Burbot fish: what it looks like and where it is found, what it eats, a predator or not

Burbot has not become as popular a fish as its close relative cod, although it has amazing properties and benefits for human he alth. Its meat is tender and tasty, and its liver is he althier than other types of cod. Unlike most fish of its family, burbot lives in freshwater rivers and lakes. Interestingly, the thick skin of burbots was once used to make expensive boots. These are just some of the interesting facts about this fish.

Description of the fish

Burbot is a freshwater fish that lives in rivers and lakes, the only member of the cod family that has left the depths of the sea for a freshwater habitat. It is not found in warm waters, as this fish dies when the water temperature rises.

This fish is easily recognizable due to its long body, which is covered with microscopic scales. Its head is small and looks slightly flattened. The mouth is large and has tiny teeth. A distinctive feature of burbot are two pairs of whiskers: one near the mouth and a smaller pair on either side of the nostrils. It also has two fins, one larger than the other. A brownish-green stripe is visible along the spine. Part of the abdomen is also greenish-gray or greenish-brown, and head and tail colors range from almost white or yellow to almost black.

Adult reaches 1.5 m in length and weighs up to two tens of kilograms. The size of the fish is also determined by its habitat; those found in areas further south tend to be smaller. Burbots usually live in lakes and cold-water rivers, where they prefer sand or stone bottoms. They also take shelter among the roots of trees washed up near the river bank, or under large stones.

As a rule, this river dweller forages at night, when the water is the coolest. During the summer months, the activity level of burbot decreases. This type of cod is a predatory fish, it feeds on smaller fish, as well as crustaceans, frogs, snails, small mammals and insects. Therefore, earthworms, uns alted bacon, fish fillets are ideal baits to use when catching it.

The spawning period of burbot occurs in the cold months - from winter (December) to March. If the winter is not cold, spawning does not occur. The female burbot lays her eggs in the water, and the juveniles are born in 28-130 days, depending on the water temperature. During the first year of life, small fish grow only ten centimeters, and then another 10 cm in the second year, after which they already become adult fish. The average lifespan of a burbot is twenty years, although due to intense fishing activity, not all individuals live that long.

Catching this fish is allowed at any time of the year, but the best time to catch it is from October to spring. It is recommended to use nets in the wee hours before sunrise. Burbots are found mainly in Alaska, in the waters of the Scandinavian countries, as well as in the B altic and Caspian waters. However, unfortunately, burbot has become a rare species in England and Poland due to overfishing.

Useful and harmful properties

Fish is a very he althy and nutritious product for humans. Some nutritionists even believe that it is he althier than meat. This is because fish is an easily digestible food that contains almost all of the essential nutrients needed to maintain good he alth. But what are the potential benefits of this aquatic creature's meat?

1. For the heart and blood vessels. Researchers believe that the dietary fatty acids in burbot liver and fillet, as in other types of fish, have beneficial effects on cardiovascular he alth.Studies show that people who frequently eat both freshwater and seawater fish are less likely to experience heart problems. This is due to the fact that the composition of the fish fillet helps to lower cholesterol levels, avoid atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease, and strengthen blood vessels, including arteries.
2. For sight. Burbot may not be the best food for improving eyesight, but it does have benefits. Studies have shown that fish fillets are high in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, which is present in carrots and helps maintain eye he alth.
3. For the musculoskeletal system and teeth. In addition to being high in protein, burbot fillet is also a source of calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D, and other nutrients. When consumed together, these nutrients not only promote strong bones, but also help to grow he althy bones. This is especially helpful for children.Fish is also a great option for those who are prone to developing musculoskeletal conditions such as osteoporosis and arthritis.
4. When pregnant. Doctors recommend expectant mothers to eat fish, including burbot, at least twice a week in order to provide both themselves and the baby with the necessary nutrients. Particularly important food sources are burbot fillet and liver, which contain a lot of necessary elements.
5. To prevent aging. Burbot meat contains minerals and vitamins that help regulate metabolic functions within skin cells. The nutritional combination of minerals and vitamins in fish helps nourish skin cells, preventing premature wrinkles and fighting acne.
6. For those who want to lose weight. Burbot is an excellent choice for those who are trying to lose weight, as the meat of this fish belongs to the group of low-calorie proteins. Dishes on its protein basis are able to provide long-term satiety and contain the necessary minerals, micro and macro elements.

Features of meat

Many people appreciate this fish for its appetizing white flesh and minimal bones. Oddly enough, the taste of burbot resembles lobster. Therefore, in America it is often called the "poor man's lobster." Burbot fillet is lean, most of the fat is deposited in the liver.

However, improperly cooked burbot fillet is extremely dangerous for humans. This is because these fish are often carriers of tapeworms.

Fillets vary in calories depending on the cooking method and added ingredients. On average, there are about 80-85 kilocalories per 100 grams of fillet.

