

Age-related Macular Degeneration – or AMD – is a common cause of blindness among older people. One study asserts that individuals who eat a diet rich in omega-3s were nearly 40% less likely to develop age-related macular degeneration. These elements can help lower the risk of heart disease as well as preserve and improve brain function. The head, in particular, contains surprisingly high concentrations of these nutrients. Fish meat contains lean protein, vitamin A, and omega-3 fatty acids. If the potential flavor experience of fish eyeballs isn’t enough to win you over, perhaps the nutritional value will!Įxperts consider fish to be one of the healthier foods to consume in general. These methods subdue some of the stronger fishy flavor and help firm up the meat for those who have an aversion to squishy textures.ĭon’t allow squeamishness to rob you of a potentially incredible culinary experience! Are Fish Eyeballs Good For You? They can also be grilled, baked, or broiled. Fish eyes can be served in soups and broths. With fish eyes, for instance, you may want to try eating them cooked first, though they can be consumed raw. It is wise, then, to slowly introduce new flavors and textures to our palates. Our internal compass often inhibits us from trying things we see as culturally taboo. įor many western consumers, it’s our minds, not our tongues, that prevent us from eating eyes. Some experts say that the secret to eating fish eyes is to let them sit in your mouth as long as possible, allowing the array of fatty flavor and gelatinous, spongy texture to dance across your palate.

As you continue to bite in, the eye releases an explosion of rich, umami flavor. When biting into the eyeball, you’ll experience a crunchy, wafer-like texture in the center of the eye. Chefs sometimes compare fish eyeballs to eating raw oysters. The outer layer of the eyeball is soft and gooey. That being said, there are some distinct similarities one should expect when eating fish eyes. The type and size of the fish, whether the fish lives in saltwater or fresh water, and how exactly the fish is prepared will influence the final flavor. The exact texture and flavor of a fish eyeball can vary.
#EDIBLE EYEBALLS HOW TO#
He shows you how to extract the eyes without popping them and how to make a sauce using them. Here is a video with Chef Davin Waite where he uses Tuna eyeballs to flavor Tuna nigiri. As these trends continue to expand, expect to discover previously overlooked ingredients pop up on menus. Western consumers are becoming more willing to try new flavors and textures. Thanks to globalization, these food trends are slowly infiltrating western society. Families in Sri Lanka, for instance, consume the entire fish – eyes and all – as a means of avoiding waste and getting the most nutritional value out of their catch. Many cultures rely on fish because it’s cheap. The eyeballs add a more viscous texture and a greater depth of flavor. One of the most famous Russians soups, dating all the way back to the 17th century – called ukha – is made using whole fish heads, eyes and all! Įven in Spain, chefs frequently use fish eyes to thicken and flavor sauces and broths because they contain a gelling agent. In Russia, soups and broths are common food staples. In China, home cooks and chefs alike commonly serve the entire fish as a main course, reserving the eyeballs for the most honorable guest. In fact, the heads and tails are a sign of good luck. In these cultures, every part of the fish is either eaten or utilized in some way. In many Asian countries, fishing is a mainstay. For the rest of the world, however, this is far from the case. Our fish markets and meat counters generally offer only clean, prime cuts. In the west, we tend to keep a comfortable distance between ourselves and our food. Moreover, as western palates become more adventurous, once over-looked ingredients like fish eyeballs become increasingly eye-catching! Who Eats Fish Eyeballs? Using more parts from the fish we already catch can help solve our huge food waste problems. With nutrients like protein and omega 3 fatty acids, they’re surprisingly good for you, too.

Fish Eyeballs contain delicious umami flavor. Would you eat a fish eyeball? In western culture, we generally avoid food that can look at us! However, in places like China, Russia, Sri Lanka, and more, fish eyes are a popular delicacy.
