Roe is the fully ripened internal eggs in the ovaries of fish. It can also be the released outer egg masses; either way, roe refers to the unfertilized eggs of fish and other aquatic animals. Trout roe is not as famous as salmon roe or caviar, and their taste is more subtle, yet they pair well with other flavors to enhance their delicate saltiness.
Smoked trout roe is made from fresh roe, often seasoned with sea salt, and lightly smoked with wood stove chips to create a natural smokiness that tastes great with canapes, appetizers, bagels with cream cheese, sauces and an array of seafood and meat dishes.
Trout Roe Pros And Cons
Pros
I will review three health benefits of consuming trout roe as supported by science:
1. Nutritional Value
Even in small quantities, fish eggs are highly nutritious and a rich source of Vitamin B12, which is vital for developing the body’s nervous system. It also produces DNA and red blood cells. Roe is also an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. They also provide iron, selenium, and sodium, among numerous other minerals and vitamins, and they are low in carbs.
2. Brain Health
The omega-3 acids in fish eggs support brain and mental health. Omega-3 acids are essential to brain cell membranes that ward off inflammation. Reducing brain inflammation can improve mental health and help manage Alzheimer’s disease.
3. Heart Health
Omega-3 fatty acids are vital to prevent and manage risk factors for cardiovascular disease. They can improve risk factors by lowering blood pressure, improving cholesterol levels, and preventing platelets from forming clots, a risk factor for stroke.
Cons
While fish roe offers some nutritional benefits for cholesterol levels, most of its fat content is saturated. The body has two types of cholesterol: high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and low-density lipoproteins (LDL). HDL is beneficial as it can decrease the risk of strokes and heart attacks. It also prevents LDL from clogging the arteries. Frequent consumption of fish eggs can be unhealthy as they are high in saturated fats increasing LDL cholesterol.
How To Serve Trout Roe
I would consume raw trout eggs within the first few hours. They don’t provide much flavor; however, they can taste delicious with a marinade or even better when incorporated into another dish, such as a stew, soup, salad, or pasta dish, to provide an incredible pop of color.
Where Can I Buy Trout Roe?
I would advise against purchasing trout roe in a supermarket, as they are not of the best quality. It is best to go to a high-end gourmet store specializing in fish eggs. Fish eggs are costly, so it’s essential to find a trustworthy distributor and buy only the freshest produce as the shelf life lasts only three to four weeks unopened and three days opened. Fish eggs require a temperature of 30 degrees F, so inquire about dates.
Marky’s is a Florida-based gourmet store offering an extensive range of high-quality produce since 1983. They own a brick-and-mortar store in Miami, Florida, but they also have their online store offering next-day delivery and a range of trout roe from $14.
