Fish is traditionally the basis of the Jewish diet. From the point of view of Jewish philosophy, the fish is a symbol of purity and protection from all evil. Fish are the only creatures that survived during the global flood, and fish eyes that do not have eyelids symbolize the watchful eye of the Almighty. Even the zodiac sign Pisces is considered very auspicious for the Jews and gives protection from harmful influences to those who are lucky enough to be born under it. Reflected this attitude towards fish in the culinary and festive traditions of the people.
One such tradition is the observance of the Sabbath. It is impossible to work on this day, including separating food from waste and waste from food. The law of “breira prescribes this.” On this day, the traditional Jewish dish is “gefilte fish” – stuffed fish without bones. A Jew on Saturday should think about God, rest, and certainly eat the fish cooked the day before.
The Jewish people have other good reasons to love fish. According to the laws of kashrut, the permitted fish is the one that has scales and fins. But kashrut also regulates killing a living being and the method of preparation. According to kashrut, fish is “parve,” which in Yiddish means “neither milk nor meat” or “neutral.” This means that can consume fish in one meal with both dairy and meat products. In addition, the fish does not need shechit – it does not need to be killed uniquely – just taken out of the water. Therefore, it is permissible to consume fish caught and processed by non-Jews, provided that it complies with all the rules of kashrut. Therefore, from a practical point of view, the regular use of fish facilitates the daily preparation of dishes on the table of a true Jew.
Another factor in the particular attitude to fish will undoubtedly be its benefits to the body. Kosher food is suitable, suitable, and not capable of harming a person. Fish, which has a vast amount of essential and beneficial nutrients in terms of benefits for the body, cannot be ignored by the followers of Judaism. It is rich in high-quality, easily digestible protein. Protein is a building material for all tissues and cells of the body. In addition, it has other vital functions – protein is actively involved in producing antibodies. It ensures the immune system’s strength and activity and participates in the transport of many compounds. Valuable fish and the content of macro – and microelements and vitamins. Salmon, for example, has a unique chemical composition – it contains a whole range of microelements (zinc, iron, potassium, iodine, chromium) and macroelements (calcium, phosphorus, sodium, sulfur), as well as vitamins – A, E, D, PP, and groups B.
Let’s take a closer look at some of them. Phosphorus increases the strength of teeth and bones and synthesizes energy, potassium helps fight depression and fatigue, chromium ensures normal fat metabolism and prevents weight gain, and vitamin PP is essential for protein metabolism. Vitamin B1 ensures the healthy functioning of the nervous, cardiovascular, and muscle systems. Salmon differs from other types of fish in the content of healthy fats. Fish oil is polyunsaturated fat, almost entirely composed of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Omega-3 has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system, improves memory and brain function, increases immunity, helps with atherosclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, hypertension, diabetes, rheumatism, and gout, and is successfully used in the treatment of skin diseases. Red caviar of salmon fish contains the same list of valuable nutrients but in greater concentration. It is even prescribed for postoperative patients to strengthen the body and speedy recovery.
When choosing fish for Jewish dishes, an important criterion will be the absence of preservatives in the composition. The origin of additives is almost impossible to identify – they may contain components of animal origin. Therefore, it is better to choose producers who pack Salmon right at the place of production. In addition, the enterprise must specialize in the production of only kosher fish species. And should sell finished products with scales.
Although it is much easier to choose fish over meat, the list of brands that meet all the requirements is quite limited. A Jew needs to have the best product on his table to pay enough attention to the choice. If we talk about salmon, the best option would be wild Pacific fish from the Far East. It is there that the largest population of this valuable fish lives. In addition, the Kamchatka Peninsula is the only place where salmon is fished at a distance of 400 meters from the coast. So, the Far Eastern fishery “Vostochny Bereg/Bering Seafood” from catching fish to its shock freezing takes no more than 4 hours. Red caviar is processed, salted, and packed precisely in the same short period. Preservatives and other additives are wholly excluded – there is simply no need for them. Fresh salmon and red caviar from the clear waters of Kamchatka go straight to the table for the most selective consumers. Organized production of such a level thanks to several important factors – these are the area’s natural features, the equipment of the plant with the most advanced equipment of the latest generation, and personnel with vast experience and high qualifications.
The company “Vostochny Bereg/Bering seafood” is engaged in catching and processing only fish of the salmon family – chum salmon and pink salmon. Nothing but redfish and caviar is produced at the enterprise, which means that the interaction of salmon with any non-kosher products is wholly excluded. Salmon processing includes evisceration and separation of the head; the scales and spine are not subjected to any intervention. The caviar is extracted from the fish, freed from the ovary, and then salted and packaged. Finished products are frozen and stored in refrigerated warehouses until dispatch. When transporting Vostochny Bereg / Bering seafood products, it is mandatory to control and observe the temperature regime and maintain optimal humidity.
Summing up can note that the Jewish people chose fish as the main product of their diet for a reason many centuries ago. Its beneficial properties make fish indispensable for a healthy and proper diet. And high-quality kosher salmon and red caviar from the Kamchatka producer Vostochny Bereg/Bering seafood has a bright, rich taste and will be an excellent element of the daily diet and a highlight of the festive table with Jewish dishes.