100 grams of burbot fillet contains about 16.5 grams of protein, 3.3 grams of fat and 0 grams of carbohydrates. In addition, it contains such useful substances as:

• potassium (310 mg);
• magnesium (25 mg);
• phosphorus (250 mg);
• sodium (50 mg);
• iron (1.5mg);
• zinc (0.6 mg);
• selenium (20mcg);
• vitamin A (10 mcg);
• vitamin E (0.5mg);
• vitamin B1 (0.1mg);
• vitamin B2 (0.15mg);
• vitamin B6 (0.2 mg);
• vitamin B12 (1 mcg).

Burbot fillet is also rich in omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids, which are good for heart and vascular he alth, and also have a beneficial effect on the nervous system and immunity.

Burbot is valued for its liver, which makes up over ten percent of its total body weight. It is not only considered a delicious treat, but also filled with he althy fats that are perfectly absorbed by the human body. In fact, burbot liver is even more nutritious than cod liver. It has four times more vitamin D and many times more vitamin A than cod.Moreover, the fat contained in its liver is very beneficial for our nervous and cardiovascular systems.

Application

The fillet of this fish living in cold waters is distinguished not only by its high nutritional value, but is also widely used in cooking and folk medicine. Its meat is used to prepare a variety of dishes, such as salads, soups, roasts, pies. Due to its tenderness and low fat content, burbot often becomes the main ingredient in dietary dishes.

In folk medicine, burbot is used to treat various diseases, as well as to strengthen immunity and prevent colds. In addition, burbot liver oil contains vitamins A, D, E, which are good for skin, hair and nails, as well as maintaining vision and bone tissue.

In medicine

Predator burbot has long been widely used to treat many ailments. The healing power of burbot is quite remarkable; healers have used it to help with a variety of ailments ranging from cataracts to alcoholism.

From cataracts. In the old days, healers took freshly harvested burbot liver, cut it into pieces and placed it in a jar filled with water from a spring or melting snow. Tightly closing the jar, they exposed it to the sun for seven days. After performing these steps, a layer of fat formed on top of the mixture. This fat was carefully collected and filtered through cheesecloth folded no less than four times. It is said that if you put this fat in the eye for thirty days and use one drop every day, then the cataract will be cured.

Expert opinionZarechny Maxim ValerievichAgronomist with 12 years of experience. Our best gardening expert.Ask a QuestionFrom alcohol addiction. It was believed that eating burbot fish daily would help cure alcoholism. Healers believed that this type of fish produced a mucus with an exceptional composition, which, when eaten by a person suffering from alcoholism, would help him overcome his addiction.

For frostbite. This recipe is well known to the inhabitants of Yakutia. They have a special method of treating frostbite. First, they smear the affected areas with butter, and then apply an ointment prepared from burbot liver. This mixture is created by mixing the liver with oil, or simply placing a piece of liver directly on the affected area.

For the treatment of thyroid. Previously, healers treated an enlarged thyroid gland with burbot. To do this, you need to drink a decoction of fresh burbot every day. This medicine consists of only two ingredients: water and fish, without any seasonings and s alt.

From a hernia. Traditional healers recommend drinking a decoction of burbot for hernias. Freshly prepared broth is recommended to be consumed daily, and at least half a liter per day. However, the cooking process must be carried out in a special way: the fish should be simmered with enough water for three hours.

Cooking

Before cooking this river fish, it should be thoroughly cleaned of gills, scales and entrails. One of the easiest cooking methods is to bake the fillet in the oven. For special occasions, stuff the belly of the fish with vegetables and herbs before baking. To prevent it from drying out, wrap the carcass in foil before placing it in the oven.

Burbot liver pate

Ingredients:

1. 500 g burbot fish liver.
2. 1 large onion, diced.
3. 1 medium carrot, diced.
4. 3 eggs, beaten.
5. 1/2 cup green peas.
6. 1/4 cup cream.
7. 2 tbsp butter.
8. S alt and pepper to taste.

How to cook:

1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees.
2. Fry chopped onions and carrots in a pan with butter until soft.
3. Add the burbot liver and fry until browned on all sides.
4. Leave to cool and cut the liver into small pieces.
5. Mix beaten eggs with cream, green peas, s alt and pepper.
6. Pour the egg mixture into the liver and vegetables, mix well.
7. Pour the resulting mixture into a baking dish.
8. Then send the form with the pate to the oven, heated to 180 degrees, on a baking sheet with water to the bottom, for 40-50 minutes, until the pate becomes golden on top and bakes inside. You can check the readiness by sticking a knife or a toothpick into the center: if it comes out dry, the pate is ready.

Let the pâté cool slightly in the tin, then carefully remove it and leave to cool on a wire rack. To serve, cut the pate into pieces and serve with red or green currants, as well as crispy toast and fresh herbs.

Fried burbot with sour cream

Peel the burbot and cut into portions. Fry the pieces in vegetable oil until crispy. Simultaneously stew onion rings and carrots with spices and a spoonful of sour cream.

Once this is done, reduce the heat and place the fish pieces on top of the vegetables. Cover and let everything simmer for another 10 minutes. Finally, garnish with herbs before serving.

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