Kilka fish: photo, description, useful properties and recipes

Kilka is the common name of several varieties of small sea fish that are widely used in cooking. Kilka is a dietary, healthy and tasty product. This fish is one of the most accessible. On store shelves you can find a variety of options - pickled, smoked, frozen, and in some regions - even fresh fish. Despite the fact that sprat is a very small fish, it can bring great benefits to the human body.

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

A sprat is a group of varieties of small fish that belong to the Herring family. To date, the most common are 5 species, all of which are valuable to the fishing industry and are widely used in cooking. A sprat has the following external characteristics:

• Body length up to 10 cm;
• flat body, with a slight thickening in the back;
• mirror-silver color of the skin;
• dark gray stripe along the back;
• Small scales, usually fall off quickly by themselves, so the fish is sold in stores without them;
• A small head with large round eyes.

Depending on the characteristics of the habitat, the external characteristics of fish may vary. It is also important to know what is the difference between the different types of sprat.

Types

All species are equally useful and available, but still there are minor differences. To date, 5 species of sprat are widely used in cooking.

1. Baltic or Black Sea sprat is the most common and numerous species of small gregarious fish. It lives in the waters of the Black Sea and in the waters of the Baltic.
2. Anchovy - a large species up to 14 cm in length, lives mainly in the Caspian Sea and is used for cooking sprats and canning in tomato.
3. Bigeye - a heat-loving fish with large eyes, a bit like khamsa, contains a lot of healthy fats.
4. Abrau - a small fish that lives in fresh water, widespread in Turkey.
5. Caspian fish - a fish that lives mainly in the waters of the Caspian Sea. It is large - up to 16 cm, with a flattened body and mirror-like shiny scales.

Baltic sprat is considered the most common species, and it is this species that is massively mined and used in the food industry. Also, it is this variety that the Baltic States deliver to other countries around the world in freshly frozen form.

What is the difference between sprat and sprat and hamsa?

Khamsa is a fleshier fish, it has a bigger mouth. It has a less shiny, translucent skin and a longer torso. Its fillet is not as fatty, but no less useful. Khamsa has a dark gray, almost black wide strip on its broad back, while sprat has no such feature. Khamsa is also called the Black Sea anchovy, it is caught in certain seasons, it is not sold in stores fresh all year round, unlike sprat. Khams are also not used en masse in the food industry, they are rarely canned.

Kulka is also the common name of different species of fish of the Herring family, but it differs slightly from sprat. It has a short head, rounded back, larger scales and long fins and tail. The composition of tulka is also slightly different - it has a little more fat. The differences in taste are insignificant.

Composition and calories

Thanks to the complex composition and the presence of active components in high concentrations, sprat is able to have a positive effect on human health. This fish has everything you need to feel good, rarely get sick and look good. To appreciate all the benefits of this fish, it is important to know what is in its composition. Researchers have studied sprat in detail and were able to present a complete list of valuable substances that it contains.

1. Vitamin A and E are antioxidant substances that promote healthy skin and hair, prolong youth, prevent the development of cancer and strengthen the immune system.
2. B vitamins (B3, B6, B9 and B12) - are responsible for immunity, hematopoiesis.
3. Trace elements: magnesium, zinc, potassium, sodium, iodine, manganese and phosphorus.
4. Fatty acids, omega-3, omega-6 support the nervous system and contribute to normal immune function.

There are about 135-140 kcal in 100 g of sprat, depending on the age of the fish and its habitat. Larger fish are always a little fatter, so they can be more caloric. From one hundred gram portion a person gets 20-21 g of protein, about 5-7 g of fat, again depending on the age and type of fish. The rest is water, ash and trace elements.

Useful properties of sprat

Sprat - a very useful fish, it contains almost all the substances that are needed to maintain the health of the body, extend youth, cover basic needs. Knowing why this little fish is useful, you can use it regularly in your diet. In certain cases, it can be especially useful if used correctly.

For women.

It is imperative for women to regularly include sprat in their diet, because this crab contains substances that provide the following beneficial effects:

• supports the functioning of the hormonal system;
• prevents premature aging;
• normalizes the functioning of the reproductive system;
• Nourishes the brain and the nervous system;
• restores skin elasticity and hair beauty;
• strengthens nails;
• strengthens the effectiveness of protective functions.

