Clean Fish, easy peasy, right?! Pleasing Yehovah in this area of our life is not hard. Things that come from the water that have fins and scales are the only ones He considers “clean” or “tahor.”
Yehovah says that the things Israel eats which come from the waters must have fins and scales. It takes a lifetime to know Yehovah and become as holy as he is. We must not only learn and follow His ways, but also understand and adopt His attitudes. Why does the One who made everything think we eat things from the water that weren’t meant to be eaten?
To the “Christian Church” this is a picture. They think they are right with God and can do and eat whatever they want. Yehovah says they are smoke in His nostrils! Does that sound like something pleasing to Him?.
What Are Clean and Unclean Animals? We learned that eating swine (pig, hog, pork) and foods made from them (bacon, ham, lard, most sausage, and pepperoni) don’t follow or support Yehovah’s law on earth, so they are thought to be unclean [tamei] because they don’t chew their cud and have split hooves. Yehovah uses these two traits to tell the difference between animals that are clean [tahor] and do represent Him in the world and those that don’t.
About 200 people and I were served a white fish for dinner during Sukkot that turned out to be a catfish. Yehovah says this kind of fish is evil and should not be eaten. When I found out what we had eaten, I almost threw up right there at the table. I then had the worst night’s sleep of my time there because I kept thinking about all the other horrible food I might have been given. What I eat is important to me because I love God and want to be a good person in the world, even through what I eat. I will always choose not to eat or do something that He calls an abomination.
In Hebrew the word being translated as “abomination” is ש×קץ (sheh’-kets). Jeff Benner in His Ancient Hebrew Lexicon of the Bible says,.
If someone says they love the Elohim (the one who makes the rules and judges) of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, why would they ever want to do something that He says is ·¤¥ (sheh’-kets)?
The Scaly Truth Are Fish Scales Safe and Nutritious to Eat?
Fish scales tend to get a bad rap. Many home cooks quickly discard these silvery armor-like layers before cooking up their fillets and cuts of fish. But if you take a look across global cuisines, from Asian to European dishes fish scales are enjoyed in meals around the world.
So what gives? Are fish scales actually edible? And are there any health benefits to consuming these unorthodox bits of the fish? Let’s scale this fishy topic and get straight to the bottom of it.
The Short Answer: Yes, Fish Scales Are Edible
The quick answer is yes – fish scales are completely edible as long as the fish is fresh and properly cleaned. Fish scales are mostly composed of collagen, a type of protein that breaks down into gelatin when cooked. This gives the scales a unique soft, chewy texture.
Flavors tend to be subtle, but scales can impart a mild sweetness that complements the fish. They offer an extra crunch alongside tender fillets and cuts of fish.
For the more squeamish, scales can also be easily removed before cooking and eating. But the scales pose no harm or health risks if consumed. Many cultures around the globe even prize fish scales as a delicacy.
Nutritional Benefits of Eating Fish Scales
Beyond being safe to eat, fish scales actually deliver some decent nutritional value. Here are some of the biggest benefits you’ll gain:
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Collagen: Fish scales are loaded with collagen, providing 25-40% of your daily needs. Collagen promotes skin, nail, hair, and joint health.
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Protein: Scales contain beneficial proteins for building muscle, curbing hunger, and keeping you feeling full.
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Calcium: Fish scales supply ample calcium for strong bones and teeth. Just 100g provides around 10% of your daily calcium needs.
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Other minerals: Scales also contain iron, magnesium, zinc and selenium for boosted immunity and thyroid function.
So by eating fish scales, you increase your dietary intake of key vitamins, minerals, and proteins. Not bad for an often overlooked part of the fish!
Picking the Best Fish for Eating Scales
When it comes to edible fish scales, you have lots of finned and scaled options to choose from. Most fish varieties have thin, flexible scales that become tender when cooked. Just avoid species with thicker armored exterior scales.
Here are some prime picks for fish with tasty, edible scales:
- Tilapia
- Red Snapper
- Salmon
- Trout
- Branzino
- Flounder
- Sole
- Mahi mahi
- Mackerel
- Sea bass
For mostspecies, focus on eating the smaller, thinner scales along the flank, rather than the thicker ones lining the belly or top. And always remove inedible scales from fish like sharks, tuna, and swordfish before cooking.
Pro Tips for Preparing and Cooking Fish Scales
If you want to give fish scales a taste, follow these pro tips to enhance flavors and textures:
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Remove any dirt or grime – Use a scaler to scrape off debris and give scales a rinse before cooking.
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Consider partial scaling – Take off some of the scales to reduce total volume if desired.
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Add scales halfway through cooking – This prevents overcooking yet still softens scales.
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Fry or bake – High heat helps render collagen and gelatinize scales. Pan fry or roast at 400°F.
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Use moist cooking methods – Poaching, steaming, or braising keep scales tender.
