This fish is not named after Greenland for nothing. In fact, the Hellefisk Fjord in Greenland is named after the fish. It is a tasty and very healthy fish that provides a livelihood for many people. The northern peoples used to make a living from fishing. Life was unimaginable without it, and it still is today. It is the most important industry in Greenland, second only to northern prawns.

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Greenland halibut

It is a cold-water species, preferring water temperatures of 13-14 degrees Celsius, but it thrives in colder water, so it is no coincidence that it is found in the north. Their habitat is the Atlantic, the Pacific, the northern Sea of Japan, and most notably northern Norway, the Faroe Islands, Iceland and eastern East Greenland, Newfoundland, and northwestern Greenland. When they reach sexual maturity, they migrate together en masse. In colder waters they can be fished at 100 - 200 metres, preferring the seabed environment, but further south they can go down to depths of up to 1000 - 1500 metres. Populations declined until the 1970s due to overfishing, but since the 1980s there has been a slight overall increase, and the species is not endangered. In 2010, Greenpeace International added Greenland halibut to its Red List of seafood, but the fishery is still sustainable.

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In 1999 they caught the maximum quantityin Greenland and Norway. Where they are still caught in relatively large numbers are Canada, Iceland and Russia. These nations account for 75% of the Greenland halibut catch.

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One of the healthiest fish

It is extremely rich in oil, but lower than the Atlantic halibut and European turbot. In its natural habitat, the oceans and seas are much cleaner, so its flesh is very healthy. As everyone already knows, marine fish are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for the human body of paramount importance. Plays a role in the in progress, and can protect us from many diseases. It is most beneficial when the fish is eaten fresh. In nations where fish consumption is high, there are much lower rates of cardiovascular disease. Omega-3 has a major role to play in the prevention of stroke, dementia and even Alzheimer's disease, which are now increasingly known and common. A Greenland halibut meat contains minimal cholesterol and provides essential trace elements. It contains high amounts of iron, potassium, calcium and phosphorus.

Its vitamin content is not negligible. The vitamin A content helps growth and supports the immune system. The vitamin D in it gives the power of sunlight, it is a great help against inflammation and chronic diseases. The B vitamins play an important role in the energy-producing metabolic processes of the immune system (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12), contribute to the health of the nervous system (B2, B3, B12) and our skin (B2, B3), and also help to ward off fatigue.

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Points of interest

In East Asia, it is considered a delicacy, eaten raw or minimally cooked.

In Greenland, the leftovers from fishing are not thrown away, but collected and given to the dogs. In the old days, this was the basic food for the sledders.

Halibut is mainly available frozen. Finding the right source is a good way to incorporate it into your diet. The meat is relatively spineless, but it is also sold as fillets.

Halibut does not need to be over-flavoured. Just a little salt, pepper, lemon and some garlic to taste. Perfect grilled or grilled. However, it doesn't like frying in oil too much.

Halibut has nice, white, tasty flesh that is a very good source of protein. It is highly recommended for diets and is not challenging to prepare, even for those who are not experienced in the kitchen. Greenland halibut is not only a treasure for the Nordic peoples, it can be important for us too. From for restaurants excellent, it can be a special treat to pique the curiosity of your guests.

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