Increase in Fish Consumption and Fish Varieties in Turkey
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in fish consumption in Turkey. This increase is due to the spread of healthy eating trends and more people including fish and seafood in their diets. Fish has great importance for health thanks to its rich omega-3 fatty acid content and other nutritional values.
Popular Fish Types
Various fish species are caught in different regions of Turkey. The most popular of these are:
- Hamsi: Anchovy, which is especially common in the Black Sea region, is preferred for both its taste and its affordable price.
- Bonito: Bonito hunted in the autumn months attracts attention with its rich protein content.
- Whiting: Whiting is a light and delicious type of fish and is consumed frequently.
- Horse mackerel: Horse mackerel, which is usually consumed fried, is frequently preferred especially in the summer months.
- Salmon: Filled with healthy fatty acids, salmon stands out as a luxury option.
- Sea bass: Sea bass, one of the indispensable dishes on our tables, is consumed both in the oven and on the grill.
- Sea bream: Sea bream, an important part of Mediterranean cuisine, is known for its delicious taste.
- Trout: Trout, a freshwater fish, is often a preferred choice in restaurants.
Prices in Fish Markets
Fish prices vary according to the season, weather conditions and fishing season. For example, fishing boats have not been able to go to sea due to windy weather conditions in recent days, and this has led to a decrease in the variety of fish on the shelves. For this reason, whiting ve horse mackerel While the price of fish like this is around 150 liras per kilogram, salmon 250 liras, gilt-head bream, Chinese Cop ve perch 300 liras, trout ve anchovy 200 liras, bonito The price is around 175 lira each.
Healthy Nutrition and the Importance of Fish
Fish is an essential part of a healthy diet. Omega-3 fatty acids support heart health, while high protein content encourages muscle growth. Additionally, consuming fish helps improve mental health. Fish provides the body with the nutrients it needs because it is rich in vitamins and minerals.
Things to Consider When Buying Fish
There are a few important points to consider when buying fish:
- Freshness: To check whether the fish is fresh, check the brightness of its eyes, the firmness of its scales and the fullness of its belly.
- Smell: Fresh fish gives off a sea smell. If there is a strong smell, it means the fish is not fresh.
- Color: The color of the fish should be vibrant and bright. A pale or dull color indicates that it is far from fresh.
Cooking and Serving Fish
Fish can be prepared with different cooking methods. The flavor of fish can be increased with various methods such as frying, grilling, baking and steaming. In addition, various spices and sauces can be used to enrich fish dishes. Fish can be served with fresh greens and lemon slices. In this way, both its visual appearance and flavor are enhanced.
Sustainability of Fisheries
Fishing should be an environmentally friendly industry. Overfishing can damage the marine ecosystem. Therefore, it is important to support sustainable fishing practices. Fishermen must meet the set catch quota and protect the biodiversity of the seas. Consumers should also choose fish from sustainable sources.
As a result
Fish consumption in Turkey has gained significant momentum with the increase in awareness of healthy eating. Popular fish varieties and the nutritional values they provide are of great importance for public health. Buying and consuming fish is not only a delicious experience, but also necessary for a healthy life. Sustainability of fishing is essential for the future of our seas. Therefore, both consumers and fishermen have great responsibilities.
