White fish: what kind of fish, description of white salmon and where it is found, how it looks and value

White fish, also known as nelma, is a member of the whitefish subfamily and is considered one of the most delicious species. She deserved the title of "royal fish" for a reason due to her exquisite taste and texture. In historical texts about noble dinners, there are often references to the fact that nelma was served on the table. However, for a complete understanding of what kind of fish it is, it is worth learning more about the way of life and the beneficial properties of the whitefish.

About the fish

People living in that area believe that the whitefish got its name from the Belaya River. In the old days, this type of fish used to gather here to breed, but due to the pollution of the water caused by industrialization, it was considered very rare to catch such a fish.After dams were built on the Volga and Kama rivers, nelma could not reach their traditional spawning grounds.

Appearance

This large predatory fish, which usually weighs 15-20 kilograms, has a pike-like shape and flattened sides. Her back is usually darker in color than her belly, which is usually silver. The upper jaw protrudes forward and curves upwards, and the body is covered with large scales, the hue of which varies from dark green to light brown, depending on the area in which the fish is found.

Diet

These are predatory creatures whose diet mainly consists of fish such as sprat, roach and gobies. Even one month old fry have been found to consume other fish. They may also feed on invertebrates.

However, due to lower sanitation standards for ships passing through the Volga-Don Canal at the end of the 20th century, an alien species under Mnemiopsis leidyi was introduced into the Caspian Sea.With no natural predators to control the growth of its population, it quickly reduced the sprat's food source and consequently caused a sharp decline in the numbers of whitefish moving further up the food chain.

Habitat

The whitefish is a type of fish that spends most of its life in the coastal waters of the sea, and breeds in freshwater rivers, which can be located far inland. The habitat of the whitefish is located in the northern regions of the Caspian Sea. When the time for spawning comes, the fish goes upriver to the Volga for a long period. Only a few individuals reach the Ural region.

Before reaching sexual maturity at the age of 5-6 years, this species remains in the seas and enters fresh water only when the spawning season begins.

Spawning and reproduction

The whitefish is unusual in its behavior of spawning during the colder months. As soon as the temperature in the rivers drops to 8 °, large groups of fish swim upstream. This usually happens in September or October, and older fish start their journey first.

In the past, when spawning grounds were located in the upper reaches of the Volga and Kama, it took them up to five months to reach their destination; most of their fat reserves were used up during this laborious journey. Now that a dam has been built on the Volga, nelmas can only get to Volgograd. Hatched just three months later, the fry tend to quickly move to the s altier waters of the sea.

Females of this species have a lifespan of about ten years and breed only two or three times over the entire period. Currently, the white fish is listed in the Red Book as an endangered species, and efforts are being made to preserve it through artificial reproduction in fish farms.

Varieties

White salmon is a type of fish that belongs to the whitefish subfamily of the salmon family. Its two varieties are the whitefish itself and Stenodus leucichthys nelma, which lives in the northern waters of the Arctic Ocean.

Comparison

White fish, butterfish and nelma have a similar appearance, so sometimes confusion arises because of this. They all belong to the salmon family and have a similar body shape and coloration. All three species are found in Russia. However, they have some differences.

With nelma

Caspian white salmon is often referred to as the northern whitefish, which makes people think they are the same species. However, this is not entirely accurate, although some scientists suggest combining them into one species. It is believed that part of the nelma population moved to the Caspian Sea during the Late Ice Age and adapted to the new environment. Here is the variety living there and is called the whitefish. But the real nelma remained in the same place and now it can be found in the northern waters of the Arctic Ocean.

To distinguish one subspecies from another, just look at the abdomen of an individual.The white fish will have an equally even color on the sides and belly, while the underside of the nelma will be white. the white fish is one and a half meters long and can weigh up to fifteen kilograms, while the nelma usually exceeds 150 cm in length and weighs an average of 30-45 kg.

Butterfish

Sometimes people call the white salmon oil fish, mistakenly believing that this is its alternative name. However, these terms are not really interchangeable. The former belongs to the salmon family (genus nelma), while the latter is a trade name for certain fish species with a high fat content (up to 25%).

