Alumahan Fish: Long-jawed Mackerel Description, Uses, and Benefits

April 2, 2024 by Lauro Braganza

Today, we will explore a fish that is as delicious as it is nutritious—the Alumahan Fish, also known as Long-jawed Mackerel. Whether you’re a seafood aficionado or just looking to expand your culinary horizons, this blog post will take you on an exciting journey through this incredible fish’s description, uses, and benefits. So grab your apron and prepare to tantalize your taste buds with the wonders of the Alumahan Fish!

What is Long-jawed Mackerel

Long-jawed Mackerel, scientifically known as Rastrelliger kanagurta, is a species of fish in the Mackerel family. It goes by various names in different parts of the world, including Indian mackerel or “Alumahan Fish” in Tagalog and Bulaw in Ilonggo. This popular fish can be found in warm waters throughout the Indo-Pacific region.

In terms of appearance, the Long-jawed Mackerel boasts a streamlined body shape with a slightly pointed snout and large eyes. Its coloration varies from dark blue-green on its back to silver-white on its underbelly. With an average size ranging between 30 and 40 centimeters long, these fish can weigh anywhere from 500 grams to 2 kilograms.

One notable physical characteristic of the Alumahan Fish is its distinctively elongated jaw that extends beyond its eyeline—hence its name, “Long-jawed” Mackerel. This unique feature sets it apart from other members of the mackerel family and adds to its charm.

As for taste, Long-jawed Mackerel offers seafood lovers a rich and flavorful experience. Its meat is firm and succulent, with a mild yet distinctive flavor that pairs well with various seasonings and cooking methods.

Regarding habitat, Alumahan Fish prefers tropical and subtropical waters near coastal areas. Depending on their feeding patterns and migratory behavior, you can find them swimming in schools close to shorelines or even farther out into deeper waters.

Now that we’ve acquainted ourselves with the intriguing characteristics of Long-jawed Mackerel, let’s delve further into this remarkable fish’s nutritional value and health benefits!

Long-jawed Mackerel Nutrition per 100g

The nutritional values of Bulaw fish can vary depending on factors such as preparation methods, location of catch, and the specific species of mackerel.

However, mackerel is generally a good source of various nutrients, including protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, vitamin B12, selenium, and other essential nutrients. It’s a nutritious fish choice, especially for its omega-3 content, which benefits heart health and well-being.

I recommend checking reliable sources such as government health websites, nutrition databases, or food packaging labels for accurate and up-to-date nutritional information. Suppose you’re looking for specific dietary information about long-jawed mackerel. In that case, you might want to consult a nutritionist or dietitian who can provide the most accurate and current data.

Health Benefits of Long-jawed Mackerel

Like other types of mackerel, long-jawed mackerel is known for its excellent nutritional profile and potential health benefits. Here are some of the health benefits associated with consuming long-jawed mackerel:

Rich Source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Mackerel is abundant in omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). These fatty acids are crucial for heart health, reducing inflammation, and supporting brain function. They have been linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and improved cognitive function.
Heart Health: The omega-3 fatty acids in mackerel reduce triglycerides, lower blood pressure, and prevent blood clot formation. Together, these effects promote heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Brain Function: The DHA in mackerel is essential for brain health, particularly for infants’ cognitive development and brain function maintenance in adults. Regularly consuming omega-3-rich foods like mackerel may help support memory, focus, and overall cognitive function.
Joint Health: Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that may help alleviate symptoms of joint pain and stiffness associated with conditions like arthritis.
Bone Health: Mackerel is a good vitamin D source, essential for calcium absorption and bone health. Adequate vitamin D contributes to maintaining strong bones and reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
Protein Content: Mackerel is a high-quality source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth, repair, and overall body function. Protein-rich diets can help with weight management by promoting a feeling of fullness and supporting metabolism.
Nutrient Density: Mackerel contains a range of essential nutrients, including vitamin B12, selenium, niacin (vitamin B3), and phosphorus. These nutrients affect energy production, immune function, and cellular health.
Skin Health: The omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants in mackerel may contribute to healthier skin by reducing inflammation and promoting skin elasticity. They may also help manage conditions like acne and eczema.
Vision Health: The omega-3 fatty acids in mackerel are beneficial for eye health and may help prevent age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and other vision problems.
Mood and Mental Well-Being: Omega-3 fatty acids have been associated with improved mood and a reduced risk of depression. Consuming mackerel and other fatty fish may contribute to better mental well-being.

It’s important to note that while mackerel offers these potential health benefits, moderation and balance in your diet are key. As with any food, individual dietary needs and health conditions should be considered. If you have specific health concerns or dietary restrictions, it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet.

