When most people think of seafood, they think of fish and shrimp, but not those gelatinous, tentacled creatures in the sea. But yes, jellyfish are edible; they have been feeding communities around Asia for centuries, and are slowly turning up on plates around the world.Unlike the stinging, wobbly jellyfish you see while swimming, the jellyfish prepared for eating has been specially processed to remove toxins and texture issues. Many cultures like jellyfish for its crunchy bite, subtle flavour, and distinctive culinary character. But besides taste, new research hints that jellyfish could be a low-calorie, nutrient-rich option with potential benefits, making it a curious and relevant choice for adventurous eaters.A study titled “Jellyfish as Food: Narrative Review” published in PubMed Central highlights both the nutritional potential and processing methods of edible jellyfish.
Are all jellyfish edible and safe to eat
Not all jellyfish are raw-friendly. The edible ones are treated to eliminate stingers, poisonous components, and excess fluid. The conventional procedure to make them edible is to salt and dehydrate them in China, Japan, and Southeast Asia to make them crunchy and palatable to eat.
How is jellyfish prepared for eating and what it taste like
In Chinese cuisine, it is commonly served chilled in a salad made with sesame oil, soy sauce, and vinegar. In Japan, it is thinly sliced and served with dips. When it is finally processed, it has a texture similar to that of crispy salted strips rather than raw wet strings floating in a pool of liquid.If you have not had a chance to eat jellyfish before, you may be surprised at how it tastes. The flesh is normally faintly flavoured, with a clean mouthfeel that is vastly complemented by strong spices or sauces. However, it’s the texture that showcases its superiority to the point where it’s normally crunchy like a water chestnut when properly cooked, to be specific, and this is why many types of Asian cuisine find jellyfish a delicacy.
Is eating jellyfish healthy
Yes, but like any other type of cuisine, it also depends on how you make the dish.Low-calorie and fat content make jellyfish a favourite of health-conscious consumers. Potential health benefits of Jellyfish lie in the presence of some essential nutrients, such as collagen and some minerals. However, if proper processing is not observed, this can lead to an overdose or texture issues with salt.
Important things to know before eating jellyfish
Before you decide to taste jellyfish, there are a couple of things that you have to keep in mind. For instance, do not eat it raw, or perhaps collect it yourself, because this may result in toxins being left behind. Also, look for food that is prepared by experienced cooks. In addition to that, be very careful if you have any sensitivities when it comes to seafood or high-sodium foods, because, for instance, some jellyfish foods are salty. Additionally, remember that jellyfish is more appreciated for its texture rather than its taste.
