Seahorses are a popular fish in the aquarium trade, but they’re also edible. The question is: can you eat seahorse? Yes, seahorses are not only safe to eat but also have some health benefits when prepared correctly and eaten in small quantities. However, there are some risks associated with eating them as well as some potential dangers of preparation that you should consider before deciding whether or not to try this delicacy for yourself.
Can You Eat Seahorse?
You can eat a seahorse. It is considered a delicacy in certain parts of the world and has even been called “the most expensive fish in the sea.”
The seahorse is a marine fish that belongs to the family Syngnathidae. There are over 50 species of seahorses, but only four are eaten by humans. These include:
Pacific white-spotted seahorse (Hippocampus erectus)
Atlantic blue-spotted seahorse (Hippocampus guttulatus)
Greater short-snouted seahorse (Hippocampus kuda)
Lesser short-snouted seahorse (Hippocampus breviceps)
Are There Any Risks To Eating Seahorses?
It’s true that eating seahorse is not a common practice, but it is not illegal to eat them. In fact, they are a delicacy in Japan and have become synonymous with the country’s high-quality fish market. Seawater fish like seahorse are considered to be among the most expensive fish you can buy; a single seahorse can cost hundreds of dollars if you’re buying it from an upscale grocery store or restaurant.
Seahorses are also used in traditional Chinese medicine and as aphrodisiacs for men experiencing impotence issues. The flesh of these creatures contains protein and omega 3 fatty acids which make them good sources of protein and healthy fats respectively (particularly if they’re eaten fresh).
As long as you’re using your best judgment when deciding where to get your seafood from, there should be no worries about consuming sea horse meat since there isn’t any evidence showing that it causes harm or negative side effects when eaten regularly by humans.
Benefits Of Eating Seahorses
There are many benefits of eating seahorses. They are good sources of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, and other essential nutrients. They also contain antioxidants and amino acids that can help fight free radicals in your body.
Below are some of the benefits of eating seahorses:
High In Protein
Seahorses contain high amounts of protein compared to other types of seafood. A 3-ounce serving of seahorse contains about 25 grams of protein, which is more than half the daily recommended amount for an adult male (46 grams per day). Protein is essential for maintaining muscle mass as well as providing energy for your body’s functions.
Rich Source Of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrient that helps lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels in the body by reducing inflammation and oxidation in cells throughout the body.
What Do Seahorses Taste Like?
If you’re like most people, you probably haven’t tried seahorse. That’s because it’s a delicacy in some countries and is only served at high-end restaurants. While the taste of seahorse varies from region to region, it’s generally described as having an earthy flavor with hints of grass and liver.
How To Prepare and Clean Seahorse
If you’re ready to prepare your seahorse, first remove the outer skin by scraping it with a knife. Then remove the digestive tract by cutting off the tail and fins.
The next step is to cut open and clean out any remaining organs in its stomach (the bony plates are attached to this organ).
Once that’s done, wash it thoroughly with water and vinegar before cooking or eating it.
How To Cook Seahorse
Seafood lovers will find that seahorse is a delicious fish and can be prepared in a variety of ways. It is best when cooked with other fish, like salmon or cod.
Below is one of the easiest ways to cook seahorses:
Season your seahorse with salt, pepper, and paprika.
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat until it begins to shimmer. Add the seahorse, skin side down, and cook until browned, about 2 minutes. Flip over and cook for an additional 1 minute or so. Remove from heat and set aside on a plate covered with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
In another large skillet over medium heat, add the butter and shallots and sauté until soft (about 5 minutes). Add the garlic, wine, and lemon juice and cook until reduced by half (about 10 minutes). Add the stock, tomatoes (seeds removed), and bay leaves; season with salt and pepper to taste; bring to a boil then reduce heat to medium-low; simmer for 15 minutes until reduced by half again.
Taste for seasoning; remove bay leaves before serving.
Conclusion
With the possibility of eating seahorses, there are many benefits that will come with it. From an increased protein intake to a lower risk of heart disease, the list goes on and on. The best part is that you don’t have to travel far or spend too much money when it comes down to finding this food source because it can be found right in your own backyard.
Kate has been in the food business for over 20 years. Worked as a cook at several buffets which include Old Country Buffet, Five Star Buffet, and Ichiban Buffet. Now, I’m mostly at home cooking for my family, caring for chickens and ducks, and tending the garden.