Silver carp fish: benefits and harm to the body

Silver carp is one of the most common inhabitants of rivers, lakes and other bodies of water in Russia and the CIS countries. The most tender meat of this fish in terms of the content of omega acids can compete only with trout and salmon, but at the same time its cost is an order of magnitude lower. Therefore, silver carp in the domestic culinary occupies a leading position. This fish is the basis of diet food for various diseases. Nutritionists recommend including silver carp in the diet of pregnant and lactating women, as well as children.

What does silver carp look like and where is it found?

Silver carp is considered the fastest growing representative of the carp family. Therefore, it is often called the large-headed and silver carp because of the special shade of scales covering the body of this inhabitant of rivers and lakes. Adults reach 1.5 m in length, and their weight exceeds 30 kg. The distinctive external signs of silver carp include:

• massive forehead hanging over the eyes;
• volumetric body;
• low set eyes;
• Depending on the species, there are differences in color.

Although China is considered the birthplace of silver carp, this representative of freshwater fauna is widespread in all Russian regions. It feels great in large rivers: the Dnieper, Kuban, Volga, Don, Terek. It is found in Amur, where in the middle of the last century it came from Chinese territory after a severe flood. A decade later, silver carp began to be massively bred in the fisheries of Ukraine.

Silver carp is extremely thermophilic, prefers to dwell in places heated by the sun with standing water. But in sections of rivers with a strong current it is almost impossible to meet it.

An interesting fact: the average life expectancy of a silver carp under comfortable living conditions is 18 years or more. Therefore, individual adults sometimes reach truly gigantic proportions.

Kinds

There are three main subspecies of silver carp:

1. The white species received widespread distribution on Eurasian territory. Representatives of this species are easily recognized by the eyes located below the mouth. Often, because of this feature, the white silver carp is called "low-eyed." Another distinctive feature is the silver color of the fish body with small whitish zones and fins of a gray hue. Therefore, the name “silver carp” is also listed in the list of items. Phytoplankton contain tiny algae in the diet of these freshwater fish. For this reason, the silver carp is considered a natural reclamator and is most often used for stocking reservoirs. There are some individuals of silver carp weighing up to 36 kg.
2. The motley silver carp is distinguished by its large head size: the weight of this part is up to 50% of the total body weight. Therefore, the motley subspecies is often called the "big-headed". The individuals of this group are not particularly pretentious to the menu; zooplankton (cyclops, daphnia) and algae are present in their daily diet. Such food diversity positively affects the quality of the meat - it is juicy and tender. Moreover, unlike other freshwater species, the meat of the motley silver carp lacks small bones, which increases its nutritional value.Representatives of this subspecies also have impressive dimensions, and individual individuals reach over 50-60 kg of weight.
3. A hybrid species of silver carp was bred in laboratory conditions. As a result of the successful work of breeders, a species of fish was obtained that absorbed the best characteristics of the two main subspecies. The hybrid silver carp is very similar in appearance to the white species, but eats and grows like motley brethren. Representatives of the hybrid species are characterized by a calm disposition, they tolerate low temperatures perfectly, but just like all the other silver carp, they do not breed in stagnant water.

Note: in the meat of silver carp there is no unpleasant odor characteristic of other freshwater fish. This property significantly improves the quality of the prepared food.

What is the difference between silver carp and grass carp

Even experienced fishermen often confuse the silver carp with grass carp, which is not surprising, since these two species of freshwater inhabitants have a lot of similar features. You can distinguish representatives of one species from another by the following characteristics:

1. The main distinguishing feature is the sharp keel on the abdomen of a silver carp. Cupid is deprived of such an additional means of disguise.
2. The body of the cupid is rounded, slightly elongated and covered with dense scales. This resident of freshwater reservoirs is characterized by rapid growth and can reach up to 1.5 m in length.
3. The second feature is a huge head and a low landing in the eyes of a silver carp. Grass carp does not have such external characteristics.
4. There are differences in the diet: grass carp prefers animal food, when algae prevail in the silver carp menu. Therefore, this fish is often used as a natural “cleaner” of water bodies.
5. Silver carp is not difficult to recognize by some behavioral features: so, with a strong noise, this fish literally jumps out of the water. Often, fishermen deliberately knock an oar on the surface of the water to make the silver carp demonstrate their skills in high jumps. Sometimes, after such demonstrations, the fish gets directly into the boat.

