Sea bass: photo, description, useful properties and recipes

Many people know that seafood is an integral part of any complete diet. All over the world, fish is recognized as a product with the highest health benefits. Sea bass is popular in many countries, and its extraordinary benefits and possible harms have been studied by many scientists. This product has no contraindications, it is incredibly useful. In cooking, it is used quite widely because of its delicate taste and unique properties.

Sea bass: what kind of fish, what it looks like and where it lives

This is a predatory marine (quite common) fish of the genus Scorpene, which is found in deep water. Visually, it looks similar to its freshwater counterpart, especially young specimens. However, the structure and innards of both species are different. Sea bass have different colors, representatives are:

• monochromatic;
• spotted with stripes;
• pink;
• red.

The perch has convex eyes, which is due to its predominant habitat at depth, in the dark. This fish is one of the best at mastering camouflage. Adults reach a length of up to half a meter and a weight of up to 5 kg. Life expectancy - 20 years. There are more than a hundred species, but all have one thing in common - from their fins stick out sharp rays.

Species of sea bass, which are the most common:

1. White. The name comes from the color of the fish, whose snow-white body is barely visible light brown transverse stripes. Grows this species only up to 12 cm, no more.
2. Blue. The color of these fish is light, but there is a blue cast. This species is not large, reaches only 17 cm in length.
3. Stonefish. It is also popularly called and spotted, as the light-colored body of the fish is densely covered with small black spots. Usually this species is not distinguished by its huge size; on average, the body length of the stonefish is 10 cm. Only in exceptional cases has there been an official fixation of stoneflies, up to 3 m in size. At the same time, the weight of the huge perches can reach 400 kg.
4. Beaked whale. This species is often confused with the golden perch because of its extraordinary external similarity: they are both red with a pale belly. The main difference between the beaked whale and golden perch is the growth on its lower jaw. This species reaches up to 60 cm in length.
5. Golden. The coloration is scarlet with a golden hue, the abdomen is pink and white. On the lower jaw no outgrowth, if there is, it is barely visible. The average length of the body of the golden perch - 40 cm, but in general there are individuals reaching a meter in length.

Of all the above species, golden perch is the most common in fishing tackle.

Although the fish is a deep-water fish, it can be found both in shallow and deep water. The perch lives mostly in the Atlantic Ocean, but can also be found in Pacific waters, as well as off the coast of England, Scotland, and North America. Year-round you can see sea bass off the coast of Norway.

Composition and calories

The most useful element in sea bass is fish oil, which includes omega-3 and -6 acids, without them a good metabolism is impossible. The caloric value of fresh fish is 79 calories, and boiled - 112 per 100 grams of product.

Sea bass meat has many proteins and vitamins groups A, B, C, D and E. The composition includes micro- and macronutrients, such as: magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron, zinc, phosphorus, selenium.

The nutritional value of this product is much higher than that of meat. The useful substances that are present in the sea bass have a therapeutic effect. The caloric value of fried sea bass, of course, increases slightly, namely by three times, if it is fried in a pan. Protein in the composition - 18 g, fat - 3 g, carbohydrates completely absent.

What is sea bass good for?

The fat and meat of perch are unspeakably useful, they contain all the substances and elements needed for the normal functioning of the human body. In addition to fish oil, filled with omega-3 fatty acids, its unique composition is very useful for the prevention of any cardiovascular diseases, reduces blood cholesterol levels and stabilizes metabolism.

For women

Women simply need to include the meat of such fish as sea bass in their diet. The fat saturated with omega-3 acids gives beauty to representatives of the fair sex. The properties of this unique component have a positive effect on the density of hair and skin tone.

Scientists have proven that eating moderately fatty fish such as sea bass prevents breast cancer. Also the rich composition of this fish has a favorable effect on the brain and reduces the likelihood of depression.

Seafood is a treasure trove of health, youth and beauty for every member of the weaker sex. It is proved that the components contained in this seafood can slow down the aging process.

