Did you know that the Marlin is one of the most aggressive species of saltwater fish in the world? They are mostly found deep in the ocean, miles away from the shores.
The Marlin fish is considered the holy grail of open sea fishing; they are very fast, avid swimmers, and it takes a lot of skill to catch one. Its huge size makes it strong and hard to reel in when caught.
The Blue Marlin is the most sought-after game fish in the world. Sport anglers from all over the planet will travel to remote areas when this fish can be found and toil tirelessly for hours just to catch one. There are different types of marlin, many of which are edible, but some species are known to contain dangerously high levels of mercury and are not meant for consumption.
What does marlin taste like? Marlin looks aesthetically pleasing, which has led many people to believe that it should have an exotic taste. The taste of marlin is gamey. It is unique and doesn’t taste like any other fish. It has a slightly pronounced mild flavor and a texture similar to steak.
The flesh color of marlin differs; it can be white or pink, depending on the fish’s diet. Even though marlin shares some physical characteristics with more popular fishes like tuna and swordfish, it doesn’t feature in many recipes because many people feel it is a sportfish that should be preserved, not eaten.
Nutritional Benefits of Marlin
Marlin contains a million nutritional benefits. Of course, that is just an exaggeration, but you get the point. Marlin provides the body with vitamins B12, B6, A, D, C, niacin, and selenium. It has low sodium and fat content, making it an excellent addition to one’s diet. It is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids can help promote heart health and reduce the risk of cardiac arrest by helping to regulate blood pressure.
It contains a great deal of calcium, which is excellent for developing bones as the babies grow. It also contains vitamin B complex, which helps with hair quality and growth. You also have vitamin A, which is excellent for the eyes. Marlin supplies the body with phosphorus and vitamin D, which positively affects our bodies. Vitamin D is essential for maintaining a healthy dentition and bone structure.
The eyes and head of the blue marlin contain compounds known as polysaccharides. These compounds help control blood flow in the body, eliminating blockages that can affect the heart in the long run. Regularly eating marlin fish can also help lower cholesterol levels in the body. This attribute is thanks to the amount of omega-3 fatty acids in the fish. Eating marlin might also be able to help with Acne. Its high levels of omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation in the skin.
Culinary Uses of Marlin
There are several ways to cook marlin; one of the most popular ways of cooking it is to smoke it. This method of cooking marlin is prevalent in areas like Cabo San Lucas in Mexico, where anglers from all over the world congregate to fish for trophy-sized marlins.
You can also decide to grill or pan-sear marlin. In Japan, marlin is enjoyed raw in small quantities as sashimi. Other recipes like Poke and Carpaccio also require marlin to be used while raw. Eating raw marlin isn’t advisable if you are not sure of the freshness of the fish.
Grilling allows you to add a wide range of spices and other ingredients of your choice. In restaurants, it is more common to have pan-seared marlin. Its texture, which is similar to steak, makes it highly enjoyable in this fashion.
The best way to get the best taste out of marlin is to cook it. In this manner, you can add any ingredient of your choice and have the flesh of the fish absorb all the flavor and different blends of taste.
Marlin is a great-tasting fish, but there are concerns about its high levels of mercury. The longer the fish spends in the water, the higher its mercury levels. If you must eat marlin, make sure you don’t eat it too frequently.
What is the Origin of Marlin? How to Procure it?
Marlin is one of the most endangered fish species in the ocean. Recreational anglers are encouraged to release the fish back into the sea if they only fish for sport. The Blue Marlin is the most popular species of marlin; it is easily identified by its distinct pointed nose and torpedo-like body.
Other species of marlin are characterized by their elongated body, sword-like nose, and a dorsal fin that has its high point near the front part of the body.
Marlins can swim at high speeds, thanks to their uniquely designed tail. They have long lobes on their tail that allow them to reach water undisturbed by the fish’s body, giving them enough force to propel themselves faster.
The marlin fish can grow up to 500 pounds and provide enough flesh to feed dozens of people. Since the fish is almost considered an endangered species, it is hard to procure, and the constant demand makes it very expensive.
How Much is a 500-Pound Marlin Worth?
In 2013, a group of Hong Kong anglers managed to snag a 3.6-meter-long pacific blue marlin weighing 498 pounds. It took them over 36 hours to reel it into their boat, and it had died by the time they brought it to land.
The International Game Fishing Association puts the price of that marlin at $10,000. Today, it might cost more.
Fact You Don’t Know About Marlin
- The largest marlin ever caught is a 4.9-meters-long 1,375-pound marlin, caught by a couple off the coast of Hawaii in 1982.