Why is the Eelpout particularly susceptible to picking up off-flavors?

Answer

It lives on lake bottoms composed of muddy sediment

The freshwater Eelpout's habitat choice—living on lake bottoms—makes it highly susceptible to absorbing off-flavors present in its immediate surroundings. When the lake bottom is composed of muddy sediment, the fish can acquire an undesirable, earthy "muddy" taste. This sensitivity means that the source location dictates the flavor outcome more significantly for the Eelpout than for the marine Pout, requiring careful processing to mitigate these earthiness notes.

Why is the Eelpout particularly susceptible to picking up off-flavors?

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