For men

Statistics show that men are more prone to diseases of the cardiovascular system. Regular consumption of sea bass strengthens the walls of the heart and blood vessels, reducing the risk of heart attack.

Also an important fact that encourages the stronger sex to eat sea fish is that the inclusion of sea bass in the menu will help increase male sexual activity.

When pregnant.

Sea bass during pregnancy is very beneficial. However, we must take into account the fact that pregnant women often develop hypothyroidism, when the thyroid gland functions are weakened. Then doctors prescribe fish because of its high iodine content. But sometimes, on the contrary, hyperthyroidism progresses, when the thyroid gland produces too many hormones. Then the use of iodine-containing products is strictly contraindicated. That is why, if violations of the thyroid gland are noticed, it is necessary to urgently take tests to check the hormones.

It is better to buy sea bass from trusted suppliers of fish products, because there is a risk to buy a product that contains mercury, which can have a disastrous effect on the health of the unborn child.

When breastfeeding

Breastfeeding mothers simply have to treat their own diet responsibly, because it directly affects the health of the baby. During lactation, women experience a protein deficit, and sea bass has plenty of it. In comparison with other products, sea fish meat is much faster to digest. Sea bass contains a lot of calcium, selenium, and magnesium, which are essential for strengthening the immune system of both mom and baby.

Sea bass is very useful, but it can be dangerous if the nursing mother is allergic to seafood. In this period, buy fish should be in places that can provide a certificate of quality products. After all, as you know, fish can accumulate harmful substances such as mercury, cadmium, arsenic, lead, etc.

For kids

Children need to consume fish meat, especially the sea bass, which includes many components, is considered useful. This product is absorbed very easily, this is a definite plus, because there will be no load on the child's stomach. Small children aged 1-2 years should be given fish not more than twice a week, and a portion of this product should not exceed 100 grams.

Children born with eye problems should consume saltwater fish, whose unique components allow normalization of vision.

As for the diet of babies, it is safe to include sea bass, because there are almost no bones in the fish, and the child will not be at risk.

When losing weight

Many people know that fish is an essential element in the menu of a person who is struggling with excess weight. Sea bass promotes the natural loss of extra pounds without harming your health. Those who are on a fish diet often consume it. Sea bass refers to moderately fatty varieties, low-calorie and contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids - all these properties allow to lose weight correctly and without stress to the body. When losing weight you can not use fried fish, it is better to give preference to a boiled, steamed or charcoal-cooked product.

The fish diet is very popular and promotes fast loss of excess weight. Protein, which is very high in sea bass, accelerates the loss of subcutaneous fat. The diet is very simple, but one diet menu is not enough. To be effective, you need to exclude the following foods from your diet:

• baked goods;
• rice;
• Potatoes and other starchy foods;
• Grapes and bananas, which are leading the list of the sweetest fruits;
• Mayonnaise and similar sauces with a fatty composition;
• Alcohol, carbonated beverages, and instant coffee.

Adhering to a fish diet, you should not forget to drink plenty of water and consume more than 2 liters of water per day. It is strictly forbidden to drink sparkling mineral water.

Fish diet with fat burning smoothie
The preparation of this smoothie is very simple, and in combination with the dietary menu gives incredible results. For the smoothie, you need three stalks of celery, a bunch of spinach and parsley, cucumber, a sprig of mint, half a glass of water and the juice of half a lemon. All the components need to be whipped with a blender, and the miracle drink is ready.

Diet menu

1. For breakfast, boil 150 grams of oatmeal on water. In no case do not dress the porridge with oil, even vegetable oil. Also for breakfast is allowed to eat fat-free cottage cheese with fresh, unsweetened fruit. Of drinks - tea without sugar or fresh juice.
2. For the second breakfast, drink a glass of fat-burning smoothie.
3. For lunch, serve baked or grilled vegetables, grain bread.
4. Dinner should consist of a fish dish without salt.

The last meal should take place at least 5 hours before the expected sleep.