Chemical composition

100 grams white fish fillet contains the following vitamins:

1. Vitamin B12: 2.0 mcg.
2. Vitamin B6: 0.2 mg.
3. Vitamin D: 6.3 mcg.
4. Niacin: 3.9 mg.
5. Riboflavin: 0.09 mg.
6. Thiamin: 0.06 mg.
7. Folate: 2 mcg.
8. Vitamin A: 10 mcg.

Filet also contains small amounts of vitamins E, K and C.

It also contains macronutrients:

1. Proteins: 18.8g
2. Fat: 1.3g
3. Carbs: 0g
4. Calcium: 8 mg.
5. Magnesium: 25 mg.
6. Sodium: 61 mg.
7. Phosphorus: 194 mg.
8. Potassium: 282 mg.

The whitefish also contains small amounts of macronutrients such as chlorine and sulfur.

Microelements it contains:

1. Iron: 0.3 mg.
2. Zinc: 0.7 mg.
3. Copper: 0.03 mg.
4. Manganese: 0.01 mg.
5. Selenium: 18.2 mcg.
6. Iodine: 30 mcg.

In addition, white fish contains small amounts of trace elements such as chromium, molybdenum and fluorine. However, it is worth noting that the specific content of nutrients may vary slightly depending on the place where the fish is caught and the conditions in which it is kept.

Essential and non-essential amino acids in fish:

1. Leucine: 1.91g
2. Lysine: 2.24g
3. Methionine: 0.74g
4. Phenylalanine: 0.81g
5. Threonine: 0.89g
6. Tryptophan: 0.30g
7. Valine: 1.23g
8. Isoleucine: 1.08g
9. Arginine: 1.64g
10. Histidine: 0.64g
11. Aspartic acid: 2.42g
12. Glutamic acid: 3.09g
13. Proline: 0.96g
14. Serine: 1.01g
15. Tyrosine: 0.74g
16. Alanine: 1.28g
17. Cysteine: 0.31g
18. Glycine: 1.07g

Essential amino acids can be synthesized by the body, while essential amino acids must come from food. White fish is a good source of high quality protein that contains all the essential amino acids for he alth and growth.

Calorie content of 100 grams of white salmon fish fillet is approximately 90-110 kcal. However, keep in mind that the calorie content may vary depending on the method of preparation, the use of additional ingredients, and even the fishing season.

Useful properties

The fillet of this fish is a dietary product, as it is easily digested by the human body. It contains many he althy fats, minerals and vitamins. Nutritionists advise consuming it as part of a regular diet for overall he alth and even in some cases for medicinal purposes.The fatty acids found in fish are helpful in a variety of medical conditions, especially when there are thyroid problems.

It is useful to use nelma if a person suffers from digestive problems. Eating fillets just once a week in small portions (about 50 grams) will help rid the body of toxins and regulate metabolism, which is especially important for those who live in areas with poor air quality. Vitamin PP, which is contained in nelma, works to reduce the level of "bad" cholesterol, preventing the formation of plaques and blood clots.

Expert opinionZarechny Maxim ValerievichAgronomist with 12 years of experience. Our best gardening expert.Ask a QuestionIt is useful for children to eat white salmon dishes for the prevention of rickets. Vitamin D is known to strengthen the immune system, and fluoride helps build bone tissue. Omega-3 and Omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids are believed to prevent the growth of malignant tumors, as well as strokes and heart attacks.

Nelma is useful for pregnant women, because it contains important vitamins and minerals that are necessary for the development of the fetus. Including a small portion of this fish in your diet once a week will help with sleep problems or seasonal depression, and may even protect against Alzheimer's disease. Women who often eat nelma dishes slow down the aging process.

Contraindications

This fish is generally considered safe to eat and can be enjoyed as part of a he althy diet. However, there are some potential contraindications to be aware of:

1. People who are allergic or intolerant to fish should avoid eating it. When trying a new food, it's best to eat only a small amount and see how your body reacts. Individual intolerance to something that is not usually considered an allergen is possible.
2. People with high cholesterol and overweight should limit their consumption of white fish as it contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids.
3. People with weakened immune systems should avoid eating raw or undercooked food due to the risk of food poisoning caused by bacteria such as salmonella or listeria.
4. Children should not eat smoked nelma until they are five years old, because until that time their digestive system is not fully developed and cannot cope with this food.