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Look for recipes – Asian cuisines, in particular, have many fish scale dishes to try!
Safety Tips for Consuming Fish Scales
While fish scales themselves pose no risks, proper handling is still key to prevent any foodborne illnesses. Follow these tips for safe consumption:
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Source high-quality fish – Ensure fish is fresh and store scales properly after removal.
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Clean thoroughly – Wash scales well and remove any clinging membranes or residue.
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Cook thoroughly – Fish scales should reach an internal temperature of at least 145°F.
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Eat in moderation – Limit intake of fish high in mercury, like tuna.
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Remove inedible scales – Don’t eat thick armored scales or scales from cartilaginous fish.
As long as you take care in where you source fish and how you handle the scales, you can feel confident eating this nutritious, under-appreciated part of the fish.
Global Cultural Traditions of Eating Fish Scales
Cuisines around the world have found delicious ways to incorporate fish scales into meals. Here are just a few examples:
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Japan – Warayaki is a Japanese fried fish dish often served whole with crispy scales.
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China – Qingjing yan (or green mirror perch) is cooked with tender scales intact.
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Korea – Sigumchi namul sees Korean rockfish scales pickled into a bright banchan side dish.
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Indonesia – Ikan kering features sun-dried fish served whole with heads and scales.
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Norway – Fish scales feature in traditional lutefisk, dried and salted white fish.
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Peru – Scales lend crunch to ceviche dishes across Peruvian cuisine.
Clearly scales are celebrated globally as both a delicacy and decorative touch!
Ready to Give These Fishy Bits a Try?
Hopefully this breakdown has convinced you that fish scales are not only edible, but also deliver some unique textures and flavors to dishes. Plus, they pack a surprising nutritional punch.
So next time you cook up a beautiful fillet of salmon, snapper, or other scaled fish, consider leaving scales intact to unlock new culinary experiences. Or collect and clean scales to incorporate into recipes on their own.
Just be sure to source fresh, high-quality fish and clean scales thoroughly. Cook to proper temperatures and avoid overindulging in high mercury varieties.
With an open mind to new ingredients, you may just find fish scales becoming a crunchy, collagen-rich addition to your culinary repertoire. So embrace this often wasted part of the fish and get more mileage from your aquatic ingredients.
Frequency of Entities:
fish scales – 41
scales – 32
fish – 29
eat – 10
cooking – 6
collagen – 5
texture – 4
flavor – 4
crunch – 3
dishes – 3
edible – 3
benefits – 3
cook – 3
health – 2
protein – 2
calcium – 2
minerals – 2
safety – 2
thoroughly – 2
cultures – 2
Fins And Scales Makes It Easy
Easy peasy, right?! Pleasing Yehovah in this area of our life is not rocket science. Like the four-legged beasts, the behemoth of the earth, the fish that Yehovah’s people are to eat should come from living things, not from the bottom of the sea, lakes, and rivers, where dead bodies and filth pile up. The garbage cans of the waters are primarily shell-fish and other fish that dwell at their bottoms.
Here is one list of fish that can be used to honor the Creator in the earth, and here is another list of fish that His people should not eat. Hope this helps you.
Clean Fish Must Haves Fins And Scales
The Creator says that aquatic animals that are good for food must have both fins and scales, just like the animals that live on land (the behemoths).
I’m confused why not eat the fish instead of the fish scales
FAQ
Is it OK to eat some fish scales?
Can you cook fish with scales still on?
What fish can you eat without scaling?
What to do with fish scales?
Can you eat fried fish scales?
Eating fried or crispy fish scales may be safer than consuming them raw or uncooked. However, it is still important to properly clean and cook the scales to reduce the risk of food poisoning. Additionally, consuming large amounts of fried or crispy fish scales can be unhealthy due to their high fat content.
Is it good to eat fish?
Fish is one of the healthiest foods on earth. It is loaded with important nutrients such as protein and vitamin D. Fish is also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are very essential for body and brain growth and development. Some fish are high in mercury, which is related to brain developmental problems. Eating fish lowers the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Omega-3 fatty acids in fish may combat depression. Fish and fish products are the best sources of vitamin D. Eating fish has been linked to reduce the risk of type 1 diabetes and several other autoimmune diseases. Eating fish protects vision in old age, preventing age-related macular degeneration(AMD).
Can you accidentally eat fish scales?
If you’re a fan of seafood, you’ve probably eaten your fair share of fish. However, have you ever considered the possibility of accidentally consuming fish scales? While it might sound strange, it’s actually more common than you might think.
Can you eat fish scales raw?
You can eat them raw or cooked, but eating fish scales raw is probably not going to be very appetizing. There are also multiple different types of fish scales that serve different purposes. Although, one purpose that fish scales can serve us humans is being the main ingredient for fish scale jelly.