Pink salmon: photo, description, useful properties and recipes

There are many varieties of fish. Each species has its own characteristics. Pink salmon refers to the red breeds and has a huge number of valuable trace elements and vitamins. It is fried, salted, canned. Smoked pink salmon is also popular.

Pink salmon: what kind of fish, how it looks and where it is found

Pink salmon is the most famous fish. It is the most numerous species and belongs to the family of salmon. It is so called because of the hump that is located on the back. However, it is formed only on males during the mating season.

The fish is characterized by lean meat, which allows eating it even when dieting for weight loss.

Pink salmon has a dark blue hue, and the sides are silvery in color. The belly is always white. There are no teeth on the tongue, which is a distinctive feature. There are oval-shaped spots on the back, and a fin is formed near the anus.

During the mating season, females change color. They become pale gray, and the abdomen acquires a slight yellowish color. It is noteworthy that the fish lives in the oceans, where the water is salty, but breeds exclusively in fresh water. It lives in northern latitudes, in cold water. The average size of the fish is 50 centimeters in length. The weight can reach 1.2-1.4 kg. Larger fish are quite rare. The color of the meat has a bright orange hue, which is why it is nicknamed "red fish".

Seafood is a great decoration for any table. It can be used not only for the second and first courses, but also for salads and light snacks.

Differences between pink salmon and salmon

Pink salmon is the smallest, but numerous fish of the salmon family. It is classified as a genus of Pacific fish. It feeds on small fish, crustaceans and fry. Its distinctive feature is its rapid growth. The fish lives exclusively in cold water and stays for wintering in areas where the water temperature does not drop below +5 degrees Celsius in winter.

Salmon - this is the collective name of all the fish of this family, which have the same characteristics, such as the color of the meat. It is because of this they are also called "red fish".

Composition and calories

Seafood contains a huge number of vitamins and elements. All of them are necessary for proper functioning and bring invaluable benefits to the body.

In its composition are present:

1. B vitamins. The largest group of vitamins that take part in almost all biological and chemical processes. They take part in metabolism, the maintenance of all systems and organs, restore immunity and the nervous system. Pink salmon contains a significant amount of them.
2. Vitamin PP. This is nicotinic acid. It is also necessary for humans, because it is involved in the formation of lipids and enzymes, their metabolism. The substance is required for redox processes.
3. Vitamin C. The main element that supports the immune system, protecting it from harmful influences.
4. Vitamin A. It also has a multifaceted effect. It is necessary for the proper functioning of the visual apparatus, the health of the skin, hair and nails. If it is lacking, there may be deterioration of the immune system and mucous membranes. Pink salmon contains vitamin A in the required quantity. Therefore, it should be eaten at least once a week.
5. Calcium. Everyone knows that any fish is a source of such trace element as calcium. It is necessary to maintain healthy bones. Lack of this trace element leads to pathological fractures. Any bruise can turn into a severe injury that will require long-term treatment.
6. Magnesium. Is a basic element that is necessary for muscle tissue and is responsible for its growth. Lower limb cramps of varying intensity often occur in the absence of a normal amount of magnesium.
7. Iron. Pink salmon is present in large quantities. Iron is required for the circulatory system, as it participates in the process of synthesis of blood cells, the transport of oxygen. Iron deficiency causes anemia, which can be a dangerous condition, especially during pregnancy. It is expressed in the occurrence of weakness and dizziness, decreased appetite and deterioration of general well-being.
8. Iodine. It is important for the endocrine system trace element. It helps maintain the thyroid and pancreas, is involved in the synthesis of hormones. It is they help regulate the work of the body. Lack of iodine leads to the development of certain diseases, the treatment of which takes a long time.
9. Fluoride. This trace element is useful for dental enamel. It protects teeth from the constant negative effects of many factors. But in large quantities it can have a negative impact on the thyroid gland and kidneys. Pink salmon contains a small amount of it, which, when the product is consumed correctly, will not harm the body, and will only bring benefits.
10. Potassium. The trace element is present mainly inside the cells and helps to accumulate useful energy. In addition, it is involved in maintaining the health of the skeletal muscles and strengthens the heart.

