Mullet

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

The mullet / Mugil cephalus /, also known as sea mullet, is a fish of the mullet family, which also includes the thin-mouthed mullet, the ilaria and the platter. Among them, only the sea mullet is gaining more. Its weight can reach 5 kilograms and its length can exceed 60 centimeters.

It happened, though rarely, to catch specimens weighing 7 kilograms. Mullets have a fairly elongated body laterally flattened, painted in gray, with the back color is more saturated and dark, and in the abdomen-lightening. The head of the sea mullet is large and wide. His eyes are also large. There are large scales on the gills and head of the fish that look neat. This species has two dorsal fins.

Characteristics of mullet

The sea mullet is a common species. It can easily inhabit not only fresh water but also salt water. Tolerates well moderate and warm waters. It can be found in the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans, as well as in their seas. The Black Sea is also inhabited by sea mullets. During the summer months, mullets often go to the mouths of rivers flowing into the sea.

This species reaches sexual maturity after its second year. Then it's time to spawn. This usually happens during the summer months, choosing areas in the open sea or around the coast. The caviar of the sea mullet is floating. It hatches two to five days after being thrown. This process depends on the water temperature.

Initially, the main food for the young is zooplankton. As they grow, they begin to swallow crustaceans and worms. The vegetation at the bottom of the pool also pleases them sometimes. Young sea mullets gain the most weight in the first two years of their appearance. The mullet moves in flocks and can migrate long distances.

Mullet fishing

On the Bulgarian coast the season for catching mullet is from July to October. This type of fish can be caught with a sport rod. Experienced fishermen also use some tricks. When fishing on a float, a removable hook is used. Suitable places for fishing are the mouths of rivers flowing into the Black Sea. You should be very careful with mullet, as it is a fighting fish and would not give up easily. It is good to prepare very strong bottom tools. Sea worms and earthworms are excellent baits for mullet. Sometimes milk corn can also be used.

Selection and storage of mullet

As in the selection of other types of fish, so in this case pay attention to the condition of the meat. When the fish is fresh, it has retained its elasticity. Experts advise to always check the condition of the eyes, because if they are cloudy, the fish is old. To be sure of the quality of purchases mullet, do not shop from random places or suspicious traders who take the products out of trunks and garages.

When buying fish you need to know how to properly store it. If your chosen mullet is in a frozen state, you can store it in the chamber for no more than two days and remove it a few hours before you start cooking it. If the fish is whole and you do not intend to cook it immediately, you can clean the insides and wash it well with cold water.

Then dry it and wrap it in plastic wrap. Place the packed mullet in the freezer and take it out to thaw again a few hours before cooking. Remember that when you start cooking the fish, it should not be hot, but chilled.

Mullet cleaning

When cleaning mullet several steps must be performed. First, wash the fish well with cold water. Proceed to remove the scales. To do this, hold the body of the mullet with one hand and remove the scales with the other. Help yourself with a sharp knife or a special device. It's time to remove the fins. Now remove the tail as well.

Then split the body over the back. Carefully remove the entrails, being careful not to scatter them. Also clean the skin of the abdominal cavity. When you have finished removing all the unwanted parts, wash and dry the meat. You can then proceed with further processing.

Cooking mullet

The meat of mullet is white and relatively dry. Its taste should in no way be underestimated. A positive feature of the mullet is that its bones are quickly cleaned and the meat is easily separated. If you have this type of fish, but you are not sure exactly how to cook it, try baking it in the oven. Combine fish with tomatoes, onions, carrots. Add mushrooms. The result will surely satisfy you.

If the mullet is among the larger ones, you can fill it with walnuts, onions, raisins and rice. You can also grill mullet. Before throwing the fish on the fire, sprinkle it profusely with black pepper, salt, curry, devesil, rosemary, thyme and tarragon. Another option is to season the fish with lemon marinade, paprika, garlic, dill and white wine before arranging the fish on the grill. More stews, soups and skewers are prepared from the mullet meat. Its tender meat can be added to any salad, especially those with tomatoes.

Benefits of mullet

The mullet is useful for the proper development of our body, as it is a source of fats, proteins, phosphorus, vitamin B1, vitamin PP, fluorine, omega-3 fatty acids. It has been proven that regular consumption of mullet can reduce the risk of heart problems. At the same time, eating fish has a positive effect on brain function. It also turns out that the consumption of mullet contributes to a good mood. According to scientists, people who eat fish 2-3 times a week are relatively less likely to suffer from depression.