Krill

What Is Krill?

Krill is a small, shrimp-like crustacean (Euphausia superba) that lives in massive swarms in cold ocean waters, particularly around Antarctica. It generally does not exceed a few centimeters in length.

It holds a key place in the base of the ocean ecosystem's food chain; it is one of the primary food sources for whales, penguins, and seals. It is also harvested for human consumption, traditionally known in Japan as "okiami."

Nutritional Values of Krill

100 g of raw krill contains approximately 92 kcal of energy; it carries high protein and a notable level of omega-3 fat. Values are approximate.

How Should Krill Be Consumed?

Krill can be considered part of a balanced diet with its high protein and omega-3 content; products for human consumption are generally found dried, as a paste, or in supplement (capsule) form.

This information is general; krill is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment.

How to Choose Krill?

Good krill product has a vivid pink-red color, a sea smell, and leak-proof packaging. In dried products, faded color and a moldy smell are signs of staleness.

• Color should be vivid pink-red
• Should smell fresh-oceanic
• Packaging should be leak-proof, date should be recent

How Should Krill Be Stored?

Krill can be stored in the freezer for a long time; since its fresh form spoils very quickly, it is generally found on the market in frozen or dried form.

Using Krill in the Kitchen

Krill is most often used in Japanese cuisine, salted and turned into a paste as "okiami," or dried and sprinkled like a seasoning; it is also an important raw material in the production of fish feed and omega-3 supplements.

Is Krill the Same as Small Shrimp?

No; although both are crustaceans, they are different species. Krill is smaller, belongs to a different taxon (Euphausiacea), and is generally used not directly at the table but processed or for feed/supplement purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is krill eaten directly by humans?

Yes, especially in Japan it is consumed as a paste or in dried form; however, the majority of the world's krill harvest goes into fish feed and omega-3 supplement production.

Is krill oil different from fish oil?

Both are sources of omega-3, but the omega-3 in krill oil is carried in a different molecular structure called phospholipids; this structure is discussed in some studies regarding absorption, though a clear superiority claim has not been scientifically established.

Is krill fishing environmentally controversial?

Since krill sits at the base of Antarctica's food chain, overfishing it can affect ecosystem balance; for this reason it is limited by international quotas and regulations.