essential component of the diet and consume 2-3 times a week, you can notice significant changes in health and appearance in a couple of months.

Useful properties of zander

Zander - a storehouse of vitamins, minerals and other active substances. The use of this fish essentially replaces the intake of vitamin-mineral complex preparations, so it has a number of useful properties that are highly valued.

For women

First of all, the use of pike perch for women is to compensate for the deficiency of minerals and vitamins. It has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the endocrine and nervous system, protects against hormonal imbalance. Also, the use of pike perch improves the appearance:

• makes hair shiny and strong;
• improves complexion, improves skin elasticity;
• accelerates cell regeneration;
• protects against hair loss;
• prevents premature aging.

The low calorie content in zander also contributes to weight loss, but at the same time allows you to maintain muscle tone, which makes the body fit and slim.

For men

According to medical statistics, men are more susceptible to cardiovascular diseases, therefore zander is most useful for them. Fatty acids cleanse blood vessels of cholesterol deposits, and minerals strengthen the heart muscle. Tocopherol and B vitamins support the male reproductive system, reliably protect against inflammation and cancer.

Especially recommended is the use of pikeperch for men who play sports or hard physical labor. This fish has proteins that restore muscles and promote their growth, minerals and amino acids that support the body under heavy loads.

During pregnancy

Pike perch during pregnancy is an excellent substitute for chemical vitamin preparations and mineral supplements. It contributes to the healthy development of the fetus, but it also protects the female body from the negative consequences provoked by nine-month exhaustion. Zander has a full range of minerals, amino acids and vitamins for the healthy formation of fetal tissues and organs. It also protects the female body from anemia and strengthens the immune system, protecting health from unwanted viral and bacterial infections.

When breastfeeding

Breastfeeding depletes a woman’s body no less than pregnancy. For full lactation, the body needs proteins, minerals, vitamins, fats. Pike perch is an excellent component of the diet of a nursing mother, as it contains all the necessary substances. But you should not enter into your diet during the first week of feeding. Later, perch perch, in the oven, in a slow cooker or on the grill can be used no more than 2-3 times a week.

For kids

Zander may be present in the children's diet from 1.5–2 years. The only reason pediatricians often do not recommend using it in a children's menu is the presence of bones. But, if you cook the fish correctly, it will be completely safe even for a small child.

It is worthwhile to include zander in the diet of schoolchildren, as it will become a reliable protection for their eyesight and brain. Due to the content of amino acids and minerals, the product provides the protection of neurons and accelerates the restoration of the brain with high mental stress. It improves concentration and memory, increases mental abilities. In addition, zander protects the child’s vision. The use of this fish is extremely important for children who spend a lot of time studying, this will protect them from myopia and the need to wear glasses.

Of particular value is this fish for children who are faced with frequent colds and viral infections. Fatty acids and B vitamins strengthen the immune system and stimulate it to fight viruses and bacteria.

When losing weight

Zander is an indispensable fish for those who want to lose weight and at the same time not harm their health. Due to the low calorie content and the presence of animal proteins, zander is an excellent component of the diet of a losing weight person. In addition, this fish covers the need for minerals and contains a minimum amount of fat, which makes it doubly useful.

Pikeperch is an excellent component of a protein diet. But for it to be really useful, you need to choose the right cooking method. When dieting, you need to cook fish in the following ways:

• stew;
• to cook;
• fry without oil;
• bake in the oven;
• for a couple;
• in a slow cooker with a minimum amount of vegetable oil.

Fried or cooked with a lot of fatty sauce fish will not help in losing weight. Therefore, it is important to choose the right cooking methods so as not to increase the overall calorie content of the dish. You can combine fish in a diet with boiled or stewed vegetables, salads and cereals.

With pancreatitis

With inflammation of the pancreas, the patient has to exclude from his diet up to 80% of the usual products. Most varieties of fish with a fat content above 5% are strictly contraindicated. But pike perch can be eaten with pancreatitis. It contains amino acids that regulate the production of enzymes and are actively involved in the restoration of the pancreas. However, so that the fish does not harm health, it must be steamed, boiled or baked in the oven without spices and with a minimum amount of salt.

