The pungent aroma of fish often sparks impassioned discussions about whether it’s wise—or even safe—to reheat fish. It’s a subject that’s divided kitchens and personified in-laws’ tales for generations. One side may argue that it’s perfectly healthy and delicious, while the other blankets the room in wariness and room freshener. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the murky waters of reheating fish, providing a nutritionist’s judgment on the practice and what it means for your health.
The Science of Fish Odor
Before we commence our deep dive, it’s imperative to understand the villains in this story: trimethylamine and ammonia. These are the chemicals responsible for that fishy odour. Freshly-caught fish contains various levels of these compounds, but as the fish spoils—due to bacterial breakdown—trimethylamine oxidises into amines, of which the most notable in our context is the infamous dimethylamine. These, coupled with free ammonia, are the primary instigators of the fishy stench. Learn the Safety tips for reheating fish.
The Chemistry Behind Fish Spoilage
Fresh Fish and Trimethylamine Oxide
When fish is alive, it is in a race against post-mortem autolytic processes. Once caught, fish enter a phase of rigour mortis. During this phase, the oxidative environment of the living organism ceases and thus no longer maintains the chemical equilibrium within the tissues.
When the fish relaxes from this state, the breakdown of trimethylamine oxidizes its methyl groups, leaving trimethylamine and dimethylamine in its wake. Reprocessing and reheating may stabilize this condition by halting or reversing these autolytic processes.
The Effect of Reheating on Fish Amines
Amines, due to their volatility, are easily lost during cooking and reheating. Trimethylamine, being the least toxic of its byproducts, is less likely to cause an issue health-wise. However, pregnant and immune-compromised individuals should be cautious due to the neuro- and cardio-toxic effects of higher concentrations of this compound.
Dimethylamine, while less odoriferous, is still indicative of the spoilage of the flesh and should warrant suspicion. Fortunately, reheating fish will help in reducing these potentially harmful compounds by driving them off as gases.
Safety Concerns and Best Practices
When reheating fish, the overarching concern is the potential survival of heat-sensitive bacteria, like listeria or salmonella, which could have contaminated the fish before cooking. The FDA recommends reheating food to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to kill any lingering bacteria. However, due to the delicate nature of fish, prolonged exposure to high heat runs the risk of denaturing its proteins and turning its texture rubbery.
The Art of Safe Fish Reheating
Rapid Reheating and Monitoring Temperatures
To strike the delicate balance, rapid reheating methods are preferable. This entails utilizing microwave or methods such as steaming, where the heat is transferred quickly to minimize protein denaturation. It is also crucial to employ a food thermometer to conclusively ensure that your fish has reached the safe 165°F threshold.
Understanding Bacterial Growth
The growth of bacteria in food depends on several determining factors, such as pH, water activity, temperature, and available nutrients. For most instances, refrigerating cooked fish promptly and then reheating it once is unlikely to yield significant bacterial growth. Just be wary of fish that has been improperly stored after cooking.
Nutritional Impact and Aroma Management
While the potential risks of reheating fish may be overstated, the impact on its nutritional profile is less contentious. Reheating fish could degrade certain vitamins, particularly the B-complex vitamins and Omega-3 fatty acids. Ensuring the reheating process is quick and at low temperatures can help minimise nutrient loss.
Preserving Nutritional Quality
The Case for Thawing and Gentle Reheating
When planning to reheat fish, the nutritionist’s recommendation is to thaw the fish gradually in the refrigerator to lessen temperature shock, which can cause moisture and nutrient loss. Gentle reheating methods such as steaming or microwaving for short periods under a cover can mitigate nutrient degradation.
Balancing Heat and Health
With the knowledge that rising temperatures can degrade nutrients and that fish, like many foods, vary in their nutrient content, an informed consumer can make the best compromise between maximised nutritional intake and enjoying safe and delectable reheated fish.
Conclusion: To Reheat or Not to Reheat?
In the grand scheme of culinary conundrums, reheating fish stands at the crossroads of health and satisfaction. The decision to reheat fish should be a matter of balanced consideration rather than a strict doctrine.
