Content
One of the most valuable species of commercial fish is grass carp. The inhabitant is also called herbaceous carp. The fish has fatty meat, which is recommended to be included in the diet for both adults and children. The product can be used in dietary nutrition due to its beneficial effects on the body. The benefits and harms of grass carp fish are due to its composition.
What it looks like and where it lives
Amur is called the brightest representative of the Karpov family. It is noteworthy that this fish feeds exclusively on plants:
- cane;
- reed leaves;
- cut grass;
- seaweed.
Its size annually increases by 10 cm. During the day, grass carp absorbs significant volumes of various plants, which usually exceed its weight.
The grass carp is impressive in size. By the time of maturity, its length can be 120 cm. The average weight reaches 40 kg.
The fish lives in fresh waters. Typical signs of grass carp include:
- an elongated torpedo-like body;
- flattened body;
- massive belly of cream or light yellow color;
- sides covered with large silvery scales;
- small head;
- huge mouth and strong jaws;
- dull nose;
- low-set eyes of medium size;
- large caudal fin.
Herbal carp is active during the day. It can be found in shallow water basking in the sun. If the temperature drops below 10 ° C, grass carp falls into a state known as suspended animation. Wintering takes place in pits of silt and sand.
The fish are hardy and can live in salt water. Sexual maturity is noted after 10 years, subject to comfortable life. For spawning, the grass carp selects rocky places with a fast current. Each time the female lays about 1–5 million eggs. If there is not enough food or habitat conditions are unfavorable, the eggs are destroyed. Spawning stops.
Fry usually emerge after a week. From the first days of life, they can eat small algae and insect larvae.
China is considered the birthplace of grass carp. The name of the fish is due to its presence in the Amur River. Fish are also bred in artificial reservoirs. It is often used for purification purposes. This is why the grass carp is also sometimes called the cleaner.
The composition of grass carp
The fish feeds only on plants, which leads to the absence of harmful substances in the meat. The product contains the following valuable nutrients:
- protein with high digestibility;
- antioxidants that remove toxins from the tissues;
- tocopherol and retinol, which stimulate hormone production;
- B vitamins, which strengthen the nervous system;
- ascorbic acid, which stimulates immunity.
Amur meat is rich in the following elements:
- phosphorus;
- magnesium;
- selenium;
- zinc;
- potassium;
- iodine.
Herbal carp is a source of Omega-3 fatty acids. The calorie content of meat is 130 units per 100 g of product.
Useful properties of grass carp
Regular consumption of herbal carp has a beneficial effect on the health of the body. The inclusion of grass carp meat in the diet contributes to:
- reducing the risk of the formation of cholesterol plaques due to a decrease in the amount of harmful substances;
- stimulation of tissue regeneration;
- protecting tissues from the effects of toxins;
- rejuvenation of the skin;
- normalization of the endocrine system;
- increasing the strength and elasticity of blood vessels;
- improving blood composition;
- stabilization of blood pressure.
Eating grass carp meat helps to stimulate metabolic processes. The product has a positive effect on the heart and blood vessels. The presence of grass carp in the diet helps to slow down the aging process, strengthen nails and improve hair condition. They also note a beneficial effect on hormonal levels.
If you include grass carp meat on the menu twice a week, you can significantly improve memory and improve performance. Eating fish reduces the risk of heart attacks.
How best to cook
Cupid meat has a bone structure. It is quite dense, fatty and has a sweetish taste. The product is well absorbed by any method of preparation of grass carp.
Butchering the carcass is carried out between the vertebrae. To prevent the appearance of bitterness, it is necessary to completely remove the film in the abdominal cavity.
It is advisable to use the tail part for fish soup. Fillets are either fried or baked. The ridge is removed through the abdominal cavity. This allows you to preserve the integrity of the leather on the back and add juiciness to the dish. White carp is boiled or stewed with vegetables at the smell of mud.
Herbal carp goes well with the following foods:
- eggs;
- spices;
- cereals;
- vegetables.
Fish is versatile. Any method of heat treatment can be used with respect to it. In particular, it is recommended to prepare minced meat from fillets for use as a filling.
When cooking in the oven, the carcass is peeled. It is important to remove the spine and bones. The fish is washed, salted and pepper. Outside, as well as inside, the meat should be sprinkled with lemon juice. If desired, you can add spices intended for fish. The following seasonings are suitable for white carp:
- garlic;
- hops-suneli.
The carcass is carefully wrapped in foil and baked in the oven at 200 ° C. The cooking time is 45 minutes. Fish is also baked with vegetables and mayonnaise.
Before roasting grass carp, marinate them using:
- dill seeds;
- basilica;
- ground coriander;
- black pepper;
- bay leaf;
- spice mixtures.
Put the steaks in a container, add spices and sprinkle with lemon juice. You can fry the fish after three hours, having previously rolled the portioned pieces in flour. The recipe is also used for grilling grass carp.
Herbal carp cooked in a slow cooker turns out to be less high in calories. Before direct cooking, the meat is marinated, adding seasonings, lemon juice and salt. Each piece is doused in flour, and then placed in a bowl, fried on both sides (1 minute each). Dilute the tomato paste in water (150 ml), pour the sauce over the fish and stew for 40 minutes. To prepare a side dish, you can place a tray with sliced potatoes in the multicooker.
White carp is also fried on the grill. To cook dietary meat, you must first sprinkle it with lemon juice. The fish stocks are placed in a marinade, including soy sauce, mustard. Then the zucchini, tomatoes and onions are chopped. They should also be seasoned with salt and pepper, drizzle with lemon juice. The meat is strung on skewers with vegetables alternately. Shish kebab is fried on a grill, fire or grill grate.
Contraindications and possible harm
It is known that grass carp is very useful. The rich composition of herbal carp meat helps to maintain the health of various organs and systems. It can be consumed by adults, children, pregnant and lactating women.However, grass carp can bring not only benefits, but also harm to the body.
It is advisable to give up fish in case of exacerbation of diseases of the digestive system:
- cholecystitis;
- ulcers;
- pancreatitis.
Herbal carp are excluded from the diet in case of allergic reactions to seafood. Liver should not be consumed by people on a diet. This is due to the high calorie content of the delicacy.
How to choose and store fish correctly
The taste and benefits of the product depend on the purchase of quality fish. It is advisable to choose carcasses of medium-sized and adult individuals. This will greatly simplify the cutting process.
It is important to evaluate the smell of the fish before buying. Adults usually smell like mud. In a fresh carcass, the fins remain firm and the scales do not look dull.
Fillets should not be stored for long. Otherwise, the fish may lose valuable nutrients. Chilled grass carp can be stored for two days, and frozen - up to two months.
Before cooking, the carcasses are thoroughly thawed and their appearance is assessed. It is undesirable to use a poor quality product. Its preparation and consumption can provoke poisoning.
Conclusion
The benefits and harms of grass carp fish have been well studied. Herbal carp is low in calories and contains vitamins and fatty acids. The product is indicated for use in dietetic food due to its low calorie content.