Is sea bass useful for pancreatitis and gastritis

Pancreatitis and gastritis involve a strict diet. The diet should be healthy, balanced, light. Sea bass meat is ideal for this. It is strictly forbidden to eat salted, dried and smoked fish. It is bad for both the stomach and the pancreas. If an attack of pancreatitis occurred, the introduction of fish into the diet should be made only 10 days after the incident.

With gastritis, it is best to eat soft dishes from perch, so as not to harm the erosion. Fish cutlets and boneless fillets are suitable for this purpose.

Sea bass for gout

With such a disease as gout, eating fish is strictly prohibited. The reason for this is the purines contained in the composition, which have a negative effect on this disease.

However, there is a certain list of types of fish that are allowed to people suffering from gout, and sea bass is on this list. But this product should not be abused. Include in the menu can only dishes that are steamed or barbecued. Pan fried fish can cause complications of the disease, but fish soup is allowed and even welcome.

Before introducing sea bass into the diet, it is necessary to consult with your doctor, because the diet for gout is very strict and has individual characteristics in relation to everyone who has it.

Harms and contraindications

This product can cause harm only to those people who have an individual intolerance or allergy to seafood.

You should be extremely careful when cutting sea bass, because its fin barbs contain poisonous elements. Inadequate heat treatment can contribute to parasite infestation.

How to choose and store

Choose seafood should be considered and very carefully, because fish poisoning is one of the most serious in both the course and consequences. There are a few simple rules, guided by which you can choose a quality product:

1. First of all, you need to look at the color of the fish. It is best to buy carcasses of scarlet color, with the light skin of perch should be seen from under the scales. The gills should be a soft pink shade, but when the fish starts to spoil, they become darker.
2. The body of a fresh perch itself is firm and dense, and the fish's eyes are white.
3. You have to take a sniff. Fresh perch does not have a fishy smell; it may reek of slime, iodine, or the sea. If there is a distinct fishy aroma, it is a sign that the product is no longer fresh.
4. The scales of fresh sea bass are shiny and slightly moist. A dry tail indicates the product is stale.
5. The following test can be done when selecting: take the carcass by the head and tail and bend slightly. Fresh fish is easy to bend, but the one that has already begun to disappear may break.

The gills are an indicator of freshness. In addition to the fact that their color indicates that they are not spoiled, often on the shelves of fish stores there are carcasses with slimy and slimy gills or without the head at all. The head is usually cut off to hide the traces of stale. But it's better to overpay for the weight, which is not much from the head, and buy a fresh product.

It happens that instead of more expensive fish products - sea bass, unscrupulous sellers try to sell hake meat. But it is not difficult to distinguish the difference: the sea perch has snow-white meat, while hake has a yellow tint.

If sea bass is sold in a package, the first thing to do is to pay attention to its expiration date, and make sure that the package is hermetically sealed and undamaged. Smoked or salted fish is usually sold in this form. After opening the package, the perch can stay in the refrigerator at the standard temperature for no more than three days.

Sea bass, like any other fish product, contains a large number of microorganisms that affect its shelf life. The refrigerator allows you to keep the fish from disappearing, but the temperature range suitable for storing perch is from -2 degrees to 0. In a normal refrigerator the temperature is +5, and in these conditions perch can stay only a day. Therefore, to extend the shelf life of fish, it is best to have a special container, which should be filled with ice. In this form the sea bass will not spoil for two more days.

Frozen fish after defrosting is strictly forbidden to store, it must be cooked the same day.

How to peel sea perch

Every housewife should know how to clean fish properly, especially when it comes to sea bass. The prerequisite is the use of a sharp knife.

Before you start cleaning, the fish should be washed and its fins should be trimmed. Then the sequence of operations should be as follows:

1. Clean the fish on the foil or on several layers of newspaper, which previously spread out on the table.
2. Scale off from the tail to the head.
3. Cut open the perch's belly and take out all the insides.
4. The air bubble may not be thrown away. If you plan to make fish soup, this is the part of the giblets that gives the broth its broth.