For women, this fish acts as a regulator of hormonal background, supplying the endocrine system organs with necessary microelements and substances that normalize their work.

For men

According to the WHO recommendations, every man should consume at least 500 mg of fatty acids daily with food. This is necessary in order to maintain reproductive function, nervous system activity, to cope with great physical and mental stress.

In addition, physicians emphasize that men have an increased need for protein. These two components - proteins and fatty acids - are found in excess in Baltic sprat. That is why it is important to regularly include this product in the diet, especially if a man's daily activities are connected with physical, mental or stressful loads.

When pregnant

Every mother wants only the best for her baby, and good nutrition is the first choice a woman makes when pregnant for her baby's well-being. Sprat can be part of a healthy diet during this period. According to recent studies, eating this fish during pregnancy contributes to the proper development of the baby.

Sprat contains polyunsaturated fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6, which penetrate through the placental barrier and positively influence the development of the embryo. Thanks to the consumption of this fish during pregnancy a woman contributes to the cognitive skills of the child, the health of his musculoskeletal system. Sprat also contains mineral compounds that contribute to the proper formation of fetal organs and prevent malformations.

Sprat contains valuable proteins necessary for the growth of the baby, phosphorus and vitamin PP and fats, which have a beneficial effect on the immune system of the mother. In addition, the fish is rich in potassium and magnesium, which support the health of the nervous and cardiovascular system of a woman and prevent the development of postpartum depression. Iron and folic acid help to avoid anemia and fetal hypoxia.

When breastfeeding.

Women's bodies quickly become exhausted during breastfeeding if they do not eat the right foods. Due to the peculiarities of the processes going on inside the body during lactation, the need for nutrients, minerals, proteins and fats increases. Therefore, sprat can be included in the diet of a nursing mother, but it must be prepared correctly.

You can add sprat to your diet from about 4-6 months, depending on the health and development of the child. But it is necessary to consult a doctor, as there is a risk of allergic reactions. It is better to start with the smallest amount, for example, try to eat one fish for breakfast. During the day, it is necessary to monitor the child's well-being, to make sure that the fish did not provoke an allergic reaction.

For kids

Children from the age of three years should be introduced into the diet of sprat. With a doctor's permission it can be done even earlier. This fish is a source of active substances necessary for the growth and intensive development of the child. There are 8 main advantages of this fish for children.

1. Sprat contains fatty acids that support immunity and influence brain development.
2. Consuming this fish on a regular basis will help avoid magnesium and zinc deficiencies and therefore protect your child from concentration problems and stress.
3. Sprat is especially useful for those children who at an early age began to have problems with their eyesight - the active components in the composition of this fish protect the health of the eyes.
4. Sprat contains mineral compounds that promote healthy bone growth.
5. It contains potassium, which supports cardiovascular health, which is extremely important during the growth period.
6. The fish is rich in antioxidants that purify the body and neutralize free radicals. In the highest concentration are the vitamins - tocopherol and retinol. They are often included in pharmaceutical supplements to strengthen immunity in children.
7. Kilka in the diet of children provides the body with the necessary protein for growth, prevents the appearance of excess weight.
8. The fish contains iron, which prevents the development of anemia.

Children can be given this fish from the age of three, or even earlier, if the pediatrician allows it. The only contraindication is a tendency to allergic reactions. Sprat, like other types of fish, can provoke allergies in children with hypersensitivity.

When losing weight

Kilka is an excellent dietary product with minimal calories and high content of fatty acids. It is useful for weight loss because it has the ability to have a beneficial effect on the metabolism, but it contains no carbohydrates at all. The valuable substances that sprat contains give additional weight loss benefits:

1. Help the liver to cope with the toxic load and excrete breakdown products of fatty tissue.
2. Stimulate lipolysis, spurring the process of burning fat.
3. Maintain skin elasticity, prevent stretch marks.

Even with the most stringent diet sprat will help lose weight without harming the appearance. It has all the necessary substances to make your skin, nails and hair shine with health.

