Carp fish: how it looks and where it lives, what it eats, size, predator or not
Carp is one of the most common freshwater fish in the world. It has tasty and tender meat, which is a source of valuable nutrients. This fish is used in cooking all over the world. In addition, carp is an object of fishing and is actively grown in ponds and fish farms. It is worth learning in more detail all aspects related to carp: its nutritional value, various cooking methods and other interesting facts about this type of fish.
Description of the fish
Carp is a widespread species of freshwater inhabitants, which belongs to the carp family. It can be found in such water bodies as the Black, Caspian, Aral and Azov Seas, as well as in the Amur River and Lake Kapchagai.
A common species of carp, called "residential" , usually stays in one body of water for its entire life and moves little. The semi-anadromous species, on the other hand, has a tendency to live in freshwater lakes or other sources of fresh water, migrating to rivers during the breeding season. Carp is especially well adapted to life in places like Siberia and Central Asia.
Sazan is easy to distinguish by golden scales with a bluish tinge, which is slightly lighter on the belly and darker on the back. Each of its scales is outlined in black. In addition, it has a thick dark gray dorsal fin that stands out in color from its other shades.
This non-predatory fish has a long lifespan, reaching thirty-five years. Having reached maturity at about 7 years old, it usually weighs 2 or 3 kilograms. In rare cases, they can reach 25 kilograms and be a meter long.These unusual specimens owe their size to being kept in ideal conditions with plenty of space.
Its composition
This fish is rich in useful elements necessary for the human body to function properly.
100 grams of fresh carp contains:
- Proteins - 17.5g
- Fats – 5.5g
- Carbohydrates - 0g
- Calorie - 100 kcal.
In addition, carp fish contains:
- Vitamin A - 6.9 mcg.
- Vitamin B1 - 0.16 mg.
- Vitamin B2 - 0.11 mg.
- Vitamin B6 - 0.23 mg.
- Vitamin B12 - 1.6 mcg.
- Vitamin E - 0.5 mg.
- Folates - 4 mcg.
- Nicotinic acid - 3.1 mg.
- Potassium - 370 mg.
- Phosphorus - 270 mg.
- Magnesium - 32 mg.
- Calcium - 22 mg.
- Iodine - 3 mcg.
- Iron - 0.7 mg.
- Zinc – 0.5 mg.
Carp also contains omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties, improve the functioning of the cardiovascular system and affect brain he alth.
Caviar carp carp high concentration of lecithin, an element that enhances the production and growth of cells. Its regular use helps to slow down aging and look good.
His milk should not be thrown away either, as it provides:
- prevention of cardiovascular diseases;
- reducing the level of "bad" cholesterol in the blood;
- stimulating brain activity;
- strengthening the nervous system and helping to fight stress.
Some ingredients found in milk are even used for medical supplements and beauty treatments.
Useful and harmful properties
This fish is good for both children and the elderly due to its high nutrient content. Not only does it provide the body with essential vitamins and minerals, but it also aids digestion, increases energy levels, and improves mental clarity.
The unsaturated fatty acids found in fish not only promote overall he alth but also help fight inflammation, which is key to a therapeutic diet and good overall he alth.
In particular, the inclusion of such fish in the diet helps prevent the formation of cholesterol clots, which can cause problems with blood vessels and be very dangerous, especially for older people.In addition, the omega-3 substance found in fish increases blood flow and maintains blood pressure at a normal level; this improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system and significantly reduces the risk of a heart attack.
Carp is considered one of the best tasting representatives of cyprinids due to its tenderness. This fish is found in many reservoirs, in catches it reaches 20 kg or more, while the commercially grown carp usually weighs up to 2 kg. Old carp with a lot of fat in the abdominal cavity are especially appreciated by cooks for frying and stuffing, as well as various sauces.
Who fish is contraindicated
Experts do not advise eating carp meat because it is illegible in terms of food. It is also prone to being in polluted waters, where it feeds on everything: worms, mollusks and insect larvae. This leads to the accumulation of harmful substances in the flesh of this fish.
Also, those who are breastfeeding may be prone to an allergic reaction from eating carp meat, so you need to introduce it into your diet with caution
Application
Carp fish is widely used in cooking and is prepared in a variety of ways, including frying, boiling, baking and smoking. It is also used in the production of canned food and fish products. In addition, carp fish is a valuable object for catching sport fishing.
Among other uses of this marine fish, its use in medicine should be noted. Some studies have shown that carp extract exhibits anti-inflammatory properties and has a protective effect on the liver. In addition, some components of carp fish may help lower blood cholesterol levels and improve overall cardiovascular he alth.
In recipes
Carp is valued in the culinary world due to its delicate taste and juicy fillet. In addition, this flavor is stable enough to be enjoyed both on its own and as part of dishes where the flavor of the fish needs to stand out.The taste of the fillet is largely determined by what the fish was fed.
Sazan is an easy-to-prepare ingredient that even inexperienced cooks can use. Soups are prepared from this fish, it is fried or baked. Often it is served with intricate sauces that do not interrupt the taste of carp, but rather enhance it. The larger the individual, the less small bones it has, which means that it is more useful in cooking.
When losing weight
Sazan is a great choice for those looking to cut calories in their diet. It has only 97 kilocalories per 100 grams. Therefore, it is often included in diets that require a balanced diet and a sufficient amount of minerals and trace elements.
Fish is much easier to digest than pork or beef, because it has a minimal amount of connective tissue. This property makes it especially useful for those whose work requires them to be in a sitting position for a long time. In addition, due to its high content of protein and vital micronutrients, fish is the most suitable food for children and adolescents, who need proper nutrition the most.
For children's diet
It is important to understand that the human brain is approximately 60% fat, which is necessary for its normal functioning and maintenance of cognitive abilities. That is why it is extremely important to include unsaturated fatty acids in the diet of people who are engaged in intensive intellectual work or study. Obviously, these people include schoolchildren who need additional nutrition for their brain, which grows and develops with them as they absorb a huge amount of information every day.
If you add various types of freshwater fish to your child's diet, his memory and mental abilities will noticeably improve. After that, children will be able to concentrate better on tasks, will experience less difficulty in doing intellectual work, and will be more resilient to stress.
Children are extremely important to consume a variety of foods, as their growing bodies need all the necessary vitamins and minerals for proper growth and optimal mental and physical functioning.In addition, fish can be beneficial for those who lack certain vitamins due to various diseases.
Recommendations for selection
Before eating carp, be sure to check its freshness. It is very important that the carcass is not frozen, because in this case the meat will have neither taste nor texture, and all useful properties will be lost.
Before you buy fish, be sure to pay attention to how long it has been stored. Even if the product is frozen with the utmost care, it still does not provide the same benefits as if purchased fresh. Thus, if possible, purchase fish that is recently caught. Also, check that the fish's eyes are clear and not cloudy (this is a sign that the fish has been stored for too long or is unhe althy).
When buying fish, it is important to pay attention to the gills.In carp, they should be a bright red hue and without mucus around them. If there is an excessive amount of mucus present, it means that the fish has not been stored properly. The presence of wet scales indicates that the fish was recently caught and is acceptable to eat.
When buying carp, cut into portions, pay attention to its smell. It should be strong, fresh and river. To test for freshness, press down on the fillet with your finger; if it is springy, it means the fish is fresh.
