Tips

Should You Remove the Slime Layer on Fish?

There are many opinions regarding whether the slimy layer on the surface of fish contains a high amount of bacteria and dirt. So, should this layer be removed during the cooking process?

Administrator

23 March, 2024

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Nutrient-rich fish such as minerals, vitamins, protein, and DHA. Many people believe that the fish skin is fatty, rich in nutrients. However, the outer layer of the fish skin has a slimy membrane – where a large amount of bacteria and dirt reside.

The slimy layer only helps the fish swim faster, for example, smooth-skinned fish. This slimy layer often comes into contact with dirt, bacteria in the environment.

This slimy layer often comes into contact with dirt, bacteria in the environment. (Illustration photo)

The slimy membrane on the fish body is not nutritious, not good for health. Eating this layer does not cause poisoning but is unsanitary and reduces taste. When preparing, you can use a knife to scrape off the slimy layer and then rinse with clean water, which helps make the fish clean and eliminates the fishy odor.

Inside the fish’s belly, there is also a black layer composed of dirt, mud accumulated during the fish’s respiration and feeding process, which should also be cleaned.

Clean processed fish can be preserved longer, you can soak them in saltwater to make them cleaner, but do not soak them in hot water.

Other types of seafood also have the risk of bacterial infection, microorganisms, and should be cleaned before eating to ensure hygiene.

In addition, fish are prone to infection with toxins and aquatic or parasitic organisms such as tapeworm eggs and roundworms. Therefore, you should not eat the fish guts or liver. Many cases have to be hospitalized for emergency treatment due to fish liver poisoning.

The fish liver is a place that provides enzymes, toxic substances at the same time. When eating fish liver, humans can be poisoned, infected, have acute bleeding, and even death. Therefore, remove this part immediately from fish during processing.

Some types of fish like pufferfish contain very strong toxins. People who eat pufferfish with poison often experience discomfort, fatigue, dizziness, and even death if the emergency treatment is delayed.

Tips for choosing delicious fish

Choose fish with bright red gills, firm body. If the fish is fresh, the fish’s gills will turn to old brick color. If the fish has been cut into slices, press your finger on the flesh, if it feels firm and sticky, the fish is fresh, otherwise, the fish is soft and watery, it has turned bad.

Fresh and delicious fish will have bright and clear eyes, scales or skin shiny like metal and clean. Bad fish, the eyes turn gray, scales or skin turn cloudy or have patches of color change.

In addition, fresh fish has a scent like clean water or slightly salty. Do not choose fish with unpleasant or overly fishy odor.

According to VTC news

Frequently asked questions

While many people believe that fish skin is nutrient-rich, the outer layer of the skin actually has a slimy membrane that harbors bacteria and dirt. This layer is not nutritious and is unhygienic. It is recommended to remove this layer by scraping it off with a knife and rinsing the fish with clean water to ensure sanitation and improve the taste.

Yes, it is important to avoid eating the fish guts and liver. The liver, in particular, can contain harmful toxins and enzymes that can cause poisoning, infection, and even acute bleeding in humans. Additionally, the belly of the fish often contains a black layer of dirt and mud that should be cleaned out.

It is crucial to clean seafood thoroughly before eating to reduce the risk of bacterial infection and microorganism contamination. Remove any visible dirt, rinse with clean water, and consider soaking the fish in saltwater to enhance sanitation. Avoid soaking seafood in hot water, as it can promote bacterial growth. Also, be cautious of fish eggs and liver, as they can harbor harmful toxins and parasites.

Certain types of fish, such as pufferfish, contain strong toxins that can be harmful or even fatal if consumed. It is crucial to properly identify and prepare these fish to avoid any health risks. Always seek expert advice when handling and consuming such fish.

When selecting fish, look for bright red gills and a firm body. Fresh fish will have clear and bright eyes, shiny scales or skin, and a clean appearance. Avoid fish with gray eyes, cloudy or discolored scales, or a soft and watery texture, as these are signs of spoilage. Additionally, fresh fish should have a pleasant, slightly salty scent, without any unpleasant or overly fishy odors.