If perch is cut up for frying, it's better to cut off the head, as this helps to save space in the pan. But for fish soup, the fish head is an indispensable component, but the gills should be removed before boiling. They are removed to make the fish broth transparent and not bitter.

If the recipe involves the removal of not only scales, but also the skin of the perch itself, the fish carcass must be scalded with boiling water, otherwise it is impossible.

How to cook sea bass deliciously: recipes

Sea bass meat is very widely used in the preparation of all kinds of dishes. Many recipes using this fish have been created in the world. It is boiled, fried, smoked, stewed, grilled. Widely applicable perch in the manufacture of sushi and Japanese soups.

In the oven

A delicious dish that will not leave anyone indifferent who tries it for the first time. The following products are required for preparation:

• 2 frozen carcasses of sea bass;
• 4 medium-sized tomatoes;
• 2 garlic cloves;
• 2 large onions;
• flour;
• any lean oil;
• white wine;
• lemon or orange;
• spices.

Before you start cooking, you need to defrost the fish, it is best to move it from the freezer to the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, clean the perch, get rid of the fins, leaving only the tail. Cut off the head of the fish, if there is one, and carefully remove the dark film that is inside the abdominal cavity.

It is best to take whole spices rather than ground, and grind them in a mortar. For this recipe you need allspice, peas, ginger, nutmeg and coriander. Mix the spices with salt. The total amount of spices should be about a teaspoon.

Rub the spices on the inside and outside of the fish. Then put the carcasses in a deep container, add a few bay leaves, two spoons of lemon juice, 200 grams of wine and put in a cool place. The marinade should last for two hours in total: one hour on one side, then turn over to the other side and leave for another hour.

While the marinating process is going on, you need to work with the vegetables. Slice the onions thinly in half rings and fry them until transparent in vegetable oil. Pour hot water over the tomatoes, peel them and cut into thin slices. You can add various herbs, such as dill, coriander and parsley. Mix onions, tomatoes, and herbs and divide into two portions, which should lie in separate plates until needed at some point in the cooking.

Remove the sea bass from the marinade and sprinkle with flour. Then place the fish in a hot frying pan and fry over high heat until brown in olive oil. Grease a baking dish with olive oil or other cooking oil and place the first part of the vegetable mixture in the bottom of the baking tray. Add the crushed garlic and bay leaves from the marinade, then place the cooked sea bass on top. Place the second part of the vegetable mixture on top of the fish, season with salt and pepper and pour the marinade over it, about half a cup.

Preheat the oven to 240 degrees and place the dish in it. Bake the sea bass for 40 minutes, periodically pouring the juice that is released during baking. It is advisable to do this every 5 minutes.

When serving, place the fish on a plate portion by portion, place the vegetables on top of it, pour the sauce that should remain in the baking dish, and garnish with lemon slices.

In the pan

This dish is very appetizing and doesn't take much time to prepare. Products needed:

• 4 carcasses of cleaned sea bass;
• One third of a lemon;
• Half an onion of medium size;
• 100 ml of vegetable oil;
• one tablespoon of flour;
• breadcrumbs for breading;
• spices for fish;
• two pinches of salt.

Rub the cleaned fish with salt and spices. Mix breadcrumbs with flour and bread the perch with this mixture. Heat a pan with oil and put fish carcasses in it. Fry on both sides to form a characteristic golden crust. Cut the onions into rings and pour them into the pan with the fish 3 minutes before the end of frying and cover. Check the readiness of the dish by the color of the perch flesh: when it turns white, the fish is ready to be served. Goes well with greens, lemon slices and spicy sauce.

In multicooker

Sea bass stewed in the multicooker turns out very nutritious and tasty, especially if it is cooked with string beans, which go perfectly with the fish. The dish is prepared with the following products:

• 1-2 carcasses of sea bass;
• 200 grams of green beans;
• Onion of medium size;
• 200 g of cream;
• 40 ml of vegetable oil;
• A bunch of dill;
• spices and salt.

