Whiting

What Is Mezgit (Whiting)?

Mezgit (Merlangius merlangus), or whiting, is a small-to-medium-sized, white-fleshed fish from the cod family (gadidae), caught abundantly in the Black Sea and its surroundings in winter.

Its flesh is extremely soft, mildly sweet, and low in fat; this makes it an easily digestible fish enjoyed by people of all ages.

Nutritional Values of Mezgit

100 grams of raw whiting contains approximately 90 kcal of energy and around 18 g of protein; its fat content is quite low. This balance of low fat and high protein makes whiting a suitable fish for those who want to eat light. It is also a source of vitamin B12.

What Are the Benefits of Mezgit?

With its low fat, high protein, and vitamin B12 content, whiting is one of the lean fish recommended as part of a balanced diet.

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

How to Choose Mezgit?

In fresh whiting, the eyes should be bright, the flesh firm, and the skin shiny whitish-gray.

• When the flesh is pressed, it should spring back without leaving a mark.
• The gills should be vivid red.
• The fish smell should be light, not sharp/ammonia-like.

How to Store Mezgit?

Whiting stays fresh in the refrigerator on ice for 1 day; it can be stored in the freezer for 2-3 months if tightly wrapped.

Using Mezgit in the Kitchen

Whiting is most often floured and fried in a pan; it can also be prepared baked or steamed.

How Is Pan-Fried Mezgit Made?

Cleaned whiting is salted and coated with corn flour or breadcrumbs, then fried in hot oil for 2-3 minutes per side until golden.

Which Recipes Use Mezgit?

Pan-fried whiting, baked whiting, and steamed whiting are the most frequently prepared recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is whiting good for?

With its low fat, high protein, and vitamin B12 content, whiting is one of the lean fish recommended as part of a balanced diet.

Is whiting suitable for children?

Yes, thanks to its soft texture and relatively few bones, whiting is a fish frequently preferred by families with children.

How long should whiting be cooked?

Frying it 2-3 minutes per side in a pan is sufficient; because of its thin structure, prolonged cooking is not needed.

Are whiting and bakalyaro the same?

No, bakalyaro is salted and dried cod; whiting is a separate species and is generally consumed fresh.

Can whiting be frozen?

Yes, tightly wrapped whiting can be stored in the freezer for 2-3 months.