It also contains such substances as sulfur, zinc, sodium, chromium and many others. It also contains fatty acids that are required to extend and maintain the youthfulness of the skin. Thus, this seafood is a treasure trove of vitamins and minerals. With its regular use in moderate quantities manages to reduce the risk of many diseases.

The caloric value of pink salmon depends on how it is prepared. Fresh and salted fish contains only 140 kcal per 100 grams. This figure is small, which allows you to use the fish in cooking for weight loss. A greater number of calories per 100 grams of the product differs fried fish, as the cooking process involves the use of vegetable oil.

How is the pink salmon useful?

General benefits

Due to its composition, pink salmon, if eaten correctly and in moderate quantities, will bring invaluable benefits to the body, which include the following:

1. Strengthening bone tissue due to its calcium content.
2. Protection of the body from the effects of toxins. They have a negative effect on the body, worsening the work of the liver and kidneys.
3. Maintaining the work of the gastrointestinal organs. Included substances help protect the mucosa of the stomach and other organs.
4. Improving the function of the glands.
5. Maintaining the function of the nervous system. Thanks to the weekly consumption of pink salmon, the body is better able to resist stress, depression and any irritants.
6. Restoring the amount of fatty tissue in the subcutaneous layer. This has a positive effect on the elasticity of the skin, its elasticity. It is believed that fish helps to fight cellulite.
7. Maintaining the beauty of hair and nails due to the whole complex of vitamins.
8. Strengthening the cardiovascular system. Thanks to the substances it contains, fish has a positive effect on the heart and blood vessels, supporting their work, reducing the risk of a number of diseases, including thrombosis, heart attacks and strokes.
9. Regulate blood glucose levels by improving the work of internal glands.

Seafood is an excellent prevention of thyroid disease, asthma, ulcers and gastritis, hypertension and diabetes due to its composition. Experts recommend eating about 70 grams of pink salmon meat daily.

For women

Pink salmon, like any fish, has a positive effect on the female body. First of all, due to the vitamin complex it helps to maintain youthfulness of the skin by activating the process of cell regeneration.

The product contains folic acid, which is necessary for maintaining the health of the reproductive system. The substance is also necessary for the proper formation of the fetus at the initial stages.

Regular consumption of fish allows you to keep healthy nails, teeth and hair, and lift your mood. Fish contains substances and vitamins that have a positive effect on the nervous system. As a result, a woman's body is better able to resist stresses and depressions.

Among other things, it can support the genitourinary system, reducing the risk of cystitis, and also regulates the functioning of the thyroid gland, which synthesizes a variety of hormones.

Thus, pink salmon for women is quite a valuable product that will have an impact on the whole body and help eliminate or reduce the likelihood of a number of diseases.

For men

Fish is also useful for men. It allows you to support the work of the genital system, increases potency and significantly improves the quality of sperm. Many experts recommend men suffering from infertility to introduce fish into the diet, namely pink salmon, as it contains a large number of useful substances.

In addition, the product allows you to accelerate the growth of muscle tissue, strengthens the heart muscle and bones, which is important with constant physical exertion.

When pregnant

Pink salmon is recommended to eat during pregnancy, because due to its composition it helps to eliminate exacerbations of diseases of the genitourinary system. It has a beneficial effect on the stomach and other organs of the digestive system.

When a woman is expecting a baby, she is subjected to stress. Get rid of it will help regular consumption of fish.

When breastfeeding

But in the period of lactation with the choice of products should be careful. The thing is that fish, including pink salmon, can cause an allergic reaction in a child. This is due to the presence of fatty acids and vitamin C in its composition.