Clean the perch, gut it and separate the fillet, which you will need for this dish. Cut it into pieces and sprinkle with all the spices and salt. Pour oil into the multicooker, set the mode "Fry" and brown the fish on both sides. After placing the chopped onion, pour the cream and sprinkle with chopped dill. Select the "Stew" mode and cook for 25-30 minutes until the fish becomes soft. Then add the beans and continue cooking for another 15 minutes. Sea bass in this recipe is very hearty and juicy.

On the grill

Prepare this dish is very simple, but it turns out tender and fragrant. The following products will be needed:

• 10 sea bass;
• half a lemon;
• Half a glass of white wine;
• 2 spoons of olive oil;
• spices and salt.

Coriander, ginger, basil, oregano, dried dill combine with the fish product.

Clean the fish and cut off the head and fins. Take out the insides, rinse well and rub with spices. Then put the perch carcasses in a deep bowl, pour wine and lemon juice. Marinate in the refrigerator for 3-4 hours. When the fish is marinated, take it out of the marinade, dry it and dip it in oil. Place the perches on a heated dry grill so that the bodies do not touch each other. Cook for 15 minutes on each side. Garnish with slices of lemon when serving.

On the grill

Sea bass cooked on the grill is insanely delicious. For this recipe you need:

• 2 sea bass;
• 150 grams of mayonnaise;
• half a tablespoon of crushed nutmeg;
• 2-3 tablespoons of dried dill;
• salt.

Clean the fish from scales, remove the head and fins, and take out its insides. If the perch is large, it will be appropriate to cut it into large chunks. Rub the pieces with spices and generously coat them with mayonnaise, and then send them to marinate in the refrigerator. After 2 to 3 hours, the fish can be grilled. The easiest way to roast perch is on a grill, periodically turning it over. It will take 40 minutes to fully cook the product. Serve the fish with onions marinated in lemon juice and parsley greens.

How to cook sea bass soup

Very tasty and very healthy soup from the sea perch is made very simply. On the basis of a three-liter saucepan you need the following products:

• 2 small carcasses of sea bass;
• 4 potatoes;
• large carrot;
• onion;
• salt, pepper and spices - to taste.

Clean the perch from scales, gut it, cut it in half and put to boil on medium heat. Cook for 15-20 minutes. In the meantime, chop onion and carrot and fry in oil. Peel and dice potatoes.

When the broth boils, remove the fish, strain, add potatoes to the liquid and cook for 10 minutes. While it boils, carefully remove any bones from the cooked perch. When the potatoes are boiled, put the vegetables and fish fillets into the pot, salt and pepper them, and leave to boil for 10 minutes more. After boiling, the fish soup should stand under the lid for at least half an hour. Serve the dish in portions, with finely chopped greens. It is possible to dress the ucha with sour cream.

Interesting facts

1. Sea bass is a very unique fish. Although it is widely used in cooking, it contains poisonous glands that are in the rays of their fins. These are necessary for the perch to defend itself in case of danger. Humans are also dangerous to it, and sea bass can be harmed if caught ineptly on their own.
2. The largest member of this family is the Bering Sea bass. Its length can exceed 100 cm and it weighs up to 20 kg. According to official data, the Aleutian sea bass has lived 205 years, the longest life span documented.
3. Black sea bass can change their sex. The fish fry are always female, they grow, develop, and after two years, they become male and end up that way.
4. Interestingly, the sea bass is not just a predatory fish, it is a fighter that fights for prey very desperately, which is why it is very easy to catch it. It cannot be frightened away by an awkward movement, it can even jump out of the water to chase the bait, and it also happens that in the struggle for the bait this fish spoils fishing tackle.
5. In Scandinavian countries, there is a type of sport fishing in which it is the golden perch that is being fished.

Sea bass is a useful fish, a treasure trove of vitamins and beneficial substances for the human body. On top of everything else, it is also a dietary product, which is even suitable for those who adhere to the right diet.

Photo of sea bass