Composition and calorie content

All the main characteristics of silver carp clearly indicate that this fish has commercial value. In addition, the high content of fatty acids necessary for the normal functioning of the human body increases the value of meat of this type of fish. Since the body cannot synthesize polyunsaturated fatty acids on its own, it is useful to include silver carp in the diet. The meat of this freshwater fish contains such important acids:

1. Alpha linolenic acid is a substance necessary for the growth and maintenance of a normal state of immunity.
2. EPA (polyunsaturated eicosapentaenoic acid) is a component of fish oil, it is necessary for the stable functioning of the cardiovascular system, and is a powerful prophylactic against strokes and heart attack.
3. DNA (docosahexaenoic acid) is found in the tissues of a living organism in lipids.

With such a rich composition, silver carp meat has a modest calorie content of 86 units in a 100 gram portion of raw product and 76 kcal in boiled fish.

Due to the low energy intensity with such a rich composition, silver carp is ideal for dietary nutrition. Dishes made from sirloin are distinguished by a delicate, refined taste. Such food is perfectly absorbed by the digestive system, which reduces the time it is digested.

Useful properties of silver carp

General benefit

Dishes prepared from silver carp, as the silver carp are often called, must be included in the diet. They not only diversify the daily menu, but also bring great health benefits.

In the list of beneficial effects of such food:

1. Natural animal proteins strengthen the body's immune forces.
2. Amino acids stimulate brain activity.
3. The inclusion of silver carp meat in the diet is necessary during the recovery period after serious illness.
4. Such dishes improve bowel function, speeding up metabolism.
5. The content of antioxidants in fish meat inhibits the aging process.
6. A silver carp fish diet is considered a good preventative measure for oncology.
7. Low calorie foods can effectively reduce weight without exhausting starvation.
8. Trace elements contained in the meat of silver carp improve heart function, strengthen the structure of blood vessels, accelerate the course of metabolic processes.
9. Regular consumption of this type of fish will help normalize blood composition and reduce bad cholesterol.

As you can see, silver carp meat is a valuable food product that must be included in the diet for people of any age. But this fish is especially useful for the older generation, since such an additive has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, and also prevents the development of atherosclerosis.

For women

The dishes from silver carp must be present on the menu of women of any age, since the omega acids contained in meat are considered the safest and most effective means of preserving youth and beauty. It is no accident that the high molecular weight collagen that is found in the fibers of this fish’s tissue is actively used in the beauty industry in the production of various cosmetic products: anti-aging creams, gels. Clinical tests have shown that with regular use of silver carp, the condition of the hair improves, the nail plates strengthen, and aging of the skin slows down.

For men

No less useful silver carp for men's health. The unique formula of the composition of the dietary product:

1. Provides normal potency, high quality sperm produced.
2. Increases the likelihood of reproducing healthy offspring.
3. Prevents the development of pathologies, including oncological processes of the male reproductive apparatus.

In the diet of athletes and men who, due to professional duties, are exposed to strong physical exertion, silver carp dishes should be present at least twice a week. In other words, due to healthy fish, without the use of pharmaceuticals, it is possible to make up for the deficiency in the male body of important compounds.

During pregnancy

The body of expectant mothers especially needs omega-3 fatty acids. Steamed silver carp dishes are absolutely safe. They must be included in the diet throughout pregnancy. However, such a rich food should be consumed no more than twice a week. A nutritious diet, in which fish is not the last, will positively affect the development of the fetus. The fact is that a deficiency of PUFAs (polyunsaturated fatty acids) negatively affects the formation of future boys. In addition, iron, calcium, phosphorus and a number of other minerals contained in silver carp meat are the building material of the bony and hematopoietic systems of the unborn child.