It can be introduced to the diet only when the child is 7 months old. The first portion should not be large. If after the consumption of fish within a day the baby did not show signs of allergies, the portion can be increased. Eat pink salmon while breast-feeding should not be more than once a week.

For children

Fish for children's body will benefit only if it is eaten correctly and in moderation. Due to its composition and properties, this seafood will help strengthen the immune system, bones and teeth, support vision, activate the growth of muscle tissue.

According to folk healers, humpback salmon helps prevent diseases such as rickets. But it should be given to a child in the absence of an allergy to white fish and only at the age of three.

For weight loss

It is characterized by a small caloric content, which allows it to be used for weight loss. Even a small amount of it contributes to satiety and energy replenishment. The product also contains substances that regulate the amount of subcutaneous fat, which contributes to the prevention of cellulite, excludes the gain of excess weight.

At the same time, it is important to remember that pink salmon while following a diet for weight loss should be cooked with minimal heat treatment. It is best to do it in an oven without oil or on steam. Stewed pink salmon is useful.

Useful properties of pink salmon caviar

In the caviar of pink salmon, as well as in its meat, there are many useful trace elements. Thus, pink salmon caviar also has invaluable benefits for the body. Its medicinal properties include:

1. Maintenance of the CNS by B vitamins.
2. Strengthening of bone tissue. Milk also contains sufficient amounts of calcium and magnesium, which are the main elements of bones.
3. Normalization of the metabolism.
4. Improve vision, attention, memory.
5. Activation of the process of cell regeneration. This property is due to the content of a complex of vitamins and minerals.
6. Support the work of the brain.
7. Normalization of blood circulation, maintaining the tone of blood vessels.
8. Reducing the risk of thrombosis, in which cholesterol plaques are formed on the walls of blood vessels.
9. Increase immunity. This is achieved due to the content of vitamin C in sufficient quantities.

Pink salmon caviar should be eaten in small portions, since it also contains fluorine, and large amounts of this trace element is harmful to health. Caviar is often used for making appetizers, sandwiches and salad decorations.

The milk of pink salmon: the benefits and harms

Moloki are the testes of fish. They also contain a large number of vitamins and minerals that ensure the normal functioning of various organs and systems.

The milk has a unique, distinctive taste. They must be included in the diet, because their use will bring invaluable benefits for the human body. Thanks to its composition, milk has the following properties:

• improve the function of the liver, activate the synthesis of new cells of the organ;
• Remove harmful substances and salts of heavy metals;
• reduce the impact of ultraviolet rays;
• increase endurance;
• Slow down the aging process;
• prevent the destruction of brain cells;
• increase physical activity;
• strengthen the immune system;
• support the nervous system;
• regulate blood hyperglycemic index;
• strengthen bone tissue;
• reduce the risk of heart disease;
• increase potency in men;
• Restore metabolism;
• maintain youthful skin.

In addition, the substances present in the milk have a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect and help reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.

Milk is perfectly balanced in composition and used for sports or dietary meals. The product has a small number of calories and does not contribute to gaining excess weight.

But they should not be used if you have an adverse reaction to fish. Milk can be eaten even by children and women who are expecting a baby in the lactation period. The daily rate can not exceed 150 grams of product. Only in this amount it will have a positive effect and will not be harmful.

Is canned pink salmon useful?

Seafood in the store can be found not only in frozen or chilled form, but also in canned form. It contains protein compounds, which are quickly enough assimilated by the body. Thus, canned fish is considered a dietary product. It contains vitamins PP, omega-3, potassium and other trace elements. All these components have a beneficial effect on the human body. They contribute to the normalization of water balance, the work of the endocrine glands.

Canned seafood is recommended by nutritionists for those who suffer from obesity. The product can also be consumed by patients who have been diagnosed with various thyroid diseases.

Regular use of the product in this form helps to maintain the cardiac system. But to eat canned fish is not recommended for allergies, intolerance, stomach and liver diseases in the acute stage.