What is useful for pike perch

In the spawning period and immediately in front of it, in early spring, female zander begin to lay eggs. This product contains the maximum amount of valuable substances:

• fatty acid;
• B vitamins;
• retinol;
• tocopherol;
• phosphorus;
• amino acids.

It is strictly forbidden to catch spawning fish in natural reservoirs. Caviar is obtained from fish specially grown for these purposes in artificial industrial reservoirs. Eat ready-made pike perch caviar is extremely beneficial for health. Here is the list of features of this product:

• strengthening and enhancing hair growth;
• strengthening immunity;
• protection against premature aging;
• prevention of osteoporosis and arthrosis;
• nail strengthening;
• skin rejuvenation;
• protection of the nervous system;
• elimination of cholesterol;
• strengthening immunity.

Caviar should be consumed dosed; too much of the product is harmful in diseases of the liver and thyroid gland.

Application in cosmetology

Zander can be used not only for health and culinary purposes. This product is an excellent component of the diet for beauty, youth, healthy skin, nails and hair. In order to take care of the beauty of the hair, the health and strength of the nails, as well as the elasticity of the skin, it is necessary to use this fish in the diet on an ongoing basis - at least 3 times a week.

The greatest value for the beauty of the skin is the pike perch, based on it you can prepare a rejuvenating mask.

1. Mash fresh fish caviar (1 tablespoon) with a quail egg.
2. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, preferably olive.
3. Insist 10-15 minutes.
4. Apply to face skin and rinse off after 15 minutes.

Fish caviar gives a lifting effect, instantly tightens the skin and deeply nourishes it. But it is important to understand that fish caviar has a specific smell. To get rid of an unpleasant odor, it is enough to rub the skin with lemon juice after washing.

Harm and contraindications

The advantage of zander is that it is allowed for almost everyone. There is only one contraindication - individual intolerance, that is, an allergy to this type of fish. In other cases, do not give up such a valuable product. But it is important to understand that in some situations zander can only bring harm to the body.

1. Smoked pike perch is a fish that has not undergone proper heat treatment, that is, essentially raw. Pathogenic bacteria may remain in it.
2. Dried and pickled fish is another danger to the human body, as it can contain the smallest larvae of dangerous parasites that can cause severe illness in humans.
3. Another danger is stale zander. If the fish already has a rotten odor, albeit slightly pronounced, this indicates that the decomposition process has begun, which means that dangerous toxins are present in the meat.

As you can see, zander is a healthy and safe fish. Harm is possible only if it is improperly prepared.

How to choose and store

It is not so difficult to choose a zander in the market or in the store and not get into a poor-quality or spoiled product. There are several rules that will help in this matter.

Rules for choosing fresh fish:

• lack of an unpleasant smell;
• the skin and scales are dense, without visible damage;
• there is no sticky coating or mucus on the surface;
• gills of red or pinkish tint;
• the head of the fish is not dull (when decomposition begins, it becomes dull);
• there are no greenish or yellowish spots on the body.

Fresh zander looks almost alive. To preserve its properties, retail chains sell it on pillows of ice, in this state it can maintain freshness from 36 to 48 hours. Immediately after the purchase, it is worth cleaning the fish or freezing it if it is not planned to use it. You can store fresh fish in the refrigerator for no more than 24 hours, during which time you need to clean and cook it, otherwise it will go bad.

It is more difficult to choose ice cream pike perch. Uncleaned fish with a head and entrails should have a fresh silver color, without yellow and greenish spots. The fillet should look juicy, not over-dried.The best option is to purchase pike perch fillet in icing (this way it does not dry out and retains its taste and properties). Cooked pike perch dishes can be stored in the refrigerator for 36–48 hours.

Of course, the best option is to purchase live zander. In this case, there is no doubt about its freshness, and you can enjoy the taste of fish to the fullest.

How to quickly clean zander from scales

One of the problems that all culinary professionals face is the difficulty in cleaning the zander. The fact is that this fish has sharp fins and a tight-fitting husk. There are several ways to quickly and without consequences cleanse this fish, which everyone needs to know in order to save time.

1. Place fresh zander in a bowl and pour over boiling water. Remove after 30–40 seconds and clean with a knife.
2. You can use a special fish scaler - it removes the husk much more efficiently than a knife.
3. If there is no fish scaler, take a knife for cleaning vegetables with a raised surface or a regular knife file.
4. You can make an incision along the back and parallel to the tail and remove the scales, prying with a knife. This method is suitable if you only need fillets, for example, for cutlets.

