Can You Eat Striped Bass?

Can you eat striped bass? Striped bass, or striper, has had its share of bad press. The fear of toxins has caused people to be wary of consuming this fish, even though it is considered especially delicious.

Understanding when and how often it is safe to eat striper is a matter of knowing the recommendations and understanding where the fish was raised or caught.

Do People Eat Striped Bass?

The short answer is that yes, you can eat striped bass. But you should carefully consider the common recommendations and know the pollution levels where the fish was caught. 

Eating striped bass raw is not recommended.

Taste

Striped bass is considered one of the most delicious varieties of fish. It has a dense texture and a sweet flavor. The taste is often described as buttery as opposed to oily. 

Safety

Mercury

Wild striped bass can contain high levels of mercury, making them hazardous to people. This is especially true for pregnant women and for children.

Mercury exposure can cause neurological problems and heart issues in adults as well, so it is important to limit your exposure if at all possible.

PCBs

PCBs, or polychlorinated biphenyls, are toxic compounds that can persist in the environment for long periods of time.

These dangerous compounds were widely used in manufacturing before they were banned in the United States. Even though they are no longer being used in the industrial world, the toxins have accumulated at the bottom of rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes.

These chemicals can build up in fish, making them unhealthy for people to consume. This is especially true for women who are pregnant and for children because the chemicals can cause developmental problems and birth defects.

Small striped bass have been found to have fewer of these chemicals, but larger fish can have a high level of toxins.

Location

The body of water where the striped bass is caught is a consideration in determining whether or not it is safe to eat.

Even different areas of the same rivers and lakes can have various amounts of pollutants.

Consult with the local authorities before you eat striped bass to be sure that the area where it was fished is safe.

Recommendations

The recommendation for consuming striped bass is that males over the age of 15 and women over the age of 50 can safely consume one-half pound of this fish once per month.

Women who are of the age to become pregnant and children should not consume striped bass because of the possibility of toxins.

Preparation

Skillet Fried

This fish is so delicious that it needs very little added to it when cooking. In fact, too many additions will compete with the flavor of the fish.

Try adding a little bit of flour to the skin of the fish and then frying it in butter on the stove. Add some lemon juice, garlic, and a pinch of salt.

Grilled

Striper is an excellent fish for grilling because of its meaty texture. Brush the grill with oil and then preheat the surface.

Sprinkle fish with your favorite herbs. Then grill the fish for about five minutes on each side until you can see the skin becoming opaque.

Baked

Baking striped bass is simple. Just put the fish on a baking sheet and add salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Drizzle olive oil over the top, Then bake it for about 12 minutes in a 435-degree oven.

Striped bass is a delicious fish that can be consumed in moderation. Know the recommendations for the area where the fish was raised or caught, and avoid it if you fall into a high-risk category for toxins.