{"id":5085,"date":"2023-12-12T23:20:17","date_gmt":"2023-12-13T04:20:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/millenora.com\/?p=5085"},"modified":"2023-12-12T23:20:19","modified_gmt":"2023-12-13T04:20:19","slug":"what-is-masago-in-sushi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/millenora.com\/what-is-masago-in-sushi\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is Masago In Sushi? Origin, Taste, Types, Benefits, Downsides, And Uses"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Masago is a popular inclusion in Asian cuisine. It is valued for its vibrant orange hue, unique taste, texture, and nutritional benefits. Masago is one of the lesser-known sushi ingredients. It is not very popular, and it is not so rare either.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This semi-crunchy ingredient has gained a lot of popularity among sushi chefs and lovers of Japanese food. However, not so much is known about masago except that it is fish roe and served raw.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you are looking to learn more about this awesome Japanese ingredient, you should continue scrolling. Learn about masago in sushi \u2013 what it is, its taste profile, how to use it, health benefits, and potential side effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Masago is the Japanese word for smelt roe (eggs). <\/em><\/strong>Smelt roe is prepared from the eggs of the capelin fish, which is found in the Arctic, Atlantic, and Pacific oceans. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Capelin fish is a small forage fish that serves as a food source for other fishes like whales, seals, seabirds, and codfish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Capelin is a sleek, slender fish with an olive-green back and silver belly, with much resemblance to sardines. They lay their eggs on the gravel of beaches, unlike other smelts that lay theirs in freshwater.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This fish is bred more commonly for its eggs. The female capelin begins producing eggs from the age of 2-4; they carry 6,000 to 30,000 eggs. The eggs are harvested for products like masago just before the fish begins to spawn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Furthermore, capelin roe is pale yellow and is sometimes dyed to have a vibrant orange, red, or yellow to enhance the appearance of sushi rolls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Masago has a rich flavor. <\/strong>It is savory and briny like most seafood. The rich flavor comes from the different curing ingredients like salt, MSG, high-corn fructose syrup, and soy sauce. Its sand-like texture adds a bit of a crunch to any dish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The different types of masago are all from the roe of capelin, but they differ in color due to the different food coloring used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is the most common type of masago. It has a mild flavor, with a subtle sweet and umami-like taste. The orange hue comes from FD&C yellow #6 food dye. It includes curing ingredients like MSG, soy sauce, corn syrup, and salt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Black masago gets its color from FD&C Yellow #5, Blue #1, and Red #40. It is not as flavorful as orange masago, but it is equally nutritious. It uses the same curing ingredients as orange masago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Red masago shares a lot of similarities with orange masago. But its color comes from FD&C Red #40 dye instead of Yellow #6. It includes the same ingredients as orange masago and tastes the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wasabi masago stands out from the others in terms of flavor. It is flavored with horseradish or wasabi and gets its color from yellow and blue food dyes. The curing ingredients in this capelin roe are the same as with others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Masago is a healthy addition to sushi rolls and any other meal you add it to. <\/strong>It is a low-calorie roe that is high in other nutrients. Below are some of the nutritional and health benefits you can get from eating masago:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Masago is high in omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids are good for heart health, eye health, cognitive functions, weight management, and reducing inflammation. They also help the body produce hormones that regulate blood clotting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not many people know this, but this fish roe contains all nine essential amino acids your body needs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n One ounce of masago contains the same amount of protein as one large chicken egg. As a rich protein source, it supports appetite control and weight management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Besides vitamin D-fortified milk, incorporating masago into your diet can help you meet up your vitamin D RDA. This fish roe supports calcium absorption for proper bone and muscle growth, repair, and function.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Vitamin D is an essential macronutrient that the body needs to support its resistance to insomnia, depression, osteoporosis in children, and fatigue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most people are afraid of consuming mercury in seafood. This is not the case with masago. It is a low-mercury seafood option like salmon and tobiko. It is safe for everyone, including pregnant women if eaten in moderation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Masago is available in online stores, in Japanese restaurants and markets, Asian supermarkets, and high-end seafood markets. The fastest and cheapest place to buy masago is from online stores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The downside to online stores, however, is that due to the long distance they are shipped from, the eggs may have gone bad before they get to you. Physical markets and stores are more reliable for freshness and quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat does masago taste like?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Types of masago<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Orange masago<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Black masago<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Red masago<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Wasabi masago<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Is masago healthy?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A good dose of omega-3<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Masago is a complete protein<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
It is a natural source of vitamin D<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Low mercury content<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How to get the best masago<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How to use masago in sushi<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
As fillings for sushi rolls<\/h3>\n\n\n