Silver Carp Fish: Features, Benefits and Risks

Silver carp, known by different names in various countries, is referred to as “silver carp” among English-speaking populations and “water goat” in China.

General Information

Silver carp is a freshwater schooling fish that grows to a considerable size, characterized by its silver scales and large head. It holds significant commercial value. In many countries, including ours, it is bred artificially since it cannot reproduce naturally in European waters.

Silver carp originates from Chinese waters and was historically called “Chinese silver carp.” In the late 1950s, severe floods in China destroyed fish farms, introducing this species to the Amur River tributaries. By the 1960s, silver carp was introduced to rivers like the Volga, Dnipro, Prut, Dniester, Kuban, Terek, Don, Syr Darya, and Amu Darya. By the decade’s end, it was extensively farmed in fish farms for stocking Ukrainian water bodies.

This fish greatly benefits its habitat by actively consuming phytoplankton (microalgae), cleaning water and reducing excess organic debris. It is particularly effective in stagnant ponds. Often, silver carp is introduced into “green” ponds to help clean the water.

It is a fast-growing fish, weighing around 3 kg at three years old, while adult specimens can reach up to a meter in length and weigh up to 16 kilograms.

How to Choose Silver Carp

When buying silver carp, opt for larger fish weighing at least 2 kilograms. Smaller specimens have more tiny bones and less fat. Purchase fish from trusted sources that can provide health and safety certificates to avoid the risk of parasitic infections like opisthorchiasis.

Silver carp is typically sold fresh or chilled. To ensure its quality, look for these signs:

  • A river and algae smell, characteristic of silver carp.
  • A moist, straight, and springy tail.
  • Pink gills and clear, non-cloudy eyes.
  • Smooth, shiny scales.
  • Firm flesh that quickly regains its shape when pressed.

How to Store

Silver carp can be stored long-term by freezing fresh fish. In the refrigerator, it should be cooked within 24 hours. Processing methods like drying, smoking, or salting can extend the fish’s shelf life significantly.

However, the general recommendation is to cook silver carp immediately, as freezing negatively affects the delicate texture of its meat.

Health Benefits of Silver Carp Dishes

Silver carp is highly valued for its excellent taste and dietary qualities. It is rich in fatty acids and essential nutrients that are vital for human health. Including silver carp dishes in your diet can provide numerous health benefits:

  • Rich in Animal Protein: Promotes recovery after illnesses by supporting immune functions, cognitive abilities, and physical endurance.
  • Digestibility: Dishes made from tender silver carp fillets are easily digested and beneficial for gastrointestinal health, particularly for those with low stomach acidity.
  • Antioxidants: These compounds slow aging processes and help prevent the development of tumors, including malignant ones.
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Essential for maintaining heart health, vascular function, and brain activity.
  • Weight Management: Its vitamins enhance metabolism, aiding weight loss and body shaping.
  • Blood Formation: Beneficial for individuals with blood disorders, and it is recommended to consume silver carp dishes at least four times a week.
  • Diabetes Management: Helps stabilize and lower blood sugar levels.
  • Cholesterol Reduction: Nutrients in the fish help reduce harmful cholesterol levels, lowering the risk of strokes.
  • Bone Health: The meat contains essential elements like fluorine, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium, which strengthen bones and prevent rickets.

Silver Carp Roe

Silver carp roe is particularly nutritious and flavorful. It is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, iron, zinc, phosphorus, and sulfur. It is recommended for individuals with diabetes (Type I and II), rheumatism, cardiovascular issues, and central nervous system disorders.

Despite its rich nutrient content, silver carp is very low in calories. Boiled fish dishes are the most beneficial, containing just 76 calories, even lower than raw fish. Dieters should avoid fried or smoked silver carp, as these preparation methods double the calorie count.

Baked silver carp is suitable for children, people prone to obesity, and athletes who require nutritious meals to strengthen their bones and muscles. Steamed fillets seasoned with spices offer a wide range of flavors and dishes.

A special mention goes to fish soup made from silver carp heads, which is incredibly nourishing yet low in calories, containing slightly over 20 calories per 100 grams.

Harmfulness of Dishes Made from Silver Carp

Like any food product, dishes made from silver carp can cause harm if a person has an individual intolerance to fish. The appearance of a skin rash accompanied by itching is the first sign of intolerance to this type of fish. To avoid complications, it is necessary to exclude this product from the person’s diet.

Smoked and dried silver carp is particularly delicious. However, the smoking process leads to the accumulation of harmful substances, such as carcinogens, which can provoke dangerous diseases.

All freshwater fish are susceptible to parasite infestations that live in the water. Therefore, the fish must be thoroughly treated before cooking. This can involve any type of culinary processing.

Conclusions

Considering the beneficial properties of silver carp meat, it can be concluded that its regular inclusion in the menu is beneficial for people of all ages. It supports the stable functioning of the nervous system, heart, blood vessels, and brain. The composition of the meat contains unique substances that contribute to the human body’s resistance to oncological diseases.

Its harm depends solely on negligence during preparation and an individual’s intolerance to the product.