A diet containing sprat is the ideal solution for those who want to lose weight in a short time without negative consequences for the body. Moreover, it is useful to eat fish for those who have already lost weight, but want to keep their figure in perfect condition. From sprat can be prepared delicious additions to side dishes, for lunch and dinner, it can be used for dietary sandwiches and snacks.

For diabetes

The diet of a person with diabetes is radically different from that of a healthy person. The problem is that he cannot consume foods rich in carbohydrates. That's why doctors recommend using protein products as an alternative source of energy. Sprat is the best option. What is useful for fish in diabetes:

1. Prevents the development of ketosis by saturating the body with the fats it needs to function.
2. Provides energy, while containing no carbohydrates at all.
3. Provides the body with the minerals it needs to maintain balance.
4. Protects against the development of complications of diabetes.
5. Due to the presence of fatty acids, it participates in the metabolic process and normalizes the rate of conversion of calories into energy.

Kielka for diabetes can and should be regularly included in your diet, because it brings health benefits and does not overload the pancreas. But if there are other contraindications to the use of sprat, it is better not to risk it. It is important to consult with your doctor and ask him to calculate as accurately as possible the acceptable amount of this fish in the daily diet.

With gastritis

It is necessary to refuse from sprat with gastritis only in one case - if an exacerbation began. In all other cases, this fish will only benefit. Fats and fat-soluble vitamins contribute to the rapid regeneration of mucosal cells, so they accelerate the recovery process. But with gastritis you need to know what kinds of sprat are better to exclude from the diet. In the dietary menu should not be of these varieties:

• smoked;
• salted;
• spicy;
• in tomato.

Fish can be fried, but before eating it should be kept on a paper napkin so that it absorbs the remaining oil. It can be baked, make a lightly salted version, cook stewed sprats or make sprats.

In Gout

The main therapeutic method for gout is a therapeutic diet. It is the food that helps to cope with the disease more quickly and to control the metabolic processes. Sprat is one of the few protein products that are allowed in gout, but in very small quantities. It does not contain purine bases, so it can be eaten 1-2 times a week. The portion should not exceed 100 g. At gout, it is important to eat protein products together with fresh vegetables and berries. To reduce the potential risks, you should also consume at least 300 ml of alkaline mineral water every day.

The only important restriction is that under no circumstances canned sprat should be eaten. To stay healthy with gout, you should choose the safest possible methods of cooking fish. For example, you can make steam cutlets from it. It is also desirable to minimize the amount of salt, do not use any trans fats (margarine, fat, butter) when cooking fish.

What are the benefits of sprat in tomato sauce?

Sprat in tomato sauce comes in two varieties - freshly cooked and canned. Canned can be purchased at any grocery store - it's the most affordable and favorite fish for many. The advantage of this product is that in the process of canning the main useful substances are preserved in the right concentration. That is, the benefits of canned sprat are the same as those of fresh fish - fried, salted or baked. Sprat in tomato sauce contains fish oil, rich in fatty acids that ensure normal functioning of the nervous system and support immunity. The fish retains the main vitamins of groups B, vitamin D, as well as fat-soluble - retinol and tocopherol.

Despite the fact that canned sprat in tomato sauce preserves all the useful substances, nutritionists do not recommend eating this product often. The fact is that in the canning process preservatives are used, which allow to preserve the freshness of fish for a long period of storage. Usually the shelf life of canned fish is 2 years. During this time, the acids that are contained in the tomato, react with the metal coating of containers, forming harmful substances. In addition, the preservatives themselves are quite toxic. There are other risks when buying canned sprat in tomato sauce:

1. Such a product can provoke the development of botulism if the technology was violated during preparation.
2. In a can, fish can begin to spoil faster if the storage conditions have been violated.
3. In stores are sometimes sold counterfeit - counterfeit canned fish.

It is important to read the information on the packaging - look at the date of manufacture, choose the freshest product, pay attention to compliance with GOST.

