Con Pescado- With Fish

I have talked about the importance of fish in the Mediterranean diet before. In the UK, Fish and Chips is one of the most popular dishes, now whilst I am a big fan too, battered and fried fish with fried potatoes is not a healthy meal even with all the benefits of fish. When I googled fish, it brought up nearby Fish and Chip shops which says a lot.

A Mediterranean diet incorporates the traditional healthy living habits of people from countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, including: Greece, Italy and Spain. The Mediterranean diet varies by country and region. But generally, it's high in vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, beans, cereals, grains, fish and unsaturated fats such as olive oil. It usually includes a low intake of meat and dairy foods. Fish are important in the Mediterranean diet, which recommends consuming more fish (at least twice a week) than meat. Fatty fish; mackerel, herring, sardines, albacore tuna, salmon and lake trout are all rich in omega-3 fatty acids. (A type of polyunsaturated fat that may reduce inflammation in the body)

Conveniently close to the Mediterranean Sea, it’s no surprise that people in the Mediterranean eat mostly locally sourced seafood. Seafood, both fish and shellfish, are consumed several times per week. Naturally, the fresher, the better when it comes to the quality and taste of seafood.

I added more fish to my diet, whilst staying in Spain. However, Spanish Pescaderías or fish markets can be very intimidating and very different to the fish counters in the UK. Whole fish are displayed on ice, with large shiny eyes staring up at you and gaping mouths revealing rows of razor-sharp teeth. So many varieties are displayed it’s difficult to choose and certainly a linguistic challenge to explain what you want to buy.

In Mallorca, most of the fish on sale, is imported from mainland Spain due to the local decline. However, there are still some local varieties especially appreciated by the Mallorcans. Perhaps the most famous is the Gamba Roja de Sóller or Sóller Red Prawn which is fished daily and brought to Port de Sóller, where they are sold at the local fish market. These prawns can be eaten raw in carpaccio or tartare, baked in salt, fried or grilled. The most sought-after variety of fish is the raor or razorfish, which is considered the most coveted and expensive fish in the Balearic Islands. There are also plenty of Mediterranean rockfish species such as the caproig or the anfòs which are commonly used in stews. Popular local recipes include lobster casserole, sea bass in rock salt, seafood rice and greixonera de peix, a hearty fish stew cooked in an earthenware bowl. Which is my favourite way of eating fish in Mallorca. Native Mallorcans prefer their fresh seafood grilled with just a bit of salt and lemon and if you are sitting close to the sea this is just perfect. My local friends took me to a seafood restaurant and the meal its self was very simple, grilled fish and local vegetables without any sauce, but the freshness of both made it one of the best meals I have every had. The Balearic Islands have a lot of wonderful fish restaurants for ever budget, many with lovely views.

In Malaga, fried fish called pescaíto is the backbone of typical Malaga cuisine. Served at restaurants and beach bars throughout the city, plates of pescaíto are part and parcel of any Malagueños lunch or supper. Given its perfect seaside location, it probably comes as no surprise that one of the most popular tapas in Malaga is a form of seafood. The beachfront bars known as Chiringuitos, grill sewers of seafood known as espetos, sardines being the most popular, directly over an open flame on a grill made of an old fishing boat. Freshly fished from Malaga bay and grilled to perfection. If you only eat one thing while you’re here, make it these. I love to go for a long walk by the seafront and the sight and wonderful aromas of the Chiringuitos make it an unforgettable experience. There was talk about these been banned, to public outcry as these are so much part of the coastline.

Its impossible to visit Spain without having Tapas, and Malaga’s boquerones fritos, which are crispy fried anchovies are delicious and I don’t like the salty little fish usually. Octopus is also popular in Tapas, I can't say that I like it all that much, but I think its important to at least try local dishes.

If you are in Spain do remember that not only is fish good for health but it will be totally delicious too particularly with a chilled glass of wine and a sea front view.