Content
Chinook salmon are called the largest individual of the Pacific salmon. In size, the fish is many times larger than pink salmon and other individuals of a vast genus. The health benefits of chinook salmon make it popular among other seafood. Meat and caviar have a unique composition and have a beneficial effect on the human body.
What kind of fish is Chinook salmon and where does it live?
The specimen is distinguished by its outstanding size, which gives rise to its name. Chinook salmon is also referred to as royal or princely salmon. Fish is popular for the following factors:
- gastronomic qualities;
- active resistance during fishing.
Chinook salmon, which belongs to the Salmon family, is characterized by an anadromous lifestyle. It includes pronounced river and oceanic phases.
In fresh water conditions the following processes take place:
- spawning;
- caviar development;
- fry out;
- growth of fry.
It is noteworthy that maturation, development of reproductive function, and weight gain are observed in the marine environment. Chinook salmon have a lifespan of 4 to 8 years. This is due to the pre-spawning period. Within two weeks, individuals who take part in throwing eggs die.
Royal salmon is found in the waters:
- the Arctic Ocean Basin;
- The Okhotsk and Barents seas;
- Commander Islands;
- Sacramento.
The fish adapts well to water of any salinity. However, the development of eggs occurs only in cool flowing rivers that have rocky or pebble bottom.
Chinook salmon differ from other members of the salmon family by its significant weight. The average individual reaches 6-17 kg. The length of the fish varies and is 1.5-2 m.
Chinook salmon has the following external characteristics:
- compressed sides;
- small eyes;
- long torso (torpedo-shaped);
- big mouth;
- small scales;
- real and adipose fins;
- black gums of the lower jaw;
- chaotic spots on the body and tail.
Appearance, such as color, is determined by the life phase. Chinook salmon usually have the following color scheme:
- silvery sides;
- olive or greenish blue back;
- white belly.
During the mating season, the fish acquires burgundy shades and large teeth. It is noteworthy that the jaws of the males are somewhat curved.
The spawning period begins in June and ends in August. The fish can travel thousands of kilometers to reach a location with optimal conditions.
The life cycle includes several stages:
- appearance in a freshwater environment and life for two years;
- moving at sea;
- return to places of birth (after five years).
During the period of residence in the rivers, the Chinook salmon feeds on:
- larvae;
- small fish and crustaceans;
- insects.
After moving to the sea, the king salmon eats:
- plankton;
- cephalopods;
- krill;
- crustaceans.
Important! The variety received a scientific description at the end of the 18th century. The name is associated with the language of the peoples of Kamchatka.
Chinook salmon fish composition
The meat is red with the presence of a raspberry hue. This valuable product is rich in protein (20 g per 100 g).The fat ratio is 13%. The energy value of meat is 146 kcal. The presence of Omega-3 fatty acids, which are not produced by the human body, is essential.
Important! PUFAs improve metabolic processes.
Caviar, which has a bright red color, is distinguished by a unique composition. The product is characterized by a large size, reaching 7 mm. The delicacy is appreciated for its rich taste and thin shell. A feature of the product is considered its rapid digestibility.
Meat and caviar are rich in the following valuable substances:
- PUFA (polyunsaturated fatty acids);
- antioxidants;
- the amino acid tryptophan;
- B vitamins;
- vitamin C;
- cholecalciferol;
- tocopherol;
- phosphorus;
- iron;
- calcium;
- sodium;
- magnesium;
- potassium.
Why is chinook fish useful?
The product has a unique composition. Eating fish has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the body. The inclusion of chinook salmon in the menu helps to normalize the operation of the following systems:
- cardiovascular;
- musculoskeletal;
- nervous.
Fish supports visual health.
Useful properties of chinook salmon
Regular consumption of meat and caviar has a beneficial effect on the body. The inclusion of the product in the diet allows:
- strengthen the nervous system and bone tissue;
- reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, sclerosis;
- normalize the work of the heart and blood vessels;
- improve blood circulation;
- ensure adequate functioning of the organs of vision;
- remove harmful substances from the body.
How best to cook
King salmon tastes like salmon. However, chinook salmon is less fatty and has a low calorie content, which is 150 kcal (per 100 g). Fish is included in the dietary meals. Royal salmon is salted, boiled, steamed, stewed, baked and canned. The product can be added to salads, snacks. It is essential to preserve the original appearance during the preparation process.
Chinook salmon is appreciated for its excellent taste and healthy qualities. A slightly salted product is popular. To preserve the valuable components, the fish is shock-frozen.
Contraindications and possible harm from fish
The dietary product is good for health. In rare cases, allergic reactions may occur. In case of undesirable effects, it is not recommended to eat both caviar and royal salmon meat. Contraindications also include the presence of chronic diseases of the digestive tract.
Chinook salmon brings both benefits and harm to the body. Caviar should be consumed in limited quantities. This is due to the increased sodium content, which can lead to congestion.
How to choose and store fish correctly
The value of chinook salmon depends on the fishing period. The optimal time for fishing is considered the period before the rise of the king salmon along the river. The most useful are individuals that have not been raised in an artificial environment. This is due to the absence of a significant amount of harmful substances.
When choosing chinook salmon, it is advisable to give preference to fish of a relatively small size. It contains less toxic components. To preserve all the valuable nutrients, they carry out the so-called shock freezing. Usually it is done after catching chinook salmon. You need to pay attention to the preparation and use of the product during the recommended shelf life.
Conclusion
The beneficial properties of chinook salmon are due to its unique composition. King salmon contains protein, B vitamins and fatty acids that support the proper functioning of body systems.The product is indicated for dietary nutrition due to its low fat content.