Harms and contraindications

The main risk associated with the consumption of sprat is the presence of heavy metals in it, primarily mercury. Heavy metals have a carcinogenic effect, lead to metabolic disorders, affect hormones. Fish that live in polluted water bodies accumulate toxic substances. That is why you should buy sprat only in stores, where it comes from grocery stores, which necessarily analyze the products. If a critical concentration of heavy metals in the fish is detected, the batch is not allowed in retail stores.

Even if sprat is completely safe, it should not be consumed for such diseases and problems:

• Allergies to fish;
• Kidney and liver malfunction;
• Gastrointestinal diseases in an acute stage.

In addition, sprat, like many other species of marine fish, is at risk of parasites. If the fish is grown in artificial conditions, the risk is several times lower. In general, sprat very rarely have parasites, but still such a risk is not excluded. To avoid infection, it is important to treat fish with heat, cook it at a temperature not lower than 60 ° C for ten minutes. If you need to salt fresh sprat, it is worth to send it to the freezer for 24 hours - at a temperature below 20 degrees worm larvae die in one day.

How to choose and store

To choose a healthy and fresh sprat, it is important to know the basic rules. Buy sprat in stores or places specially equipped for the trade of this type of goods. It is important that the place corresponds to sanitary norms. Selection rules differ depending on what kind of sprat to buy.

Characteristics of quality salted sprat:

• the presence of transparent brine;
• solid consistency of fish;
• intact bellies, without damage;
• a fishy, fresh smell, and if a spicy salted sprat has spicy notes.

If there are several fish in the container with loose fillets or damages in the belly area, it is within the norm. If all fish is loose, with damages in the area of abdomen, and brine is turbid - it is not worth buying it, it is not fresh. You can store salted sprat in the refrigerator for 72 hours. You can extend the shelf life of fish. To do this, it should be cleaned, placed in a jar with onion rings, add vinegar and pour sunflower oil. Such fish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Characteristics of quality smoked sprat:

• The skin is golden in color;
• Fillet is dry but not overdry;
• Fishy, with hints of smoke, fresh flavor.

Smoked fish is the hardest to choose. The aroma of smoke strongly masks the unpleasant smell that occurs when a sprat spoils, so you should also pay attention to the date of production and storage conditions. Smoked sprat must be consumed within 72 hours, but if all the storage rules are followed, you can eat it before the expiration date.

Characteristics of quality fresh-frozen fish:

• Dense and shiny, almost mirror-like skin;
• No surface damage;
• Fishy, distinctive odor, without any extraneous impurities;
• Dense, not loose consistency, the fish should not tear when pressed.

The rules for choosing a canned sprat are slightly different. Sprats and sprats in tomato - canned fish, which are often created from the same species of fish. These canned fish should be selected according to the same principle. The first thing you should pay attention to is the absence of dents, rust and other types of damage on the can. You should also make sure that the can is not bloated. If the lid ripples and springs when pressed, it is better to choose another jar. It is strongly contraindicated to eat bloated cans, as they can contain bacterial toxins that can provoke botulism, a deadly disease. It is also important to check the expiration date - it is better to buy the freshest canned foods and not to store them for long.

Can I Freeze
If a large quantity of fresh sprat has been purchased, you can freeze it. You can keep fish in the freezer for 2 months maximum. It is best to freeze fish already without guts - so it will be easier to cook it in the future. You can pack it in portion packs and take it out one at a time as needed. This is important, because if you freeze all the fish at once in one bag, then you will have to cook it all at once at once. Repeated freezing of sprat is not recommended because it loses its taste qualities, becomes loose and breaks into pieces when frying.

What can be cooked from sprat: Recipes

There are countless recipes that help to preserve the usefulness of sprat and to maximize its taste. It can be served fried, grilled, added to salads, used for appetizers, pates and sandwiches. Versatility is the main advantage of sprat, its flavors can satisfy even the most demanding gourmets. Sprat in the diet can serve as an excellent alternative to meat. In fact, it contains the same amount of protein, but it is less caloric and much healthier. Here are the best recipes for cooking this fish, which are popular all over the world.

Sandwiches

Sandwiches can be made with different kinds of sprat. There are popular recipes for making canapes and sandwiches with spicy salted sprats. Here are 3 different successful combinations of foods to make sandwiches:

• Peeled spicy sprats, gherkin, black bread;
• squares of white bread, cubes of cheese, spicy sprats, olive;
• pickled onions, slices of black bread, sprats, herbs.

