Carp for Lithuanians like pork: consumption advice and delicious recipes

Appreciate the freshness

“According to its popularity, carp is not inferior to pork at all. Lithuanians really like this fish and the most important quality of carp is freshness. Taking care of animal welfare almost a year ago, we were the first in Lithuania to completely abandoning the aquariums, but this did not change the habits of buyers. To offer fresh carp, we collaborate with fishermen who are dedicated to fishing, and all processes are organized in such a way that the carp taken from the ponds reaches stores as soon as possible, ”says V. Budrienė.

To ensure the highest quality, fresh fish fresh from the ponds is processed overnight to reach the outlets in the morning. Vilma Juodkazienė, food expert from Iki, says that when you buy carp from a store, it is best to use it as fresh as possible. Like most meat or fish products, they should be consumed within 2 to 5 days.

Quality fish – special conditions

Algimantas Gylys, Šalčininkai fishery manager, says that until they hit store shelves, the carp are raised on his farm for three years. They, like other fish, require special conditions to be raised, with large areas to avoid stress. After all, in order for carp to be as tasty as possible, not only high-quality natural food is important, but also other factors that determine quality.

“On our farm, we grow all the fish, including carp, only in large, clean ponds. They do not contain grass and reeds. This is important because the plants in the pond use oxygen and therefore the conditions for the fish deteriorate. Furthermore, we often clean the sludge with the help of powerful equipment, so that there is no smell in the ponds, “says the director of the fishing farm. He says that the farm also prepares organic fish feed and fertilizes the crops that are used. for this with mud cleaned from the ponds to make it as natural as possible.

According to A. Gylis, carp are loved not only for their ancient traditions, but also for their good qualities. Carp are rich in omega 3 acids, vitamins A and D, as well as in various trace elements: phosphorus, zinc, selenium. And according to healthy eating recommendations, eating fish should be consumed at least a couple of times a week, as it is a source of quality protein.

Not only nutritious, but also easy to prepare

“This fish is also characterized by being extremely easy to prepare: you only need salt, flour and oil. The most delicious pieces of carp are sprinkled with salt, rolled in flour and fried in oil over high heat until the fish is golden on the outside and juicy on the inside ”, advises the Director of Fisheries.

It is also supported by V. Juodkazienė. The food expert says that carp can be prepared very easily. However, there are many easy-to-make traditional recipes in which fish is prepared with a variety of fillings or dressings: “Aromatic and juicy carp is easy to make, especially if you cook whole fish. All you have to do is prepare a filling for which you can use a variety of vegetables: carrots, beets. Or choose peppers or tomatoes for a more interesting seasoning. It is also possible to use Asian spices and season fish, such as ginger, which will give a pleasant aftertaste. “

Food expert V. Juodkazienė offers several different carp recipes.