Side Effects and Disadvantages of Eating Long-jawed Mackerel

While the long-jawed mackerel, also known as alumahan fish, is packed with nutrients and offers numerous health benefits, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects and disadvantages associated with its consumption. Here are five things to keep in mind:

1. Mercury Content: Like many other large predatory fish, long-jawed mackerel can contain high levels of mercury. This heavy metal can accumulate in the body over time and lead to various health issues, such as neurological problems and impaired kidney function. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, and young children need to limit their intake due to the potential harm mercury can cause to developing brains.

2. Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may be allergic or sensitive to certain types of fish, including long-jawed mackerel. Symptoms such as skin rashes, itching, swelling of the lips or throat, nausea, or vomiting may occur after consuming this fish.

3. High Cholesterol: While long-jawed mackerel contains beneficial omega-3 fatty acids that promote heart health by reducing inflammation and improving cholesterol levels, it is also a high-fat fish that can contribute to elevated blood cholesterol levels if consumed excessively.

4. Environmental Concerns: Overfishing practices have led to declining populations of some species of mackerel globally. To support responsible fishing practices, consumers must choose sustainably sourced options when purchasing long-jawed mackerel or other seafood products.

5. Foodborne Illnesses: As with all seafood products, proper handling and cooking techniques should be followed when preparing long-jawed mackerel dishes. Improper storage or undercooking can increase the risk of bacterial contamination, leading to foodborne illnesses like salmonella or Vibrio infection.

Remember that these potential side effects shouldn’t deter you from enjoying long-jawed mackerel in moderation. By being aware of

How to Eat Long-jawed Mackerel (Recipes)

Alumahan fish is a versatile ingredient that can be prepared and enjoyed in various ways. Long-jawed mackerel can be enjoyed in various ways, including cooked, dried, canned, fermented, and smoked. Here’s how you can prepare and enjoy mackerel using these different methods:

Cooked Mackerel:
- Grilling: Marinate the mackerel with your choice of seasonings and grill until cooked. The high heat will give the fish a flavorful char.
- Baking: Season the mackerel with herbs, spices, and lemon juice. Bake in the oven until it flakes easily with a fork.
- Pan-Frying: Coat the mackerel in a light breading or spices and pan-fry in a little oil until crispy and cooked.
Dried Mackerel:
- Sun-Drying: Clean and gut the mackerel, then season with salt. Allow them to air dry in the sun until they are fully dried. This method is popular in some cultures and produces a concentrated and flavorful fish.
- Oven-Drying: Preheat your oven to a low temperature, place cleaned mackerel on a baking sheet, and dry them in the oven.
Canned Mackerel:
- Canned mackerel is a convenient option for quick meals. It can be used in salads, sandwiches, pasta dishes, or enjoyed straight out of the can.
Fermented Mackerel:
- Fermenting mackerel is more common in certain cultures. The fish is usually salted and allowed to ferment in a controlled environment. The resulting product can be quite pungent and is an acquired taste.
Smoked Mackerel:
- Hot Smoking: Smoke mackerel over a heat source, which cooks and flavors the fish with smoky goodness.
- Cold Smoking: This method imparts a robust smoky flavor without thoroughly cooking the fish. It’s often used to produce delicacies like smoked mackerel pâté.

When preparing mackerel using any of these methods, you can enhance the flavor with various seasonings, herbs, spices, and marinades. Lemon, garlic, herbs like dill or parsley, and spices like paprika or cayenne can all complement the taste of mackerel.

Remember to be mindful of the specific characteristics of long-jawed mackerel, as its taste and texture may differ slightly from other types of mackerel. Ensure the fish is cooked or prepared properly for food safety and optimal taste.

Remember that culinary preferences and traditions can vary widely, so feel free to experiment and adapt these methods to suit your taste and cultural background.

Conclusion

Long-jawed Mackerel, also known as Alumahan fish, is a popular and versatile seafood choice with numerous health benefits. With its delicious taste and high nutritional value, it’s no wonder this fish has become a staple in many cuisines worldwide.

Whether you enjoy it cooked, dried, canned, fermented, or smoked, there are plenty of ways to incorporate Long-jawed Mackerel into your diet. Its rich omega-3 fatty acids can help improve heart health and brain function while providing essential nutrients like protein, vitamins D and B12, selenium, phosphorus, and potassium.

However, it’s important to note that excessive amounts of Long-jawed Mackerel may have some side effects. The high levels of mercury in larger specimens can be harmful if consumed regularly. Individuals with certain medical conditions or allergies should exercise caution when including this fish in their diet.