master-cooks | Why You Should Always Ask Your Fishmonger To Descale Your Fish

When purchasing fish, asking your fishmonger to descale it offers several benefits that enhance your cooking and dining experience. Descaling fish can be a messy and time-consuming task, often leaving tiny, stubborn scales scattered across your kitchen. By having a professional handle it, you save time and avoid the hassle of cleaning up afterward. Additionally, fishmongers are experienced in descaling and can do it more efficiently and thoroughly than most home cooks, ensuring that your fish is perfectly prepared for cooking. Properly descaled fish also improves the texture and flavor of your dish. Scales that are left on can become tough and unpleasant when cooked, detracting from the overall enjoyment of the meal. A fishmonger will ensure that all scales are removed, allowing you to focus on seasoning and cooking the fish to perfection. Moreover, handling fish requires a certain level of expertise to maintain its freshness and quality. Fishmongers are skilled in preserving the delicate nature of fish, ensuring that it remains in optimal condition until it reaches your kitchen. By entrusting them with the task of descaling, you are more likely to enjoy a fresher, tastier dish.

Why skin is so important on fish

Descaling fish is crucial because it allows you to fully prepare and enjoy the skin. While often neglected in cooking, fish skin has a dedicated following. Renowned chef José Andrés even considers it the best part of grilled fish. The skin is vital for cooking, especially with salmon; removing it entirely is a common mistake, as it helps regulate cooking and prevents the fish from disintegrating.

Moreover, fish skin is rich in essential nutrients. As Joe Gurrera points out, "It's high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health." He achieves the perfect texture by cooking his fish skin at high heat, stating, "I broil my Norwegian salmon fillet with the skin side up to make it wonderfully crispy."

While it's technically feasible to descale fish at home, it requires considerable effort. Professionals use specialized tools, including descaling devices that efficiently handle the task. Without such tools, you'll have to rely on a regular kitchen knife or a spoon, which is much slower and can damage the fish's flesh, complicating the cooking process. It's best to leave this job to the experts and have your fishmonger handle the cleaning for you.

Why You Should Always Ask Your Fishmonger To Descale Your Fish

Why skin is so important on fish

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