When breastfeeding

Silver carp is such a unique fish that in almost all situations it brings more benefits than harm. Therefore, mummies during the period of breastfeeding should definitely eat diet meat of this freshwater fish at least twice a week. Thanks to this diet, lactation can be maintained. Moreover, breast milk will contain all the beneficial components that a baby needs for active growth and development. Of course, the maximum benefit from such food can be expected if the measure is followed: a hundred-gram portion of boiled silver carp meat will be enough for a hearty lunch or dinner.

For kids

The meat of silver carp can be included in the children's diet in baked and boiled form. It is preferable to cook fish fillet dishes after removing the seeds. Great for baby food are steamed knlets and cutlets. A low calorie level, combined with excellent taste, makes the food hearty and incredibly healthy.A complex of vital components contained in silver carp meat will strengthen the child’s skeletal and muscular system and activate brain activity. In addition, silver carp is considered the best prophylactic for rickets.

When losing weight

Despite the low calorie content, dishes of silver carp meat quickly satisfy the feeling of hunger. Therefore, such food is ideal for people prone to obesity. There is even a special diet based on only a single product - silver carp meat. The high content of protein and B vitamins accelerates metabolic processes, improves metabolism and promotes productive weight loss. When compiling a diet, preference should be given to boiled fish dishes. Also tasty and satisfying is a silver carp, baked in the oven or steamed.

With diabetes

Since the pulp of silver carp contains substances that can reduce glucose levels, dishes from this freshwater fish must be in the diet of diabetics. The chemical formula of a natural product shows the following positive effects:

• improves carbohydrate metabolism;
• promotes the synthesis of hemoglobin;
• enhances antioxidant abilities.

The combination of these actions improves the general condition of people suffering from diabetes.

Important: a research method has proved that regular consumption of silver carp helps stabilize blood sugar levels.

With pancreatitis

Although patients with pancreatic problems are recommended to eat fish dishes twice a week, silver carp is strictly forbidden to eat such patients due to the high fat content. Moreover, this contraindication is applicable for any form of pancreatitis.

Is silver carp caviar useful

The bulk of omega-3 acids is found in silver carp caviar. Therefore, the benefits of this product are not in doubt. Today you can buy a gourmet delicacy in the distribution network. Caviar color ranges from orange to deep red. The difference in colors is due to the fact that dyes are added during production to give the product an attractive appearance. If possible, then, of course, it is better to use fish caviar obtained by familiar fishermen for preparing snacks. Such goods are often sold by fish farms engaged in the breeding of this species of freshwater inhabitants.

Silver carp roe is useful, as well as meat. It should be included in the diet of patients in whom:

• rheumatism:
• persistent hypertension;
• diabetes of any type;
• cardiac abnormalities;
• nervous disorders;
• gout;
• gastritis with low acidity.

As noted earlier, silver carp dishes must be in the diet of older people.

How to pickle

The procedure for salting caviar does not require special skills. Therefore, any housewife can cope with this task. The main condition is to properly carve the carcass, avoiding damage to the gallbladder. After this, the caviar must be thoroughly washed.

There are two ways to fill in silver carp caviar: in stripes and in whole mass. When choosing the second option, a sieve is required.

The salting method is extremely simple: put the mass treated with salt in the cold for several hours.

To obtain a delicious snack, you should use a special sauce, which includes:

• salt - 2 tbsp .;
• water (filtered) - 1 l;
• sugar - 1 tablespoon

Cooking:

1. Mix the named components, and then add a couple of bay leaves and a few peas of black pepper to the brine.
2. Put the resulting composition on fire, bring to a boil.
3. Then the caviar soaked in salt should be sent to the ready-made sauce, cooled to room temperature.
4. Infuse caviar for two days in the cold, and then strain.
5. After performing these simple procedures, silver carp eggs are used to prepare a variety of snacks.

How to pickle silver carp meat

This is a key step in preparing fish for smoking. With proper salting, you can significantly improve the taste characteristics of the final product.

If you are lucky enough to get a large specimen, you must divide the carcass along the ridge into two parts. You can salt the silver carp meat with a dry and wet method.

