If an encountered opah fillet tastes overwhelmingly "fishy," what does this generally indicate?
Answer
A handling issue requiring careful chilling post-catch
An opah that exhibits an overwhelmingly 'fishy' taste is usually not reflective of the species' inherent quality but rather points toward improper post-capture handling. Because the fish possesses high concentrations of natural oils, it requires immediate and careful management, specifically meticulous chilling and processing right after being caught. Failure to adhere to these strict preservation standards allows the oils to degrade slightly or for unwanted compounds to develop, resulting in the undesirable, strong 'fishy' flavor. A high-quality, fresh specimen should instead present a clean, mild taste that emphasizes its rich, fatty nature.
Related Questions
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