You can make delicious sandwiches of fried sprat. Roasted sprat goes well with white bread, cheese-garlic paste, cherry tomatoes. You can also make pate from this fish to make sandwiches.

Soup

There are two most popular recipes for making sprat soup. You can take canned fish in tomato sauce or freshly frozen sprat. Canned fish soup is very quick and easy to make. This recipe can be suitable for busy people or for emergency cases, when you need to feed everyone a hearty meal, but catastrophically lack time to prepare other dishes.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of sprat;
• 1,5 l of water;
• 4 potatoes;
• 1 onion;
• 1 carrot;
• parsley;
• dill;
• bay leaf;
• salt;
• allspice.

First, you need to put on the fire a pot of water, while it boils, peel and cut into small cubes potatoes. In the boiling water, add salt, bay leaf and allspice, and then throw the potatoes. While it boils, prepare the roast - bring chopped onions and grated carrots to the readiness in a pan. When the potatoes are ready, add the baked and canned fish, bring to a boil and turn off after 5 minutes. Before serving, add the herbs directly to the plate. If you have a little more time, you can make a delicious fish soup with freshly frozen sprat.

Ingredients:

• 600 g of sprat;
• 6 potatoes;
• 1 carrot;
• 1 onion of medium size;
• dill;
• green onion;
• bay leaf;
• cloves;
• allspice;
• 1 tablespoon of rice;
• salt to taste.

The algorithm is simple enough - you need to start with boiling water and peeling potatoes. Dice the potatoes and rice into the boiling water, salt them after 5 minutes. Peel the fish, remove the heads and spines. When the rice and potatoes are ready, add the fish and spices, fry the onions and carrots and also send to the pot. Cook the fish for no more than 7-10 minutes, before serving the soup add the greens portion by portion to each plate.

Sprats

Today, many fish factories produce canned sprats, so it is not always easy to choose a truly high-quality product. For those who want to enjoy the most delicious and healthy sprats, there is a recipe for self-cooking.

Ingredients:

• 700 g of frozen sprat;
• 50 g of smoked sprat;
• 1 tablespoon salt;
• ½ cup of sunflower oil;
• 100 ml of strong black tea.

You need to prepare the cauldron, pour the oil into it. Clean the fish (both raw and smoked) - remove the guts and heads. Cleaned sprat put in layers in the oil, dissolve salt in strong tea and add to the cauldron. Cover with a lid and stew for 2 hours on low heat. You can cook in a multicooker, selecting the mode "Stew" for 2 hours.

Pâté

From sprat can be prepared a variety of different types of pâté. Among the variety of different recipes, everyone can choose the one that will suit his or her taste. Here are three of the most popular recipes.

To prepare pâté of sprat in oil, proceed as follows:

• Mash 200 g of fish with a fork in a deep bowl;
• Add 100 grams of cheese grated on a fine grater;
• finely chop the greens;
• Add mayonnaise (2 tablespoons) and black pepper.

This pâté is great for sandwiches and tartlets, it can be wrapped in pita bread or simply used as a fish appetizer.

To make sprat pâté in tomato, follow these steps:

1. Mash a can of sprat with a fork.
2. Add 4 egg yolks, also mash or grind to a smooth mass in a blender along with the fish.
3. Add a garlic clove and mayonnaise to taste.

You can take this pâté as a base for sandwiches or use it to fill the remaining egg white halves. It is advisable to garnish with fresh green onions before serving the dish with the pâté.

Cutlets

Preparing cutlets from sprat is much easier than from any other fish. Its advantage is that the bones can not be selected - if you grind them well, they will not be felt in the cutlets. The finished dish will be rich in phosphorus, calcium and other minerals, which are abundant in the spine of sprat.

Ingredients:

• 700 g of freshly frozen fish;
• 1 egg;
• 3 slices of white bread;
• onion;
• breadcrumbs;
• fish spices, salt, pepper.

