In this topic dedicated to fish, we focus on two semi-fat fish that are quite well known, sea bream, sea bream and sea bass, as well as other fish on which their attachment to the group of whites or blues is not clear.
The sea bream, sea bass and sea bream they are not among white fish because they exceed the amount of fat that is taken as a reference for the group (2%). However, they do not reach the blue fish figure either. Semigrase fish contain a higher fat level of 2.5% without exceeding 6%.
In general there are no semi-fat fish as such, but depending on the time of the year a blue or white fish becomes semi-fat, because it reduces the fat content of your body.
Let's see at what age these fish can be introduced into children's diet, as well as their nutritional properties, some other fish whose membership in a group is not clear, and the best way of preparation.
At what age introduce semi-fat fish?
Well, following the sequence we have established, if white fish can be introduced between 9 or 10 months of the baby and blue fish at 18 months, semi-fat fish are suitable after 13 or 14 months.
However, according to the time of the year some of these fish have not accumulated fat and have a lean meat, becoming white fish. The difficult thing is to know before opening the fish, and even more so because today most of the pieces available in the market are marine aquaculture.
Dorada, sea bass and sea bream in infant feeding
Both sea bream and sea bass and sea bream are very tasty fish, with very fine meat and we can also easily extract the thorns, so they are suitable for children.
The gilthead, also called Golden Snapper, Moorish Zapata, Chacarona morena or Zapatilla, is a white or semi-salty and saltwater fish. It belongs to the Sparidae family. Its name comes from the golden strip that lies between its two eyes. Unlike other fish, it has a modest protein content of high biological value. Its meat is an interesting contribution of potassium and phosphorus; moderate sodium and magnesium and less relevant iron. Vitamins B3 and B12 can be highlighted.
Sea bass or bass It is a white fish, flat and salt water. It belongs to the Percichthydae family. It has a high content of proteins of high biological value compared to most fish, as well as vitamins (those of group B are present in sea bass more than in other fish) and minerals. Therefore, it is considered a very nutritious food. Its meat is an interesting contribution of potassium, phosphorus and iron and moderate sodium and magnesium, compared to other fresh fish.
The bream, also called voracious or pancho, it is a white or semi-fat fish and even in winter it turns into blue fish because of its fat content. It is an important fish for human consumption, so it has been fished since ancient times. Its high price and abundant thorns do not remain as the first option in the usual family diet. The bream is also considered a good source of proteins of high biological value, in addition to containing other nutrients such as vitamins and minerals. Among the vitamins, the presence of those of group B (B3, B6 and B12) stands out. As for its mineral content, the most prominent are potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, in addition to iron, although the latter in lower quantity compared to meats.
Fish of doubtful classification
With respect to turbot and the congerThere are classifications that include them among white fish and others among blue ones. When in doubt, I would not recommend them as the first options to offer the baby, but would delay them and leave them as options similar to blue fish.
After all, there is a great variety of fish in the market and we can start with the ones we know for sure that they are the softest and digestible, that is, the whites (hake, whiting, sole, rooster, monkfish ...)
Mode of preparation of semi-fat fish
As in the case of white or blue fish, we can choose fresh or frozen fish (cheaper and with the same properties), and if we opt for local varieties the price will also be lower.
We always have to check and shred the fish meat to remove the bones, and clean it from the viscera for cooking.
The fish can be prepared boiled, baked or grilled, adding a little iodized salt after cooking (after the year of age) and served as a porridge with small pieces (not crushed fine) or on the plate in small pieces next to the vegetables if the child already begins to eat solids and has left behind the purees, which is most likely and convenient at this age.
The sea bass, sea bream and sea bream are soft-tasting fish and fine meat, so they are likely to be well accepted by the baby, who has already tried other white fish before.
However, we must be aware of any adverse reactions, and start with a small amount. Little by little we will take advantage of multiple possibilities for preparing semi-fat fish and its properties to incorporate it into the child's diet and be part of a healthy family diet.
Photos | jlastras, crastino and on Flickr In Babies and more | Complementary feeding: the fish, Tricks so that the children enjoy the fish, The fish in the infantile feeding
