Silver carp grows quickly due to the fact that it always has enough food in the form of plankton and algae. It is specially bred at paid rates or other reservoirs so that the silver carp clears the water area of algae. If, when growing carp, you need to feed it, then you don’t need to feed the silver carp, it will always find its own food: something, and there is always enough vegetation in the reservoirs.
Properties of silver carp
According to many experts, silver carp is a very useful fish, containing a set of all the necessary elements that contribute to the normal functioning of the human body. These include various microelements, a set of vitamins, including unsaturated fatty acids.
In this regard, silver carp is a dietary fish that is easily absorbed by the body and is easily digested, without creating a feeling of heaviness in the stomach. Silver carp contains up to 20% unsaturated fatty acids, which reduce the likelihood of diseases such as atherosclerosis or cancer. In addition, silver carp is recommended for consumption by people suffering from poor functioning of the heart, blood vessels, stomach, etc.
Silver carp fillets weighing more than 2 kg are considered the most popular, as they are more tender and juicy. At the same time, silver carp is distinguished by the presence of a minimum number of bones.
Silver carp nutrition
Silver carp feeds on phytoplankton - these are tiny greenish algae. Thanks to this, fish is considered an excellent ameliorator of water bodies. It literally filters water with its gills, collecting aquatic vegetation in a lump, and swallows it.
Bighead carp has a mixed diet. Its diet includes zooplankton - daphnia, cyclops and other small animals. To a lesser extent, the fish feed on phytoplankton. Consumes detritus - the remains of plants and animals that have settled or floated in the water column.
Young individuals feed exclusively on zooplankton; as they grow older, the fish gradually switches to phytoplankton. At the same time, many adult silver carp prefer a mixed diet; most of the diet depends on what is encountered on the way today. In addition to age, nutrition also differs among silver carp species.
Thus, silver carp of any size and age will in most cases prefer plant foods. At the same time, bighead carp will give preference to phytoplankton. When fishing, it is necessary to take into account the characteristics of these species and choose bait based on which species a person is going to catch at the moment. The preferred choice of fishermen is to catch silver carp using technoplankton.
The energy value of 100 grams of raw silver carp is 86 Kcal. Depending on the cooking method, age and size of the fish, this figure changes. For example, when stewing, calorie content drops by 10 kcal, and when frying, it rises by 15.
Fish meat over 5 years old is considered fattier and therefore has a higher energy value. At the same time, silver carp meat is rich in proteins and carbohydrates that are useful for digestion, which are easily absorbed by the body. In addition, it is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 acids, vitamins B, E and D, provitamin A, and contains large quantities of phosphorus, iron, sodium, potassium, calcium, zinc and sulfur.
Omega-3 and omega-6 acids, when consumed regularly, prevent the formation of malignant tumors, nervous disorders, the development of cardiovascular failure, hypertension, and reduce cholesterol levels to normal levels. A huge amount of minerals can improve the growth of nails, hair, nails, promotes reparative regeneration, in particular of the skin, stimulates the production of iron-containing hemoglobin, which performs a gas exchange function and removes toxic substances.
Patients with hypertension, diabetes, and gout are recommended to eat silver carp meat. A diet containing large amounts of silver carp meat has a positive effect on the body.
For diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, gout, gastritis, or low acidity, it is also recommended to eat boiled, steamed, or stewed silver carp. Reductions in sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure are observed within a few weeks.
Beneficial features
It makes sense to talk about the beneficial properties of silver carp in more detail. When eating silver carp meat:
- The likelihood of malignant neoplasms is reduced.
- Human irritability is minimized due to its beneficial effect on the activity of the central nervous system. In addition, dead cells are restored.
- Vessels are strengthened, which reduces the risk of strokes.
- Blood pressure is normalized, therefore, it is highly recommended for use by people with high blood pressure.
- The level of cholesterol in the blood decreases, which reduces the likelihood of blood clots.
- The amount of sugar in the blood decreases, so it is recommended for consumption by diabetics.
