Fish and Shellfish are
Excellent Low-Fat Diet
If you're looking for nutrition and
variety, fish and shellfish are excellent choices, especially for a
low-fat diet. While all fish are not created equal, most types of fish
are low in fat, cholesterol and calories and contain oodles of protein,
vitamin B and omega-3 fatty acids. Crustaceans, such as lobster or
shrimp, are good sources of calcium, iron and other minerals.
What are Fillets and
Steaks?
The fish you see in stores may be
farm-raised or wild and are often sold as fillets or steaks. Fillets
are meaty, boned cuts of fish available with or without the skin.
Steaks are pieces cut widthwise from the whole fish and most often
include a central bone. Salmon, halibut and swordfish are the fish most
commonly sold as steaks.
You should refrigerate fresh fish in the
original wrapper and serve it within a day or two of purchase.
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Fish |
Flat Fish
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Flat fish are thin, oval-shaped fish
and have both eyes on top.
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Examples of flat fish include sole,
halibut, flounder, fluke and plaice.
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Most flat fish have light-colored,
mild-tasting flesh.
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Each flat fish provides 4 fillets.
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Round Fish
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Round fish are fish that have a
tube-shaped body. Round fish also have one eye on each side of the
head.
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Examples of round fish include
rainbow trout, pickerel, bass, perch, red snapper and salmon.
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The flavor and color of the flesh
depends on the type of fish.
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Each round fish provide 2 fillets.
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Shellfish |
Crustaceans
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Crustaceans are a type of shellfish
that have a segmented body with an outer shell, a tail, small legs
and usually two claws.
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Examples of crustaceans include
shrimp, lobster, crab and crayfish.
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Crustaceans usually have a heartier
flavor and texture than fish.
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Live crustaceans you purchase should
move their claws when they are touched.
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Mollusks
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Mollusks are a type of shellfish that
have a one of two-piece hard shell surrounding a soft body.
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Examples of mollusks with a one-piece
shell include snails and squid. Mollusks with a two-piece shell
include clams, oysters and mussels.
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Mollusks you purchase should be alive
and have a closed shell. To test whether a mollusk with an open
shell is alive, tap it gently. A live mollusk will close its shell
when tapped.
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Tips for Buying Fish & FAQ |
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Can I also purchase whole fish? |
What should I look for when buying fish? |
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Yes. You can
purchase pan-dressed fish, which are whole fish that have had the
innards, scales, head, tail and fins removed. Drawn fish are whole
fish that have had the innards and scales removed, but have the
head, tail and fins still attached. You can even purchase a whole
fish just the way it comes from the water and remove the innards
and scales yourself. |
The fish
flesh should be firm, with no browning or strong fishy odor.
Feel free to ask to smell the fish before purchasing. Check whole
fish to make sure that the skin is shiny, the eyes are clear and
slightly protruding and the gills are bright red and not slimy. |
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Seafood Recipes :
Healthy Easy
Seafood Recipes
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