Can You Eat Perch?

Can you eat perch? Absolutely, you can eat perch; it is widely regarded as one of the safest and most popular species of fish for consumption. Perch is often featured in regional dishes like the Wisconsin fish fry, delighting many with its taste and nutritional benefits.

Nutritional Benefits of Eating Perch

Health experts recommend including fish such as perch in your diet due to their rich nutrient profile. Perch is a good source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals. These nutrients contribute to heart health, brain function, and overall well-being.

Safety Considerations for Eating Perch

Although perch is generally considered a safe choice, it is important to follow fish consumption guidelines to limit exposure to environmental contaminants like mercury and PCBs. Fortunately, perch tend to have lower levels of these harmful substances compared to larger, long-lived, or fatty fish. This is because panfish such as perch primarily feed on insects and are less prone to accumulating high levels of pollutants.

Preparing Perch Safely

When preparing perch, take steps to reduce the presence of certain pollutants. Properly trimming, skinning, and cooking the fish can help lower the amount of contaminants like PCBs. However, these methods do not eliminate mercury, which resides throughout the fish’s tissue. To further minimize health risks, consider consuming smaller, younger perch and moderating your intake.

Perch from Stores and Restaurants

Perch bought from grocery stores or served in restaurants typically have low contaminant levels. Nevertheless, it’s advisable to check local fish consumption advisories, particularly if the perch is wild-caught. These advisories provide guidance on safely consuming fish based on contaminant levels in local water bodies. The Wisconsin DNR provides helpful information on these guidelines.

Best Practices for Fish Consumption

As best practice, always check your local or state fish consumption advisories for perch caught in the wild. Contaminant levels can vary depending on the water body and region. Most health risks can be managed by following state and federal guidelines, which may adjust recommended intake limits for vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, and nursing mothers. By staying informed, you can safely enjoy the delicious and nutritious benefits of perch.