The dry method consists in rubbing the fish blanks with a mixture of salt and spices. After that, you need to determine the parts of the carcasses in a convenient container and send to the refrigerator.

Wet method or pickling includes the mandatory preparation of brine.

The sequence of actions is as follows:

1. Dissolve 40 g of salt in 1 liter of filtered water.
2. Bring the resulting solution to a boil. The salt should completely dissolve.
3. Cool the brine to room temperature and only then immerse the prepared fragments of the fish carcass into it.
4. Make sure that the solution completely covers the fish.
5. After 6 hours in the marinade, get pieces of silver carp.

In the future, silver carp can be stewed or consumed in a pickled form.

Harm and contraindications

Despite the enormous benefits of silver carp dishes, if you want to include this delicious fish in the diet, you must consider that with individual intolerance it should not be consumed. For the rest, you can enjoy as much as you like with the taste of fish delicacies.

It should also be borne in mind that in the process of smoking, compounds are formed that can provoke cancer.

In addition, all river fish are susceptible to parasite infection. Therefore, before cooking, fish should be well processed.

How to choose and store

Like any other type of river fish, silver carp is recommended to be bought from sellers who can present all documentation for the goods. The following recommendations will help you choose a product of excellent quality:

1. Fresh fish has a characteristic odor. She has an elastic body, transparent eyes, and gills of a uniform pink or red hue.
2. Preference should be given to specimens whose weight is not more than 2 kg. These individuals have less bone, but more fat.

How to store
If the hostess plans to cook silver carp dishes on the first day after purchase, for this period you can put the carcass on a shelf in the refrigerator. The shelf life of smoked or salted fish is significantly increased.

Is it possible to freeze
For long-term storage of silver carp, it is worth taking advantage of the capabilities of the freezer. But before you put the fish there, it must be cut and divided into pieces. Such prudence will not defrost all the fish, but only the quantity necessary for the preparation of the dish.

How to cut a silver carp

Large specimens of silver carp must be cut before storing. But before you divide the carcass into portions, you need:

• to separate the head;
• gently remove the ridge;
• to extract all the insides and gills;
• if there is caviar, get it very carefully;
• After cutting, thoroughly rinse the carcass, and then cut it into separate pieces.

What is a silver carp combined with

Silver carp is not a conflicting product. This fish goes well with vegetables, rice, garlic. Tasty dishes will be obtained with the addition of sour cream, spicy herbs, lemon juice. Interesting flavoring accents to fish snacks can be given by adding spices:

• curry;
• oregano;
• cloves;
• caraway seeds;
• rosemary;
• laurel.

You can use ready-made spicy mixes for white fish.For refueling dishes with silver carp, all types of vegetable oil, tomato paste are suitable.

There are complex recipes for preparing the fillet of silver carp with champignons, olives and even pickled cucumbers.

How to cook silver carp: recipes

Silver carp can be cooked in all popular ways today. It is suitable for main and second courses, snacks and salads. Moreover, the larger the fish, the tastier it will turn out at the exit of the dish.

In the oven

Since the meat of silver carp is high in fat, it is better to bake it in the oven. This method of cooking does not dry the meat, on the contrary, it allows it to be well saturated with fat.

The recipe for making silver carp in sour cream is very popular.

List of ingredients:

• fish - 1 kg;
• dill - a pair of twigs;
• low-fat sour cream - 60 g;
• a mixture of spices for fish - 6 g;
• salt.

Preparation Scheme:

1. Rinse the carcass cleaned of scales and viscera, dry it with paper towels.
2. Then grate seasoning on both sides, sprinkle with lemon juice on top.
3. Put on a baking sheet pre-coated with foil. Inside the carcass, place a few slices of lemon and dill.
4. Mix the sour cream with a pinch of salt, and then grease the fish with this mixture.
5. When the oven warms up to 180 degrees, send a pan with silver carp there. Bake this culinary masterpiece for 40 minutes.