There is a special, fishing method of cleaning. Zander must be taken with one hand by the head, and the second - by the tail. With a sharp movement, stretch it until you feel a slight crunch. After this action, the skin is removed with a knife quite simply.

How to cook delicious zander: recipes

From zander, you can cook more than a hundred different dishes. It all depends on personal taste preferences and imagination. But there are special recipes that are considered classic.

In the oven

It turns out very tasty zander in the oven. Moreover, this cooking method allows you to save aroma, taste and nutrients. To prepare zander in the oven, you need the following ingredients:

• 1 large fish, but not more than the diagonal of the pan (approximately 1.5–2 kg);
• 1.5 lemons;
• a mixture of spices for fish;
• 5 tablespoons of soy sauce;
• 5 tablespoons of olive oil.

The fish must be cleaned, the entrails removed and washed, and then dried with a paper towel. Prepare a marinade for fish - mix soy sauce and vegetable oil, add spices and juice of half a lemon. Mix everything and generously grease the prepared fish with the marinade - inside and out. Spread a special cooking foil on a baking sheet, place lemon sliced ​​into thin slices on it. Lay the fish on the lemons, cover with foil and put in the oven already well preheated to 200 degrees for 30 minutes. 10 minutes before turning off, it is worthwhile to open the fish and pour the remaining marinade.

In the pan

The easiest way to cook pikeperch is in a pan. It is necessary to cut the cleaned fish into slices, the thickness of which is not more than 2.5–3 cm, salt and pepper. Roll pieces in flour and fry until golden in a frying pan with vegetable oil. In this form, the fish retains its taste, aroma and remains juicy.

In a slow cooker

To get a diet from zander, you can cook it in a slow cooker. In this device, the fish will turn out soft, juicy. The most popular cooking recipe is zander in a slow cooker with tomato sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg of pike perch;
• 400 grams of fresh or canned tomatoes in their own juice;
• 2 large onions;
• 2-3 tablespoons of wheat flour;
• salt;
• black pepper;
• vegetable oil;
• sugar;
• Bay leaf;
• sunflower refined oil.

If necessary, before cooking, fish should be thawed in a natural way, without using a microwave. Then proceed according to such instructions.

1. Peel the fish and then simply cut neatly into small pieces 2-3 cm thick.Salt and pepper, leave for 10-15 minutes.
2. While the fish absorbs salt, prepare the sauce separately - lightly fry the onion in oil and stew it with grated tomatoes, bay leaf and a teaspoon of sugar.
3. Dip the pieces of fish in a bowl with flour and fry on both sides.
4. Put the fried fish in the multicooker bowl, pour the sauce and turn on the stewing mode for 1 hour. If necessary, add a little water (not more than 100 ml if the sauce is too thick).

Before serving, you can prepare mashed potatoes or rice separately for the fish. In this form, the calorie content of zander is 153 kcal per 100 grams. If you do not fry the fish initially, but immediately stew in tomato sauce, the calorie content will be 110 kcal per 100 grams.

Grilled

Grilling pike perch is another way to make fish diet and delicious. The most popular is the classic recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1 large zander;
• 2 tbsp lemon juice;
• 1 teaspoon of paprika;
• salt;
• black pepper.

First you need to peel the fish from the husk and gut it. Next, gently separate the fillet from the bone with a sharp knife. You should not cut the skin - without it, pieces of fish can fall apart and look unappetizing. If the fish is very large, fillet strips can be divided into 3-4 parts. Add salt, pepper, sprinkle with paprika and sprinkle with lemon juice directly on a cutting board. Leave on for 15 minutes, and meanwhile turn on and heat the grill to 200 degrees. Grease the grill with vegetable oil and fry the slices for 8-10 minutes. Before serving, garnish with greens, olives and a slice of lemon.

What can be cooked from zander: recipes

There are traditional home-made dishes from zander, the recipes of which do not lose their relevance over the years. These dishes are universal, and if you cook them correctly, there is no person who would not appreciate their taste.

