Many foods in the world are termed delicacies. One of the most sought out delicacy food items around the globe is MASAGO. They are the edible eggs of the fish named Capelin from the smelt family. These fish are small and silvery-green in color.
Capelin slightly resembles Sardines which can be confusing to many people. Capelin fish are edible, but apart from that, it is highly sought for the product, among which masago is considered an integral part of sushi dishes.
Masago comes in various colors though commonly, it is pale yellow. Masago is often dyed in orange, red, or green to create a sumptuous dish.
Masago vs. Caviar
Masago and Caviar are both consumable eggs of different species of fish. Caviar is harvested from the wild Sturgeon fish family, and the color ranges from amber or green to deep dark black. The taste of masago is salty, slightly bitter, and Smokey, whereas Caviar is salty. Masago is widely available everywhere; hence it is not expensive, but Caviar is overpriced. The texture of masago is dull, but Caviar has a glossy shine attached to it. The size of masago is also relatively smaller than Caviar.
What are the health benefits of masago?
Calories
Fishes are an excellent source of proteins and calories. It is widely consumed worldwide daily. Similarly, Masago being a delicacy entails a nutrition-packed food. It is low in carbohydrates and calories but contains protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals in an ample amount.
Omega 3 fatty acids
The focal point is omega-three fatty acids which fight inflammation throughout your body. Besides, it reduces triglycerides, reduces depression, and even expels excess fat from the liver, resulting in better health. It also fights cognitive disabilities. This way, very few omega-six fatty acids are induced in your diet.
Proteins
Masago provides proteins that help in the building of proteins. Eating masago means a satisfying meal while not overindulging, resulting in metabolic boost and maintenance or weight loss.
Selenium
Fish eggs contain selenium which supports your immune system. It helps to fight off cognitive diseases magnifying the immune level at all ages. Selenium is a powerful Antioxidant and also reduces cancers. Alongside, it reduces asthma and is beneficial for thyroid patients.
Alongside many health benefits discussed above, masago produces Vitamin D, which reduces cardiac arrest risk, giving extensive health benefits.
Popular Masago dishes
With the health benefits discussed above, let us look at how masago is used in food recipes worldwide.
Mango Sushi Masago:
To get the perfect Rice Masago roll, rinse and cook rice and keep it aside. Once it cools but slightly warm, stir in sugar, vinegar, and salt. Next, neatly layout Bamboo sheets with a piece of plastic on top. Then fold the nori sheets in half and split with a pair of kitchen scissors. Place half sheet on Bamboo. Spread 3/4 cup of rice over Nori and flip it so that rice is facing down.
Place crab and Avocado slices on top and lift the Bamboo mat over the filling. Roll the mat away from you while applying pressure to keep it tight. Cut each roll into eight even pieces. Here, now with delicate hands, spread Masago on top of each piece and use fingers to spread it. Serve and enjoy.
Baked Salmon with Mayo and masago:
To get the perfect Rice Masago roll, rinse and cook rice and keep it aside. Once it cools but slightly warm, stir in sugar, vinegar, and salt. Next, neatly layout Bamboo sheets with a piece of plastic on top. Then fold the nori sheets in half and split with a pair of kitchen scissors.
Place half sheet on Bamboo. Spread 3/4 cup of rice over Nori and flip it so that rice is facing down. Place crab and Avocado slices on top and lift the Bamboo mat over the filling. Roll the mat away from you while applying pressure to keep it tight. Cut each roll into eight even pieces. Here, now with delicate hands, spread Masago on top of each piece and use fingers to spread it. Serve and enjoy.
This dish has its roots in Korean cuisine and is perfect for a large family or a party. This dish is delicate with farmed and wild salmon both, though the latter gives a heavenly taste. To have a Korean dinner ambiance in your house:
- Preheat the oven to 375 F for a whole fillet and individual servings.
- Cut the fillet into 6-7 pieces and marinate it with salt and pepper.
- Lightly sprinkle lemon juice on each piece and let marination sink in.
Next, prepare Mayo Masago sauce by finely chopping onion using a chopper or a grater. Add in chopped green onions and optionally parsley. In a bowl, mix Mayo, onions, masago, green onions, salt, Maesil syrup, parsley, and Sriracha sauce (optional). Next, lightly oil a pan with parchment. Place salmon with skin side down and evenly spoon the masago with mayo sauce on top. Bake it till it’s a nice brown with all juices inside the meat. Enjoy a Korean way of fine dining.
Japanese masago Spaghetti.
Another genre of food that is famous in Japanese is Masago spaghetti. The balance of iconic flavors is a must to try in restaurants. Recreate the exotic dish, boil a large pot of water; meanwhile, mix Mayo, cream, dashi, mirin, masago, and 1 tbsp of soy sauce. Next, fry the eggs and when water is boiled, drop the spaghetti with salt to prevent sticking.
Then, saute vegetables and sear mushrooms. Add Asparagus with soy sauce in vegetables. Add cream mixture to vegetables and reduce the sauce. Add boiled pasta and top with Shiso, Nori, and fried eggs. Voila! The dish is ready.
Given below are some other ways to add masago to your diet.
- Combine cheese, masago, and a choice of your fruit for a zesty appetizer.
- Use masago to flavor the rice.
- Put masago into poke bowls for a blissful topping.
- Add masago to noodle dishes.
- Mix wasabi into masago to flavor meat rolls.
Where to buy masago?
Masago is widely available in all supermarkets in the frozen section and at the fish market. Many online companies deliver directly in 1 or 2 days via online orders.
How to store masago?
The shelf life is up to 6 months frozen and 3 – 4 days refrigerated. Usually, it is frozen for storage and, once opened, moved to the refrigerator.
Potential risk factors of consuming masago:
Ecological imbalance:
Many people prefer masago over other seafood items, but overfishing in large quantities raises questions about marine life. Many egg-bearing female capelins are fished to fulfill the supply-demand of masago; hence the concerned species might go extinct shortly.
Sodium content:
Masago is rich in sodium, and for enhancing taste, ingredients such as soy sauce and salt are added, a taste that can lead to increased blood pressure in many people. High consumption also results in heart failure and osteoporosis.
Risk of allergies:
People who are allergic to seafood are sure to avoid it as it contains Vitellogenin, an allergen. Moreover, fish roe can cause rashes, narrowing of airways, and low B.P.
Disruption in body system:
Avoid the combination of masago with fructose corn syrup and monosodium glutamate MSG as it disrupts metabolism, insulin, and resistance and induces inflammation. It can result in incurable diseases.
Conclusion:
Masago is edible fish eggs that come from the family of capelin smelt. Masago is loaded with proteins selenium, omega 3, and vitamin B12. It is highly consumed worldwide as a staple seafood item making the meal extra delicious. Though masago is enjoyed in delicious ways, you should keep an eye on ingredients that prove less beneficial to the human system. Nonetheless, it is a sure cuisine to try and savor the wonderful flavors it offers.
Also Read: Zoophobia – Incredible Facts: Top 10 Symptoms and Treatments