Fish can be healthy, delicious, full of vitamins and omega 3s. For some religions, Fish Fridays are a welcome treat. There is nothing tastier than fresh caught fish when camping. But what is the healthiest and best species of fish that is native to Montana and Big Fish Fry Country.
What makes a Montana Fish the Best? How it is cooked
Age of fish Older fish have lived in an environment for a longer time. If the waters are polluted, they will absorb the pollution. The longer the exposure, the greater the contamination. Canyon Ferry Walleyes take 6-8 years to become eating sized. Rainbow trout in the same lake takes 2-3 years to become adults.
Waters the fish are from Sadly, most of Montana’s waters are beautiful but have natural and mining pollution issues. Lead, Arsenic, and mercury are present, Geothermal chemicals from the Earth are released into our main watersheds. The Yellowstone and Missouri Rivers have watersheds in Yellowstone National Park. Areas near gold mining means that mercury was used to clump fine placer gold together. The mercury ended up being cast off into local waters after use. This toxic element will always be a part of the ecosystem. These chemicals are absorbed into fish through the food chains.
How the fish was preserved before cooking. Once the fish has been caught, what impacts on its quality? How long have you fought the fish? The longer the fish fights, the more the lactic acid builds up in the fish. This acid changes the texture and fish taste. If you do not kill the fish immediately before putting it on ice or a stringer. The lactic acid builds. Bleeding the fish will also impact the texture and taste of the fish. Clean/filet the fish asap.
Wild or Stocked fish The truth is that stocked fish may be healthier than fish exposed to pollution in the wild. Hatchery fish are checked for health issues. When they are released, they will not absorb environmental pollution or problems for several months. Wild fish in a contaminated environment will have contamination in their body fats.
Raw or cooked. Uncooked anything has health risks. Quality Montana fish can be eaten as sushi but practice the healthy raw fish guidelines. There are many ways to cook fish. Have fun discovering new and healthy methods.
Fried or baked. Frying fish adds oils and calories to fish. Consider using an air fryer. This method makes wonderful meals without dripping oil. Baking fish also is a healthy choice. If you poach a fish, the picked meat Is perfect for fish cakes, soups, or chowders.
With these considerations in mind, what fish is the healthiest and tastiest in Big Fish Fry Country? Any fish caught and handled properly is a good choice. To remove any toxic chemicals, remove the skin, fins, bones, and belly fats. Thoroughly rinse the fish before consumption. A sharp knife is a useful tool.
I also Sweeten my fish before consumption.
Mix 3 tbsp. of salt and 2 tbsp. of baking soda into 1 gallon of water.
Submerge the fish into the solution. You can hold them down with a plate or weight.
Refrigerate for 4-6 hours
Rinse thoroughly with cold water and dry with paper towels. Now cook away and enjoy!
When you see the crud that comes out of your “Fresh Caught Wild Fish”, you will always Sweeten your filets.
Feast on Fish!
Montana Grant
