How Nutritious are Fish Eggs? – Wild Wasabi Japanese Restaurant (2024)

FAQs

Are fish eggs on sushi good for you? ›

Masago is a type of fish egg, or roe, often used in sushi. It has several beneficial nutrients, including protein and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. But it also tends to be high in sodium, so it's best to eat it in moderation.

Fish eggs are high in omega-3 fatty acids, help reduce blood clotting and inflammation while also expanding blood vessels and help keep blood pressure in control. Overall, eating fish eggs high in fatty acids may assist hypertensive persons in lowering their systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Tobiko, which is Flying Fish roe/caviar and comes in either an orange or green hue, or Ikura, which is Salmon roe/caviar and comes in an orange color, is often found in most pieces of sushi. It's not phony since both are technically caviar.

Roe, in general, is relatively beneficial for health, as it is low in calories and high in healthful fatty acids that support the body and reduce inflammation. However, roe may be high in cholesterol or sodium. Prepared roe may be especially high in sodium and other potential added ingredients.

All roe is mature and, specifically, unfertilized. Almost all fish roe is safe for raw consumption, although pasteurizing or cooking roe extends its shelf life. While all unfertilized and raw fish eggs are considered roe, only specific roe is considered caviar. Caviar is the term for roe from sturgeon fish.

However, fish roe contains lower levels of heavy metals than other body parts. The previous study indicates that fish roe contained the lowest level of mercury as compared to other organs and muscle tissue of the same fish (Kenšová, Kružíková, Havránek, Haruštiaková, & Svobodová, 2012).

Trout Roe: These large-sized roes are harvested from trout fish. They have a distinct orange color that may be bright and with a fiery hue or subtle and amber-toned. Trout and salmon roe are the most consumed and commercially important fish roes after the original sturgeon roes.

The high cost of caviar can be attributed to the labor and expertise involved in its production. Harvesting caviar from fish roe, particularly from sturgeon species like the Siberian sturgeon, requires skill and precision. The delicate process of extracting the eggs without damaging them demands experienced hands.

Generally speaking, fish eggs are called roe. However, the eggs of the sturgeon (as well as some other fish) are called caviar when preserved with salt and eaten as food. Caviar and roe are a delicacy among humans and have found their way into many cuisines.

Flying fish roe, popularly known by its Japanese name "Tobiko," is an essential topping for sushi rolls and other Asian dishes. These tiny eggs from the tropical flying fish are highly revered for their extremely crunchy, pop-in-your-mouth texture.

What are Japanese fish eggs called? ›

Tobiko and masago are small fish eggs often used interchangeably in Japanese cuisine, but they come from separate fish species and are subtly different in color, size, and texture.

Fish roe is another name for fish eggs. More specifically, it is the fully ripe and unfertilized eggs of a fish. Those eggs can be sourced internally from the ovaries or from an external egg mass. The term "roe" also applies to eggs from other marine animals, like scallops, lobsters and shrimp.

More than the daily minimum requirement of 2,399 mg, eating too much of this can lead to higher risks of elevated blood pressure, stroke and heart disease. For health reasons, indulging in fish roe becomes a risk-carrier due to the presence of its high cholesterol and sodium levels.

Nutrient-rich: It is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals such as selenium and phosphorus. Omega 3 fatty acids: Fish roe also offer omega 3 fatty acids (Eicosapentaenoic acid, Docosahexaenoic acid), which play an important role in heart health, brain function, and reducing inflammation.

Vitamins and Minerals

A single serving of sturgeon roe provides 133% of your daily dose of vitamin B12, which can help you to maintain a healthy metabolism and strong heart health. Vitamin B12 is important for the central nervous system and DNA synthesis.

For example, caviar has antioxidant properties that protect and nourish the skin, and it also contains omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, which moisturize and improve skin texture. Caviar is a highly effective moisturizing agent, in fact, and is primarily used to hydrate the skin and make it more soft and supple.

Tobiko is naturally a strong orange color, but many sushi chefs like to infuse the eggs with other ingredients to colorize it and add a bit of artistry to their work. Black tobiko often comes from squid ink, red tobiko comes from beet juice, wasabi turns it green, and more.