Are there any benefits in salted and smoked fish?

It can be eaten smoked or salted. But eat it, especially for diseases of the digestive system, should be in small quantities. It is worth remembering that the use of such a product can cause irreparable harm to the body.

The reason is that salty pink salmon, like any other fish, contains a lot of salt. It retains water in the body, which causes the appearance of edema of the soft tissues.

Smoked pink salmon also can not be consumed with gastritis, ulcers and other diseases of the digestive system. The stomach is quite difficult to digest such food, which negatively affects the work of the entire system.

But as part of the salted or smoked fish are present and useful trace elements. Therefore, in the absence of contraindications, it should be eaten in small quantities.

Pink salmon in medicine

Such fish as pink salmon can also be useful for certain diseases. It is recommended by specialists to improve the general condition or maintain a number of processes occurring in the body.

Diabetes mellitus.

Pink salmon, thanks to its composition, helps to maintain the hyperglycemic index in the blood. It does not contain sugar, which has no effect on blood glucose levels. Pink salmon in any form can be introduced in the diet of people suffering from diabetes of different types.

In pancreatitis

The disease, which is characterized by inflammation of pancreatic tissue, requires not only the use of medicines, but also compliance with the diet. For patients suffering from pancreatitis, specialists recommend that the introduction of humpback salmon is mandatory. It has no negative effect on the pancreas. In addition, thanks to the components included in its composition, it helps to normalize the work of the organ, relieve inflammation and improve the overall condition.

But it is important to know that you should eat pink salmon with pancreatitis only in baked or boiled form. It can also be cooked on steam. Such dishes will bring invaluable benefits.

If you have gastritis

Lack of treatment and non-compliance with the diet for gastritis becomes the cause of the development of ulcer disease. To avoid this, it is important not only to take all the medicines prescribed by the doctor, but also to be more attentive to your diet.

With gastritis pink salmon may be eaten only baked, boiled or steamed. Salted, smoked or fried fish contains a large amount of fats, which have a negative effect on the mucosa of the digestive tract organs.

Pink salmon when eaten correctly in the presence of gastritis will help reduce the load on the stomach, intestines, relieve inflammation and normalize the condition of the mucosa.

In gout

Gout is a disease in which salt crystals begin to deposit in the joints. As a result, they not only cause a limitation of motor activity and pain, but also the destruction of joint tissue.

With gout, pink salmon should be eaten only in baked, boiled form. Salted fish in the presence of the disease is strictly prohibited. It contains a large amount of salt, which not only prevents the removal of water from the body, but also the progression of gout.

In cholecystitis

The inflammatory process, which affects the gallbladder, can spread quite quickly, becoming the cause of pain and disorders of the organ.

The diet for cholecystitis can include fish. But it should not be eaten in salted or fried form. Smoked products should also be avoided. Thanks to its ingredients, pink salmon helps to slow the spread of the inflammatory process and improve the overall condition.

Harm and contraindications

Pink salmon can not be consumed in the presence of certain diseases and disorders, as in this case it can cause harm to the body. Contraindications are:

1. Individual intolerance. A certain category of people has an intolerance to seafood. The body reacts to them quite acutely. Also, you should consult a specialist if you have previously identified an excessive amount of iodine or fluoride in the body.
2. Acute diseases of the digestive organs and liver. Salted pink salmon should not be consumed if pathologies of the liver or gastrointestinal organs are identified. Such a product can lead to exacerbation of diseases and the emergence of pronounced symptoms. It is also forbidden to eat fried fish. This is due to the fact that it leads to the formation of cholesterol plaques, which accumulate on the walls of blood vessels and lead to poor circulation.
3. Diseases of the urinary system. Pink salmon, especially in a salted form, may cause tissue swelling if diagnosed disorders of the urinary system.

In addition, a large amount of pink salmon provokes excessive production of some hormones. The activity of the thyroid gland increases, resulting in a violation of its normal operation. In this case the whole body suffers. That is why you should eat pink salmon no more than three times a week. The daily rate of the product should be up to 150 grams.