Tips for fishermen

The fishing season for this fish starts in April and continues until the end of November. It is especially tasty before spawning. During spawning, nelma does not feed, so the percentage of fat drops to two. Experienced anglers believe that the best fishing occurs in early autumn, as the fillet becomes fatter and the fish bite on any bait or bait.

Due to the decline in the population, the white fish was listed in the Red Book, so its catching in any form is prohibited. However, not so long ago, anglers ventured into the Caspian basin in the hope of finding a good catch. Even one fish can feed several people.

She is caught in the process of fly fishing. This fish usually lives in deeper waters, so floats and bottoms are ideal tools for catching them. Also used are baits such as earthworms, maggots, bloodworms.

Cooking recipes

There are many delicious ways and recipes for cooking white salmon, allowing not only to prepare a festive dish, but also to preserve all the beneficial properties of the fillet.

On the grill

Grilled white salmon with parsley.

Ingredients:

1. White salmon fillet – 4 pieces.
2. S alt to taste.
3. Pepper - to taste.
4. Olive oil - 2 tablespoons.
5. Fresh parsley - 1/4 cup, chopped.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the grill. If you have a gas grill, heat it to medium heat. If you have a charcoal grill, fire up the coals and let them heat up for 15-20 minutes, until they turn white and form a solid red pillow of ash.
2. S alt and pepper the fish pieces on both sides.
3. Brush both sides of the fish with olive oil.
4. Put the fish on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until done. If the fish pieces are thicker, it may take a little longer to cook.
5. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving.

In the oven

Ingredients:

1. White salmon fillet - 4 pieces (about 150 g each).
2. Kvass - 2 cups.
3. Cucumber pickle - 1 cup.
4. Champignons - 200 g, cut into thin slices.
5. Onion - 1 large, cut into half rings.
6. S alt to taste.
7. Pepper - to taste.
8. Olive oil - 2 tablespoons.
9. Greens for decoration.

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees.
2. Prepare the baking dish. Put the onion slices in the dish, then the chopped mushrooms.
3. Heat kvass and cucumber pickle in a saucepan over medium heat. Add s alt and pepper to taste.
4. Place the fish pieces in a baking dish on top of the mushrooms and onions.
5. Fill the fish with hot kvass and brine. Drizzle with olive oil.
6. Put the baking dish in the oven and cook for 25-30 minutes until the fish is ready.
7. Serve with greenery.

White Fish Ear

Ingredients:

1. White salmon fillet – 500g
2. Water - 2 liters.
3. Leek - 1 pc., sliced into rings.
4. Onion - 1 pc., diced.
5. Potatoes – 3 pcs., diced.
6. Carrots – 2 pcs., diced.
7. Peppercorns – 5-6 pieces
8. Bay leaf – 2 pcs
9. S alt to taste.
10. Pepper - to taste.
11. Vegetable oil - 2 tablespoons.
12. Greens for decoration.

Instructions:

1. Chop the onion and leek and fry them in vegetable oil in a multicooker pan on the "Roast" or "Fry" mode until golden brown.
2. Add chopped potatoes and carrots to the pot, simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add peppercorns and bay leaf, pour 2 liters of water. Bring to a boil.
4. Put the chopped white fish fillet into a pot with vegetables and water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Add s alt and pepper to taste, let the soup brew for another 10-15 minutes.
6. Spread the finished fish soup on deep plates, decorate with greenery.

Interesting facts

Despite the fact that the white fish is named so because of its white meat, it is classified as a red fish.

In the traditional ceremonial songs of Kupala, young unmarried women of marriageable age were called white fish.

Nelma caviar is even more valuable than fillet, it has a yellowish tint. Unfortunately, it has become almost impossible to acquire it due to the fact that fishing is prohibited.

It is important to remember that the carcass of nelma will not be cheap. At the beginning of 2022, the record price in Moscow for a whole carcass was more than two thousand rubles per kilogram.

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