What texture quality distinguishes cooked escolar from the flaky texture of true tuna or common white fish?
Answer
Slightly oily or almost waxy
One method suggested for identifying potentially mislabeled escolar, beyond checking sourcing, involves assessing the cooked texture, which often betrays the presence of high fat content. Unlike the typical flaky texture associated with true tuna or many common white fish varieties like cod, cooked escolar frequently presents a distinct mouthfeel described as slightly oily or almost waxy. This textural difference arises directly from the high concentration of the indigestible wax esters which, while causing internal distress, also alter the physical characteristics of the flesh when heated.

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