- The quality of nails and hair improves, and teeth become stronger.
- Immunity increases, which creates conditions for confrontation with various colds.
- The overall well-being of a person improves.
- Sleep is normalized: you can forget about sleepless nights.
Doctors recommend silver carp for consumption and here's why:
- Protein is completely absorbed within 2 hours.
- Silver carp meat is low in calories, so gaining excess weight is unrealistic.
- Presence of fish oil.
Apparently, the benefits of silver carp are obvious, therefore, it is advisable to eat it daily. This is an excellent product that promotes a unique preventive effect.
Useful properties of silver carp caviar
Silver carp caviar is quite transparent in appearance and contains both vitamins and microelements, as well as many other useful elements. The energy value of the product is 138 kcal per 100g of product. At the same time, caviar contains proteins - 8.9 g, fats - 7.2 g, carbohydrates - 13.1 g. In addition, caviar contains zinc, iron, phosphorus, sulfur and Omega-3 polysaturated fats.
The only contraindication to its use is the possibility of allergic reactions; in other cases, silver carp caviar has no contraindications. It is advisable to use it even for cancer patients, which helps normalize the activity of the nervous system and leads to a decrease in shortness of breath, etc.
Silver carp in cooking
It is used mainly when it weighs more than 2 kg. With such a weight, it has few bones and is not only pleasant to eat, but also pleasant to cook. It has a large head, which is suitable for preparing rich fish soup. The broth turns out fatty and transparent. Silver carp is best consumed either boiled or baked, since in this case it does not lose its beneficial properties.
Silver carp can be smoked, but it is often not advisable to eat it in this form, since it has little benefit, regardless of the smoking method: either hot or cold.
Despite this, silver carp is very useful because it replenishes the human body with useful substances, strengthening the immune system.
How to cook better
Fatty fish meat is processed in all basic ways. Namely:
- fried and baked;
- stew and prepare aspic;
- dried and smoked;
- make dumplings from fish fillets;
- add silver carp to soups and solyanka.
Most often, fish is fried or baked. The fillet has a high fat content and requires minimal use of oil during heat treatment.
Fried silver carp
A popular recipe for preparing fish fillet suggests frying it in a frying pan. Processing takes very little time and the ingredients required are very simple. The recipe requires:
- silver carp - 5 kg;
- corn flour - 50 g;
- wheat flour - 200 g;
- vegetable oil - 3 tbsp. l.;
- salt - to taste;
- ground black pepper - to taste.
The algorithm for preparing healthy fish is as follows:
- The carcasses are doused with boiling water and cleaned of scales, and then washed with cold water.
- The belly of the fish is cut open and the entrails are taken out, and then the head and fins are cut off.
- The carcasses are washed from the inside and divided into steaks about 2 cm thick.
- Mix salt and pepper and rub each piece of silver carp on all sides.
- Leave for 15 minutes.
- After time, mix the two types of flour and roll the fish in it, shaking off the excess.
- Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan with a thick bottom and fry the fillet over medium heat until golden brown.
- Turn the steaks over, cover the container with a lid and keep the fish on the fire for a few more minutes.
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The finished fillet is first laid out on paper towels to remove excess oil, and then served.
It is traditionally recommended to eat fried silver carp with fresh herbs.
How to choose and store correctly
When purchasing fresh silver carp, you must carefully inspect the fish and make sure of its quality. There are several points to evaluate:
- Smell. Fresh fish smells like water, there are no putrid overtones in the aroma.
- Appearance. A good silver carp should be firm and shiny, with clear eyes and pink or red gills.
- Dimensions. It is best to choose fish weighing about 2 kg - such carcasses have more fat and less bones.
When purchasing, you can touch the silver carp with your hand. If, after pressing with a finger, a dent remains on the carcass for a long time, then the fish has already begun to deteriorate. In fresh specimens, the surface smoothes out almost immediately.
