2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
Sturgeon is a common name used for several species of fish belonging to the sturgeon family / Acipenseridae /. Sturgeon is a bony fish in which most of the skeleton is cartilaginous. Another hallmark of these marine life is that there are five rows of bone plates along the body. Most members of the family have an elongated, pointed nose and mustache.
In addition, the upper part of the body is painted in dark gray to black. The belly is silver or almost white. Most species sturgeon migrate, moving from salt to fresh water. They enter the rivers mainly to spawn, then return to the sea. In Bulgaria, sturgeon can be caught in the dams Vacha, Pancharevo, Kardzhali and Malo Buchino.
Story of sturgeon
Sturgeon is a fish of ancient origin. It is believed that her ancestors lived during the Jurassic period. In the past, sturgeon have been found in rivers and seas in the northern hemisphere. This fish was so widespread in Germany that a special sturgeon market was established there. However, due to the increased sturgeon hunting in Europe and America, the population has decreased significantly over the years.
In the first years of the last century, the sturgeon inhabiting the Black, Caspian and Azov Seas was of the greatest economic importance. Apart from the meat, sturgeons are also important in obtaining black caviar. In fact, a century ago this delicacy was highly valued by the Russians.
Species of sturgeon
The Sturgeon family includes many species, the most popular of which are cod, Russian sturgeon, Siberian sturgeon, trout and black grouse.
Cod is considered to be the largest representative of sturgeon fish. It can live up to 100 years, and in the meantime can grow up to several meters and gain up to 1,200 kilograms. In this species of fish, sexual maturity occurs later, and the reproduction itself takes place every few years. The caviar is thrown into rivers, and the new crickets feed on invertebrates.
The Russian sturgeon is characterized by far more modest dimensions. It reaches a weight of 10 to 20 kilograms and is about 2 meters long. He lives about fifty years. Females reach sexual maturity when they are 12 years old, and in males - at the age of six. Reproduction takes place every 3-4 years. The small specimens feed on organisms from the surface layers.
The Siberian sturgeon is about 2 meters long and weighs about 200 kilograms. This species of sturgeon lives about 60 years. Females mature sexually at the age of 17. In males, sexual maturity occurs at the age of 11 years. This species is considered to be quickly adaptable to different conditions and can be safely grown in specialized farms and artificial pools.
The trout reaches a length of 2 meters and grows up to 80 kilograms. Lives up to approximately 25 years. In males, sexual maturity occurs in 4 years, and in females - in 8 years. Reproduction takes place every 2-3 years.
Chiga reaches 1 meter in length. The maximum weight of the fish is 20 kilograms. Chiga is considered the smallest species sturgeon. In males, sexual maturity comes after the age of 4, and in females when they reach the age of at least 7 years. It lives freely in the wild, but is also raised on fish farms.
Cooking sturgeon
Sturgeon meat is preferred by chefs because it is not full of small and annoying bones that could spoil the charm of any specialty. The taste of the fish is very appetizing. You can't help but notice that her meat resembles animal meat. This is due to the glutamic acid it contains.
The fish is subjected to a variety of heat treatments, which means that it can be successfully baked or grilled or fried in a pan. Sturgeon is also suitable for stewing, marinating and breading.
With the help of spices such as tarragon, basil, celery, black pepper, white pepper, cloves, thyme, lemon balm, dill and parsley, it becomes an ideal component of soups, stews, casserole, casserole, salads, sandwiches, pizzas, spaghetti.
It goes well with all kinds of vegetables, as well as with mushrooms and rice. If you have not yet decided what to cook with yours sturgeon, you can stop at Sturgeon Casserole and Stewed Sturgeon.
Benefits of sturgeon
Eating meat from sturgeon is useful for many reasons. First of all, it is a source of vitamin A, vitamin D and vitamin E. All these vitamins are of great importance for the proper development of our body and for maintaining our health. In addition to vitamins and minerals, it contains essential amino acids and essential fatty acids.
Sturgeon meat is a source of glutamic acid, a certain amount of polyunsaturated fatty, sulfur-containing, eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids, which makes it an exceptional food product. Sturgeon eating also has a good effect on the brain, eyes and heart.
It has been proven to have a beneficial effect on the skin, hair and nails. According to experts, this type of fish is a great tool in the prevention of atherosclerosis. Not only meat is useful sturgeon, but also fish caviar. It is a source of polyunsaturated acids. It is recommended for weak and weak people, as well as for patients with high blood pressure.
Recommended:
The Black Sea Mackerel And Two Species Of Sturgeon Have Disappeared From The Waters Of Bulgaria
The population of the Black Sea mackerel , which was located on the territory of the Black Sea, is already past. These are the words of the hydrobiologist and ichthyologist Pencho Pandakov, an expert, a member of the Balkanka Association. The hydrobiologist also notes that there is no other than mackerel two species of sturgeon who inhabited the waters of the Danube.
