More and more people are paying attention to sustainability and health when it comes to eating fish. The result is, we’re eating more unique types of fish by finding different ways to prepare and cook them. So, some wonder, can you eat Cobia?
Do People Eat Cobia?
You’ll often see Cobia referred to as black kingfish or black salmon. It’s the only member of its genus family, which makes it really unique and delicious when prepared properly. These fish aren’t often found in large groups in the wild, so they’re commercially farmed to make harvesting them more sustainable. Many experts actually call cobia one of the “best choices” to eat, so yes, you can and should eat Cobia.
The only reason anyone should be concerned about eating Cobia is that it’s high in mercury, like a lot of other pelagic fish that share the same waters. Once you catch this fish, it should be put on ice immediately, cleaned, and cooked as soon as possible to prevent the bacteria from growing and contaminating the fish.
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What Does Cobia Taste Like?
Cobia is delicious, and it has a buttery taste, a firm texture, and less fat than a lot of other ocean fish, which results in less of an oily texture. It has a mild fish flavor, which is enjoyed by people who might not be as keen on eating this type of fish. But the taste gives it a lot of versatility in terms of how you choose to prepare it.
In addition to a delicious taste, the fish also has an array of health benefits. The fish is rich in potassium and assorted vitamins. In fact, some of the minerals found in this fish are actually linked to mental health and reduced chances of heart disease. So, go ahead and eat Cobia and know that you’re doing your body and mind a favor!
Is It Safe to Eat Cobia?
Cobia is perfectly safe to eat as long as it’s prepared and handled properly. For this reason, we recommend eating the fish from sources that you know and understand rather than buying it from fish farms. Of course, this isn’t always possible, so we know you may have to eat it without knowing where it’s from, but in most cases, you should be okay.
The only thing you have to worry about is bacteria buildup in the flesh, but as long as you’re cooking it before eating, much of that bacteria will die off anyway. If you choose to eat it raw, you’ll have to pay more attention to where you’re sourcing the fish from.
Can You Eat Raw Cobia?
The question doesn’t have a simple yes or no answer because you can certainly eat it raw, but it’s not always recommended. Cobia is safe in its raw form for sashimi, but most people who prepare it will treat it with vinegar and other acids to help kill some of the bacteria and break down the stringy texture of the flesh. Cobia has dense flesh, which can make it difficult to eat, but if it’s sliced thin enough, you shouldn’t have any issues.
Preparing Cobia
The first step involves cleaning the fish. Cleaning a fish this large requires a sharp knife and a bit of skill. Cut down the belly to the anal fins and up towards the beginning of the collar. Be sure to wash away all the blood and remove everything from the inside.
Once you’ve cleaned and gutted the fish, you can choose to grill or fry it using a wide assortment of methods. This versatile fish is delectable, but like many ocean fish, it requires a firm preparation process to ensure it’s safe to eat.
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