It is best to add aromatic herbs to the fish, they soften the specific aroma and make the taste of cutlets more delicate. So, step by step instructions for cooking healthy and nourishing cutlets.

1. Wash the sprat, remove the heads with guts.
2. Pass the fish twice through a meat grinder.
3. Grind onion in the same grinder.
4. Add an egg and bread soaked in milk and wrung out.
5. Mix everything, add spices and salt, then form cutlets and roll them in breadcrumbs.

Fry the cutlets until golden. They can not be crumbled in breadcrumbs, if after frying it is planned to stew the cutlets in tomato sauce. It is advised to add a small amount of garlic to the minced sprat meat - it will be even more fragrant and tasty. Some housewives use sprat as a filler for cooking cutlets of red fish. In this case, you need to mix the components in a ratio of 1:1. Then in the finished cutlets will be dominated by the taste of red fish.

How to salt a sprat at home

You can cook salted sprat yourself and be absolutely sure of the freshness of the snack. The task is simple enough, even a child can cope with it. All you need for salting:

• 1 kg of freshly frozen sprat;
• 2.5 tablespoons salt;
• 20 grams of sugar.

This is a dry method of salting. You just need to wash the fish, let the water drain. Heads and intestines should not be removed, otherwise the fish will be too salty. Take a container - a container with a lid, a jar or a bucket. Stir the sprat with salt and sugar right in the container, then cover and saute in the refrigerator for a day. Add spices of your choice. Peel and pack the ready sprat in jars with oil and vinegar to keep it for longer.

How to fry a sprat in a pan

Fried sprat is an excellent addition to potato dishes, as well as a great snack for everyday and holiday table. Fry the fish better in a frying pan with a thick bottom, so it is well fried. Here are the step-by-step instructions.

1. Wash the sprat, remove the heads and guts. This can be done very easily with your hands, without using a knife.
2. Take out the spine, and flatten the carcass so that it is flat.
3. Lightly salt and pepper the carcass, roll it in wheat flour and put it on a frying pan with oil.
4. Fry the sprat on both sides until it has a light golden hue, without overdoing it, otherwise it will be dry and tasteless.

The fried fish can be served with slices of lemon, olives, cherry tomatoes, or you can prepare a tomato and cheese sauce if the sprat is served as an appetizer.

Can we give sprat to pets?

Pets often show an interest in human food. It is no surprise that a cat or a dog will beg for a sprat - many animals like this aromatic fish. But don't be too quick to indulge your pets' whims. It is important to make sure that the fish will not harm the animal.

Most cats are very fond of sprat, this is not surprising. But eating large amounts of this fish is contraindicated for cats, because it is a huge strain on the kidneys. If you want to spoil your cat with fish, boil or bake it, but it is undesirable to give it raw because of the risk of food poisoning or parasitic infections.

Dogs are also sometimes partial to fish, but with these pets and their diets, not everything is so clear-cut. In theory, fish is very good for dogs and should be added to their diets. The fats and minerals with which the product is rich strengthen the bones and make the coat smooth and silky. But there is a huge disadvantage - it causes allergies in many breeds. The problem is that the first allergic reactions are not always recognized, but if the dog eats fish on a regular basis, it can have major problems with the digestive system, rashes, hair loss. Boiled sprat can be given to dogs no more than once a week and only in small quantities so as not to cause any harm.

Interesting Facts

Sprat is a fish with a rich history. In the Baltics, there are legends about it, but the sprat is also known worldwide only for its best side. Here are the most curious facts about this kind of fish.

1. A sprat is a fish that feeds on plankton. If it is not caught, it can simply disrupt the ecosystem of the seas.
2. This species is not considered a gregarious species for nothing; the fish always walks around in large schools in the seas, it is impossible to find it alone.
3. During the spawning period one small fish can lay up to 14000 eggs, one third of which will become fry.
4. A sprat often eats some of its eggs because after spawning its body is very depleted.
5. In some regions sprat contain too many heavy metals, in particular mercury, so it is prohibited to catch them.

Sprat is an incredibly healthy fish, which can often appear in the diet of people, regardless of their age and state of health. The main thing is to make sure that there is no allergic reaction, and prepare this product correctly!

Photo of a sprat