How to choose and store

Fish should be chosen correctly, because low-quality product can cause symptoms of poisoning. It is expressed in the form of abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, dizziness.

To choose a quality product, you need to pay attention to such nuances:

1. The amount of ice in the frozen product - no more than 5%.
2. Even, not bloated, flat belly. The exception is females with caviar.
3. The abdomen is pink when the fish is gutted.
4. The gills are light red in color. They are always bright in fresh fish.
5. Tight skin-to-meat contact.
6. Absence of ammonia odor.
7. Fillet is pink in color.
8. Absence of damage to the skin.
9. Shiny, clean and smooth scales.

In addition, pressing on the surface should not leave dents. Guided by these rules, you can choose a quality product.

Store chilled pink salmon in the refrigerator. Shelf life is only 3 days. Also the fish can be frozen. Storage duration in this case increases to 3 weeks.

How to cut the pink salmon into fillets

Many housewives have a question about how to cut the pink salmon into fillets. It is not as difficult as it may seem at first glance. The first thing to do is to take a small but sharp knife. If necessary, it is necessary to wear gloves.

The process of cutting pink salmon consists of several stages:

1. Clearing of scales. Remove it, moving from the tail. Then rinse the fish, but only in cold water.
2. Removal of the viscera. The tip of a knife is inserted into the anus of the fish and the abdomen is cut lengthwise. All the viscera are removed. Also remove the black film, as it gives a bitterness after cooking. The fish is washed under cold water.
3. Remove bones, tail and fins. Put the fish on a cutting board, cut off the head and tail. Also remove all fins. To remove the bones, the knife is poked between the ribs and meat near the backbone. The sharp side of the knife should be directed towards the backbone. Move the knife to the edge of the belly. Then the central bone is removed, and the fish is divided into two parts. One will have bones on it, which are easy to remove. The second part will remain clean.

The last step is the removal of the skin. It is picked up and peeled off to the tail. In case there is meat left on the skin, it should be picked up with a knife. Now the fillet can be cut into several pieces.

How to cook pink salmon deliciously: recipes

Today there are many recipes from pink salmon. It can be cooked not only in a frying pan. For this purpose, they use a multicooker, grill, microwave.

In the oven

Fish fillet should be cut into portions, cover with spices and leave in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. You can also prepare your favorite sauce. Put half of the prepared sauce on a baking tray, then pour the rest of the sauce over the fish. Bake in a preheated to 180 degrees for 30 minutes.

In a pan

Before cooking, strip the pink salmon, wash in cold water and cut into portioned pieces. Put everything in a separate container and salt. If desired, add spices. While the fish is marinating, prepare the batter. To do this, mix two chicken eggs and a small amount of flour. The mixture should have the consistency of liquid sour cream. Pieces of fish dipped in batter, put on a pan and fry on each side for 3 minutes.

In the multicooker

Prepared pieces should be fried, turning on the mode "frying". Each side fry for 10 minutes. Then put everything back into the bowl, pour the sauce and fry in the same mode for half an hour.

On the grill

Before cooking, you should set the temperature on the electric grill to 250 degrees. Baking time should be 40 minutes. Prepare the fish and put it on the bottom grid, greasing it with butter. After cooking, serve with the sauce.

In the microwave

The pink salmon also pre-prepare and marinade. Then put everything in a special dish and put it in the microwave. Cook the fish at maximum power for 15 minutes.

How to cook pink salmon soup

Fish is great not only for cooking second dishes. It is also used for soups. Such a dish will turn out not only tasty, but also quite useful.

To prepare it, you will need:

• 50 grams of rice;
• 350 grams of pink salmon;
• 1 onion;
• 2 carrots;
• 3 potatoes.