Frozen fish is chosen according to the same principles. You need to pay attention to the appearance of the carcass. It is better not to buy silver carp with cloudy eyes, peeling scales and caked gills. The low quality of the fish is indicated by abundant ice with streaks on the carcass - its presence indicates repeated thawing and freezing.
Fresh product can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days after purchase. After this, it must be used for heat treatment. If the silver carp was purchased frozen, or was originally bought for future use, the carcass should be immediately put in the freezer. At temperatures below -15 °C, the fish will remain suitable for consumption for two months.
Harm from silver carp
Silver carp is absolutely harmless to any category of people, including children, adults or the elderly. Moreover, this fish can be consumed in any quantity - it does not have a daily consumption dose. The only caution is smoked silver carp, which in excessive doses can cause harm to human health.
Contraindications
As mentioned above, there are practically no contraindications. But the main obstacle to its consumption may be personal intolerance to seafood and, in particular, to silver carp. This must always be taken into account and known so as not to put your body on the brink of danger.
Photo of silver carp
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Read here - Benefits of carp, harm, indications and contraindications for the use of fish meat (115 photos and videos)
Energy value
The energy value of silver carp meat is:
- Protein – 19.6 g (79 kcal).
- Fat – 0.8 g (9 kcal).
- Carbohydrates – 0.3 g (1 kcal).
- Vitamin E1 – 2.66 mg.
- Nicotinic acid – 2.9 mg.
- Vitamin B1 – 0.05 mg.
- Vitamin A – 35 mg.
- Vitamin B2 – 0.12 mg.
- Calcium – 30.0 mg.
- Phosphorus – 214.0 mg.
- Sulfur – 211.0 mg.
- Sodium – 79.0 mg.
Calories and nutritional value
Silver carp meat contains a whole range of vitamins, which is typical of any seafood.
For example:
- Availability of vitamin A.
- Availability of vitamin PP.
- Availability of vitamin E.
- Availability of vitamin B.
100 grams of fish contains 87 kcal. Therefore, it is not for nothing that silver carp is classified as a dietary product. If you cook silver carp, its calorie content will decrease to 75.3 kcal.
Silver carp fish - description and beneficial properties
This fish lives in fresh water in schools.
Its size can be very impressive. It is distinguished by silver-colored scales and a voluminous head.
The product is nutritious.
The fish originated in China, so it was originally called “Chinese silver carp.”
At the end of the 50s, the breeding grounds of silver carp were destroyed due to severe floods, and they went into the tributaries of the Amur.
In the 60s, fish began to be released into the rivers:
- Syrdarya.
- Dniester.
- Volga.
- Dnieper.
- Rod.
- Don.
- Kuban.
- Terek.
- Amu Darya.
After 10 years, they were already actively bred in Ukraine.
In Russia, silver carp are bred artificially.
Silver carp are beneficial in ponds and rivers - they eat phytoplankton (small algae), purify the water, and rid it of excess detritus; this is especially effective in stagnant reservoirs.
Often, in order to clean an overgrown pond, silver carp are allowed in there.
A fairly fast-growing fish - in 3 years it reaches 3 kilos of weight, and an adult can weigh 16 kilos.
This is what a silver carp fish looks like
Biochemical composition
The product includes the following useful elements:
- Omega-3 and omega-6.
- Retinol.
- Vitamin RR.
- Group B.
- Vitamin E.
- Fats.
- Carbohydrates.
- Minerals.
- Easily digestible proteins.
The composition also contains the following elements:
- Zn.
- Na.
- S.
- P.
- Fe.
- Ca.
Thanks to its unique composition, fish is very beneficial for the human body.
How is silver carp useful?
Fish meat and silver carp caviar have the following benefits for humans:
- Prevention of atherosclerosis.
- Favorable effect on the central nervous system.
- Reducing blood cholesterol levels.
- Favorable effect on carbohydrate metabolism.
- Reducing blood glucose levels.
- Help with hypertension, gastritis and rheumatism.
- Helps increase hemoglobin.
- Lowers blood pressure (when consumed within 14 days).
- Reduces the formation of blood clots.
