My love for Mackerel (Scumbia/Azu-eke)

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Introduction

Mackerel popularly known as scumbia or azu-eke in the Eastern/Southern part of Nigeria is one of the important foodfish consumed worldwide. It is an oily fish, rich in omega-3 fatty acid and an excellent source of protein. Not only that it is also a good source of vitamins and minerals including Vit D & A.

Mackerel as Food

Mackerel is one of the biggest consumed fish in Nigeria because of it's unique taste in food, it is also affordable.
Mackerel can be used to prepare any Nigerian cuisine infact even a novice will make a tasty meal with this fish, because it adds its unique taste to food. Sometimes I simply buy it, wash properly,season with salt and cook especially when I have an already cooked meal. It tastes so nice that I can barely finish the whole fish in one meal. But I try as much as possible not to over consume it so as not to lose appetite for it.

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Compared to other types of fishes

There are other types of fishes like Catfish,Titus,Tilapia,Shinny, Sardines in Nigeria but Mackerel is my best because of it affordability. Catfish is one of the most expensive fish in Nigeria and most fish farmers breed it. I haven't seen or come across any one into mackerel breeding here in Nigeria. I researched to know why and I found out it breeds in salt water. For that reason it will be very expensive to create its aquatic habitat.

Preparation Methods

Mackerel can be cooked, smoked, fried even bake and grilled just like other fishes. I haven't seen a dried mackerel before and I won't recommend it because that will lead to loosing it's oil which is a great source of omega-3 fatty acid.

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_{Cooked Mackerel}

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_{Smoked Mackerel}

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_{Fried Mackerel}

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_{Baked Mackerel}

Conclusion

All methods use in the preparation of mackerel brings out a unique taste and flavour. Generally it taste great no matter which method used. So try incorporating it to your dishes whether it's local or international it makes your dish great and flavourful. I love it alot.