Escolar It Is No Accident
Everything You Need To Know About Escolar
Have you ever heard of white tuna? If so, it may surprise you to know that there is really no such thing. When people speak about white tuna, they are actually referring to the culinary delight that is escolar. This fish is one of the best tasting types of fish on the market, and it is high in nutrients. However, there is more you should know about escolar fish before you decide to grab a plate of escolar sashimi at your local sushi joint.
What is Escolar?
Escolar is a fatty fish that is literally called scaly, yellow-brown tuna. Though its Latin name translates to tuna, escolar fish is anything but. This butter fish can grow to be larger than a tall man and weigh nearly half as much. Some of the larger varieties of escolar fish have weighed in at 100 lbs and over 7 feet in length. When asking yourself what is escolar and why does it have such unique features, keep in mind that it lives deep in the ocean away from the sun and other natural predators.
Is it Safe to Eat Escolar Fish?
It is safe to eat escolar fish, however, it is important to limit how much you consume at once. Escolar has an extremely high fat content that can lead to diarrhea. Escolar fish are unable to metabolize the wax in their diet which in turn is stored in their flesh. Think along the lines of castor oil; it is safe to consume in small amounts, but it will also send you to the bathroom. Humans are unable to process large amounts of the wax esters found in escolar fish, so eating too much will trigger keriorrhea.
Escolar fish triggered keriorrhea is not overly harmful, but it is embarrassing and can lead to dehydration. Similar to diarrhea, eating too much escolar will result in the rapid and explosive expulsion of oil that is orange-yellow in color. Other notable side effects are anal leakage, vomiting, headache, stomach cramps, and nausea. This can start as soon as a half an hour after the consumption of escolar fish, or as late as three days after consumption.
Escolar vs Tuna: What Is the Difference?
Escolar fish and tuna are often both used to make sushi, sashimi, and other seafood dishes. One of the main differences between escolar sushi, escolar sashimi and the tuna variant is the taste. Escolar fish has a smooth, butter taste that us sultry in texture to the point of melting in your mouth. High grade tuna is also buttery in taste, but the meat is much firmer with a bit more acidity in its flavor profile.
The color is the next difference between tuna and escolar. Tuna is most often light pink or dark pink in tone. Escolar fish is white in color but the texture of the fish is much more satin-like. Certain types of tuna have a high fat content, while escolar fish is almost mostly fat to the point of being considered oily.
Important Escolar Sashimi & Escolar Sushi Tips To Remember
Now that you know more about what is escolar, we can give you a few tips to help you enjoy the fish every time you prepare it. Escolar sashimi and escolar sushi are two of the most common dishes made using the fish, but there are plenty more recipes to choose from. Escolar fish is great when poached, broiled, grilled, or even baked. Slivers of escolar sautéed with truffles also make for a memorable meal. Escolar fish is best prepared with fruit salsa, simple marinades, or other light sauces that don’t overpower its buttery taste. Some safety tips to keep in mind are:
- Eat within two days of purchase
- Avoid dishes labeled as “white tuna”
- Double check when buying anything labeled “oil fish” or “Bincyo”
- Limit the amount you consume to prevent keriorrhea
- Always buy from legitimate sources who accurately label their seafood
Making Succulent Escolar Sushi
Escolar fish is considered to be one of the most delicious tasting fish in the world. It is rather affordable, and it offers a rich flavor profile that is only comparable with the fattiest tuna. Escolar sushi lends the dish a satiny texture that is paired with rich flavor, similar to fresh halibut. The fish can be used in sushi the same way as tuna or salmon, but it must be used in smaller quantities due to the side effects that come with the overconsumption of escolar.
https://globalseafoods.com/blogs/news/escolar-it-is-no-accident