Ear

Boiled fish does not harm health, contains a minimum number of calories, as it is not fried in oil. Moreover, fish soup is one of the dishes that diversifies the diet.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium-sized pike perch up to 1 kg;
• 5-6 potatoes;
• 2 tomatoes;
• 1 onion;
• seasoning for fish;
• 50 grams of butter;
• greens and root of fresh parsley;
• laurel;
• pepper (allspice);
• salt and pepper to taste.

First you need to clean the fish - remove the gills, scales and entrails. Boil a broth of 3 liters of water, head and ridge of pike perch. To make the ear transparent, it is worth boiling it for no longer than 20 minutes over low heat. Then proceed according to this instruction:

1. Strain the broth in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
2. Be sure to salt.
3. Peel and dice potatoes, send to the broth.
4. Peel and throw the parsley root into the broth, you can cut it.
5. Cut the fish fillet into small slices and send to the ear when the potatoes are ready.
6. Peel tomatoes, chop.
7. Fry the onion in sunflower oil, add the tomatoes at the very end.
8. Simmer for 5 minutes and send to the pan with the ear.
9. Add parsley and spices.
10. Boil for 5-7 minutes.

You cannot cook fish for too long - it will fall apart and be tasteless. The optimal heat treatment time is 7–10 minutes.

Cutlets

A classic dish and a universal addition to any side dish are pike perch cutlets. They can even be given to children, but it is important to ensure that there is not a single dangerous bone in the minced meat.

Ingredients:

• 800 grams of pike perch fillet;
• 1 onion;
• 3-4 slices of bread;
• a cup of homemade milk;
• clove of garlic;
• 1 chicken egg;
• salt and optional spices.

Pike perch fillet should be removed from the bone, grind in a meat grinder along with the onion. Soak the bread in milk and squeeze, then also pass through a meat grinder. Add chopped garlic, egg, salt and, if desired, enrich the taste with spices. You can just pepper. Stuff the minced meat well and cool it in the freezer for 15–20 minutes before sculpting the cutlets. Fry in oil on both sides.

Jellied

In the old days, aspic from zander was considered a truly festive dish and a delicacy. This is not surprising, because the cooking process is quite time-consuming and long.

Ingredients:

• 1 large fish;
• 1 onion;
• 1 carrot;
• 1 packet of gelatin;
• salt;
• pepper;
• 1 lemon
• green olives;
• Red caviar;
• greens.

It is necessary to strictly observe the cooking technology, otherwise it will not turn out beautiful and tasty aspic.

1. First carefully clean and cut the fish. Remove scales, remove gills, entrails and fins.
2. Cut the fillet with a sharp knife and select bones from it.
3. In an enameled pan, lay the head and ridge, peeled carrots and onions, boil with the lid open for 40-50 minutes.
4. Soak gelatin in advance with cold water. Mix the broth filtered through several layers of gauze with gelatin, salt and cool the resulting liquid.
5. Pepper and salt, sprinkle with lemon juice. Put in a microwave or oven and simmer at low temperature (no more than 100 degrees) until cooked.
6. Pour a small amount of broth into the bottom of the dish and cool.
7. Carefully cut the finished fillet into small pieces and put on a dish with chilled broth.
8. Garnish with olives, thin slices of lemon, you can cut figures from boiled carrots. Pour in the remaining liquid and refrigerate for 2-3 hours.

Before serving, aspic can be decorated with red caviar and greens.

Interesting Facts

Pikeperch fish is one of the oldest species. Over the entire period of existence, mankind has been able to thoroughly study this species and has learned many interesting facts.

1. Pikeperch is one of the few fish that can kill whole generations of fry in water bodies. Because of this, in lakes where the predator is actively pecking, peaceful fish in large quantities is rarely found.
2. This is a phlegmatic fish that weakly resists the fisherman, so sports fishing enthusiasts do not like it too much.
3. The largest zander in the history of fishing was caught by a simple Russian fisherman in the waters of the Volga. He weighed 40 kg. So far, no one has managed to catch a larger individual.
4. Seafood contains rare amino acids that, according to research, protect the brain from Alzheimer's disease and certain types of malignant tumors.

As you can see, zander is a good fish for everyone. Knowing how to choose, store and prepare this product, you can regularly delight yourself and your loved ones with mouth-watering and wholesome pike perch dishes.

Photo of zander