You will also need salt, pepper and herbs to taste. First of all, you need to boil fish broth. It is important that for this purpose, the pink salmon should be thawed at room temperature beforehand. During cooking, it is important to remove the foam. Boil the pink salmon for 20 minutes.

Peel carrots, onions and potatoes, wash and cut into cubes. All add to the broth and cook for another 10 minutes. Then add washed rice and leave the pot on medium heat for 10-15 minutes.

Lastly add the herbs, salt and seasonings. Mix everything thoroughly, cover with a lid, turn off the stove and leave to infuse for half an hour.

How to cook fish cutlets with pink salmon

You can make flavorful cutlets from pink salmon fillets. They perfectly satisfy the hunger, combine with potatoes, vegetable salads. There are many recipes for making delicious cutlets.

Recipe #1. Classic cutlets

To prepare them, you need to take 1 kg of fish, a couple of slices of loaf, herbs, an egg, a tablespoon of yogurt. If the fish is frozen, thaw it to drain the excess moisture. For the cutlets you can choose parsley and dill, in some cases - and green onions. Greens will give the cutlets a richer flavor. It is also important that the yogurt is sugar-free, natural. It is required for the cutlets to be juicy. In its absence, you can take sour cream with a small percentage of fat.

Pass the fish through a meat grinder. In the mince add water-soaked loaf, yogurt, herbs, eggs. Stir everything, salt, add pepper to taste. From the mixture form cutlets and fry on a preheated frying pan for 3-5 minutes on each side.

Recipe № 2. Cutlets with semolina

To prepare them, you need to take half a kilo of fish fillet, of which minced fish with a blender or meat grinder, 5 tablespoons of semolina, an egg and onion. You will also need pepper and salt to taste.

In the prepared minced meat add semolina, finely chopped onion, egg. Stir everything and leave for 30 minutes so that the semolina can swell. Then form cutlets and fry them until golden brown. The semolina will make the dish juicy and soft.

How to salt pink salmon caviar at home

You can salt pink salmon caviar in several ways. But there is also a classic, which is used by many housewives. To salt caviar this method requires 300 grams of caviar, 30 grams of coarse salt, 10 grams of granulated sugar and 300 ml of water.

First of all, you need to remove the film from the caviar. Then rinse everything under cold water, as using hot caviar will boil. While it is drying, you need to boil water, add salt and sugar to it. When everything is completely dissolved, take it off the stove and leave it to cool.

The temperature of the solution should not be more than 35 degrees. If it will be higher, the caviar will boil and will be tasteless. Pour the brine after cooling into a container with caviar and leave it for 3 hours. After that time, strain everything and put the caviar into a separate container. Store in the refrigerator.

Interesting Facts

1. The life expectancy of pink salmon is no more than 2 years. It dies after it has laid eggs.
2. The hump in the mating period in males appears to increase turning, maneuverability. In addition, it allows the fish to swim on its side. At other times males and females are quite slender.
3. Pink salmon gather in huge flocks when they go to spawn. The fish swims against the current.
4. The fish lives exclusively in salt water. You can catch it in the ocean or sea. But it only goes to spawn in fresh water.
5. When spawning, the female first digs a small hole in the ground and lays an egg, which is fertilized by the male. Then they bury it.
6. The fry appear after 3 months. Their size does not exceed 3 centimeters.

Despite the fact that the fish is one of the most numerous species, it has a high cost. This is due to the fact that quite often they catch already dead fish, which have laid eggs. In this case, it dies within 15 minutes.

Pink salmon refers to the red species of fish. It has a unique taste and rich composition. Of it prepare many useful dishes. It is used for soups, salads, main courses and snacks. But before introducing fish into the diet, it is important to make sure there are no allergic reactions or other contraindications. Seafood, including pink salmon, can cause symptoms such as skin redness, rashes, and itching. In severe cases, allergies lead to more severe consequences, such as Quincke's edema. You can only benefit from the right consumption of fish. Eat it in moderation, without overdoing it.

Photo of pink salmon