In the pan

Frying a silver carp is a rather laborious process, especially if a large carcass is caught. But you can cook a delicious and well-fried fish if you follow these rules:

1. With the fish prepared as described above, remove the skin, rinse under running water to completely remove the scales.
2. From the ridge, cut the soft part with a sharp knife.
3. Cut the fish fillet into pieces into a deep container, add salt, add Provence herbs.
4. Sprinkle meat with lemon juice.
5. After these procedures, cover the blank for half an hour with cling film.
6. Roll each piece in flour.
7. Pour oil into a preheated pan, and then lay out the pieces so that they do not touch.
8. Fry over medium heat. In order for the pieces to be evenly fried, they must be periodically turned over, frying from all four sides.
9. First put the finished fish on a paper towel, and then serve with any side dish.

For a kilogram carcass of a silver carp, half a lemon, 150 grams of flour will be required. The remaining ingredients add to taste.

In a slow cooker

The easiest and fastest way to cook silver carp is to stew in a slow cooker. This dish is ideal for a festive table.

A set of necessary products per 1.5 kg of fish:

• tomatoes - ½ kg;
• carrots - 2 pcs.;
• onion - 2 pcs.;
• laurel, salt, allspice.

The algorithm of culinary actions:

1. Cut the tomatoes into circles, place half the workpiece on the bottom of the mold.
2. Pour chopped onions over the tomatoes. Add salt slightly.
3. Now it's the turn of grated carrots. Put half of the resulting mass.
4. Put slices of silver carp on top of the vegetable “pillow”. Sprinkle everything with salt and spices.
5. Decorate the whole composition with the remaining pieces of tomatoes, add about 150 ml of water.
6. Cook the dish for 2–2.5 hours in the “Stew” mode.

In a double boiler

A silver carp, steamed with vegetables, can become the main dish of a festive meal and an ordinary dinner. A couple of large steaks weighing 0.5 kg are more suitable for this purpose. For such an amount of fish base you will need:

• carrot;
• 4 potato tubers;
• Bell pepper;
• 100 g broccoli;
• seasoning for fish;
• salt;
• a large spoon of olive oil.

If desired, you can add garlic, thyme, lemon zest.

Cooking sequence:

1. Put steaks on the bottom of the cooking pan, sprinkle with seasonings and salt.
2. Since you have to cook a dish for a couple, pour water in advance in the multicooker capacity.
3. Put chopped vegetables in the voids between the fish steaks.
4. Decorate the top of the design with broccoli inflorescences and sweet pepper.
5. Cook in steaming for 25 minutes.

It is recommended to serve hot silver stew with vegetables.

On the grill

For cooking on the grill, it is better to choose large specimens. To soften the taste of meat, you should first soak it in milk, and then send it to the marinade.

For quick cooking, it is recommended to cook the marinade on a mineral water (glass) with the addition of lemon juice of one large fruit, salt, pepper, laurel. Proportions are given per 1 kg of net weight of cut fish.

1. For fish skewers, it is better to divide the carcass into large steaks.
2. Mix spices with lemon juice, add salt, water.
3. Pour the pieces of fish with the prepared marinade.
4. After 2 hours, pickled silver carp blanks are strung on skewers.
5. Cook delicious treat over hot coals. It takes about 10 minutes to fry each side.
6. Serve hot skewers of fish with fresh vegetables and chilled dry wine.

Grilled

An unusually tasty dish is obtained on the grill according to the proposed recipe. For a large fish carcass you will need to take:

• olive oil - 100 ml;
• spice mix - 50 g;
• salt;
• soy sauce - 70 ml;
• lime.

How to cook:

1. It is traditional to start with the preparation of the marinade: add spices and lemon juice to the warmed olive oil.
2. When the composition cools down a bit, place slices of fish fillet in it.
3. After an hour, start cooking the silver carp on the grill.
4. To simplify the process, string portioned pieces on skewers or lay them directly on the wire rack.
5. When the fish is covered on top with a crispy crust, serve.

What can be prepared from silver carp: recipes

Balyk

The silver carp balk prepared according to this recipe is perfect for hot potatoes, foamy beer, and you can safely add it to fish salads.

