Capelin is a small, unassuming fish from the smelt family. This cold-water fish lives in the Arctic Ocean and the far northern Pacific seas. Its torpedo-shaped body rarely grows longer than 30 cm. These little sea dwellers are easy to spot: their backs are covered in greenish scales, and their bellies and sides are silvery. They almost never swim alone. Huge schools of capelin are common in the seas near Norway and Greenland, in the White, Bering, and Barents Seas, as well as in Hudson Bay. The number of fish in a school can vary significantly throughout the year.
These fish usually stay in surface waters, though they sometimes dive to impressive depths of up to 300 meters. In December, they form schools and slowly move towards the northern coasts of Norway and the Kola Peninsula, where the females begin to spawn in early spring.
The fish typically lay their eggs in shallow water. A mature female can lay nearly a thousand eggs. Capelin eggs are tiny (0.6 to 1.2 mm) and sticky, allowing them to easily attach to surfaces. About 4 weeks later, the eggs hatch into fry. Capelin die after spawning. Only a few females survive to spawn again the following year. Males also die after spawning. Annually, about 500,000 tons of capelin are caught in the seas. It seems like everyone hunts this little fish: from cod to seals, whales, and seagulls. Herring even feed on their eggs.
Culinary Uses of Capelin
Cooked capelin pairs well with various sauces, such as sour cream or light homemade mayonnaise. Add a small piece of butter to the warm dish for extra flavor. Serve it with eggs, greens, and potatoes.
A key culinary advantage of capelin is its fatty flesh. This means that despite its small size, it’s almost impossible to overcook in the oven or on the stove. Lightly salted capelin is great on white bread with butter, perfect for finger food appetizers.
- Capelin roe is salted and smoked, and used to make pancakes and patties with an interesting texture.
- In Japan, capelin and its roe are used in sushi.
- In Denmark, they make smørrebrød by placing lightly salted capelin on buttered bread, adding radishes and dill.
- In Peru, capelin is used to make ceviche. The fish is marinated in lemon and orange juice, grain mustard, chili peppers, and red onions.
- In France, capelin is stewed with onions and carrots, seasoned with black pepper, gherkins, and bay leaves. The mixture is then blended into a pâté-like spread called rillettes.
These simple, classic dishes can transform an inexpensive fish into a delicacy.
Composition and Health Benefits of Capelin
Fresh capelin is affordable and beneficial for almost everyone, except those with an allergy to it.
This is logical, considering all the nutrients found in capelin:
vitamins B6, B2, B9, potassium, copper, iodine, cobalt, sodium, phosphorus, sulfur, fluorine, and others.
Nutritionists confirm that capelin is a low-calorie food, and its abundant phosphorus content aids in weight loss.
Benefits of Capelin Roe
Due to its diverse range of vitamins, including B vitamins, vitamin A, D, and E, and minerals such as iodine, iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and others, capelin roe is considered very beneficial.
Consuming capelin roe helps remove toxins from the body and strengthens blood vessels.
Sandwiches with capelin roe are great for breakfast, and you can also make a delicious cake with a filling of capelin roe, eggs, cheese, and cucumber.
Capelin roe is recommended for children after the age of two. Its vitamin A content strengthens the immune system, and vitamin D is essential for bone formation and normal development. Iodine, lecithin, and phosphorus, also found in capelin roe, are indispensable for the body.
Potential Harm from Consumption
Capelin usually doesn’t cause health problems, but it can be contraindicated for some people. This includes individuals with a personal intolerance or allergies. People with cardiovascular diseases, digestive disorders, or kidney problems should avoid smoked or canned capelin. These products contain high levels of sodium, which can be harmful in such cases. Additionally, under-smoked capelin can harbor dangerous parasites.
If capelin lived in polluted waters, it likely absorbed harmful substances. It’s important to remember that many types of sea fish can contain heavy metals and mercury. This is another reason why it’s crucial to inquire about the fishing region before buying seafood.