- Reduces the risk of pathologies of the heart and blood vessels.
- Normalizes metabolism.
- Triggers immunity.
- Rejuvenates.
- Has a positive effect on nails, teeth, bone tissue, and hair.
- Prevention of oncology.
- Positively affects the digestive system.
- Cleanses the body of toxic substances.
Naturally, fish products will be beneficial if they are consumed regularly and only in high-quality form, properly prepared.
How many calories are in silver carp?
There are approximately 86 kilocalories per 100 grams of product.
During the process of boiling or stewing in a frying pan, the value decreases slightly, becoming approximately 77 kilocalories.
Therefore, there is no doubt that these fish products are dietary.
There is even a special mono-diet where you only need to eat silver carp meat and caviar.
The meat is nutritious, tender, and quickly digestible.
How to choose the right one?
When buying carcasses in a supermarket, it is better to choose large specimens, weighing more than 2 kilos. Small fish have more small bones and are less fatty.
It is correct to buy the product in places where permits can be presented for it, this will allow you to avoid infection with a pathology such as opisthorchiasis.
Usually the product is sold freshly caught, and the highest quality of fish products can be determined by certain points.
A fresh and high-quality product is distinguished by:
- River aroma, the smell of algae.
- A moist, not crooked and dense tail.
- Pinkish gills.
- Clear, clean eyes.
- Smooth and shiny scales.
- Elastic body.
A low-quality product smells bad and is loose. You cannot take it, as you may get poisoned.
You can preserve fish for a long time in the same way as other fish products - by freezing. If stored in the refrigerator, not in the freezer, you should eat it after about 24 hours.
If the silver carp is marinated, salted, smoked, then the shelf life is longer.
Special advice for this fish product is that it must be prepared immediately, because freezing one way or another will negatively affect the benefits and taste of the most tender, nutritious meat.
If the fish is large or there are a lot of carcasses, and it will be frozen one way or another, the fish products should be divided into portions, put into PE bags and placed in the freezer - in the future it will be convenient to take out and cook.
How to store silver carp
The best place to store silver carp is the freezer. Before putting the fish in the freezer, it is better to cut it up and gut it. After this, the fish carcass can be stored either whole or cut immediately into portioned pieces, which will simplify its further preparation. Before cooking, just take the required number of pieces and cook, and the rest can be kept in the freezer. But this does not mean that fish can be stored in this form for a long time, especially since over time its beneficial properties begin to be lost.
The ideal option is to buy fresh silver carp and cook it to replenish your body with the necessary substances.
How, where and what to catch?
Experienced fishermen know that in small reservoirs where there are a lot of fish, they are caught throughout the entire warm period (from May to mid-September). In reservoirs where there is a lot of phytoplankton, the water temperature should be above 19-20 degrees.
If the water is too warm (22-26 degrees), the fish becomes indifferent to all kinds of bait, plant and animal. To catch silver carp, you need special gear; the fish are lured with technoplankton briquettes. The bait forms a cloud of turbidity from edible particles.
The main conditions for successful fishing:
- calm, windless weather;
- high water temperature;
- transparency of the reservoir.
When the water is warm and clear, the catch is guaranteed. When the water is cloudy or blooms, this is a sign of excess food. In this case, it will be very difficult to interest silver carp in bait.
When the silver carp is hungry, it greedily grabs the bait and hooks itself. The fisherman just has to pull it up. But this is not always the case.
Inexperienced fishermen often use hooks with a dull tip. The fish, feeling the prick, spits out the bait, and the whole flock instantly moves away from the dangerous place.
How to prepare silver carp
Silver carp is prepared depending on personal preferences. For example:
- It's easier to cook.
- You can make aspic from it.
- It's not difficult to fry.
- You can bake it without any problems.
- Make a balyk out of it.
- Cook delicious fish soup.
- Prepare minced meat.
The main task is to purchase a carcass weighing more than 2 kg, since it has practically no bones and is easier to cook, not to mention the taste.
Igor 09/05/2017