For one average fish up to 2.5 kg in weight, you will need:

• coarse salt - 15 tablespoons;
• turmeric - 2 tablespoons;
• laurel - 3 leaves;
• sugar - 3 tablespoons;
• allspice - 5 peas;
• coriander - 1 tablespoon

The sequential cooking process:

1. Mix spices in a deep bowl.
2. Grate the prepared carcass with this mixture so that it completely hides behind the spices. If the carcass does not fit in the container, cut the fish into two parts.
3. Press down the fish with a load.
4. Salt out fish for at least 5 days. If juice appears, this is normal.
5. After the specified period, clear of spices, then soak for 5 hours in water to remove excess salt.
6. Then wrap the carcass with several layers of gauze and hang it in the air for drying.

Ear

For the classic way of cooking fish carp soup fish soup weighing 400 g, you need to prepare such a set of products:

• 3 leaves of laurel;
• carrot;
• 3 potatoes;
• bulb;
• a bunch of parsley and dill;
• 2 pinches of salt, black pepper;
• 2 liters of a liquid base, i.e. water.

Stages of preparation:

1. Cut the prepared carcass into slices.
2. Pour fish in water, put on fire.
3. When the broth reaches the boiling stage, reduce the heat.
4. In this state, cook the ear for about 20 minutes, then get the fish, remove the bones.
5. Now add chopped vegetables to the fish stock.
6. While boiling the ear, fry the carrots, chop the greens.
7. Insert the onion whole in the ear.
8. When the potatoes are ready, get the onion, and season the broth with spices, return the fish.
9. Allow the ear to brew and only then serve it. Top the dish generously sprinkled with chopped herbs.

Cutlets

Silver carp cutlets go well with mashed potatoes, boiled rice and pasta. It’s easy to cook them if there is a medium-sized fish weighing about 0.8 kg.

In addition to the main ingredient, the following products are still needed:

• 3 onion heads;
• 50 ml of vegetable oil;
• 2 eggs;
• a glass of breadcrumbs;
• a bunch of parsley fresh;
• ground peppers;
• salt.

How to cook:

1. Cut the fish, highlighting the loin.
2. Then the meat of silver carp is passed through a meat grinder. Grind onions in the same way.
3. Add minced parsley, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs to the minced meat, beat in eggs, season with spices and salt.
4. Heat the pan, add oil.
5. With wetted hands, form cutlets, roll them in breading.
6. Fry the fish cakes on medium heat so that they are completely covered with a golden crust.
7. When all the cutlets are ready, hold them under the lid for several minutes.

Jellied

It’s not difficult to prepare a traditional fish dish for a festive table. Moreover, for aspic you will need a whole carcass with a head. In addition to fish components, you also need to prepare:

• 2 onions;
• 2 carrots;
• spices: laurel, pepper, salt;
• fresh herbs and 2 boiled eggs to decorate the dish.

Stages of preparation:

1. First prepare the fish carcass: separate the head, remove the eyes and gills. Rinse all parts thoroughly. Thanks to the use of heads, jellies from silver carp can be cooked without gelatin.
2. Free the carcass from the insides, and then cut it into pieces.
3. Place all fish in a suitable pan, pour water. Add onions with carrots and spices immediately. Salt should be administered later.
4. Cook the broth over low heat for an hour and a half, constantly making foam while cooking.
5. Add salt in small portions.
6. After removing the filler from the stove, open the lid so that the broth cools faster.
7. Then strain the broth. Disassemble the head. Put the meat on the bottom of the pan for aspic. To send the meat cleared of bones from the carcass there.
8. Now decorate the finished dish with slices of boiled eggs and herbs and pour it with a clear broth.
9. For final hardening, place the filler in the refrigerator for several hours.

Interesting Facts

1. In China, silver carp is called a water goat because of its addiction to plant foods.
2. In a jump, fish can rise 3-4 meters above the water.
3. Silver carp becomes incredibly voracious in late autumn. Due to the enhanced diet, he seeks to accumulate fat in order to better withstand the cold. And then the fish goes into hibernation.
4. Under favorable conditions, the female tosses up to 4 million eggs, of which fry are hatched after a day.

Summing up, it remains to note that at a relatively low cost, silver carp has a whole range of useful properties.

Photo of silver carp