In this vast world of seafood, there is one special fish that has been catching everyone’s attention lately, which is Basa! Basa is a delicious fish that can be cooked in various ways. People are loving it. But where can you catch Basa, where do they come from, and what makes them popular?
Basa is a type of catfish that lives in rivers, especially in the Mekong River Delta in Vietnam. Basa is a fancy fish with shiny, silvery whiskers. One thing that makes them demanding is that they do not taste too strong and are not too expensive. You can find them in many grocery stores and restaurants, not just in Vietnam but in many countries worldwide.
Now, you might be wondering how this fish moves from Vietnam to your place. Well, that’s where things get interesting! Well, Basa swims happily in the Mekong’s muddy water, and it has become a debate about whether farming this fish is good or bad. Is this fish healthy to eat? Some worry about how these fish are raised and whether it is good for the environment. These are the important questions to ask as we enjoy this delicious fish. So keep reading to reveal the interesting things about Basa!
What is Basa Fish?
Basa fish, scientifically known as ‘Pangasius bocourti,’ comes from Southeast Asia, mainly Vietnam. It is a white fish that looks and tastes like cod or haddock. You can see it in stores labeled with Bocourti, River Cobbler, panga, or Pangasius.
Sometimes, people mix the Basa fish with another fish called Swai Fish, which also comes from Southeast Asia. They are pretty similar!
Nutritional benefits of Basa:
Like other types of white fish, Basa is also full of nutrients, which are low in calories and high in good-quality protein.
In a 4.5-ounce serving of Basa, you can get;
- Calories: 158
- Protein: 22.5 grams
- Fat: 7 grams
- Saturated fat: 2 grams
- Cholesterol: 73 mg
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Sodium: 89 mg
As Basa contains low calories and a high amount of protein, it is a great choice for people looking for a weight loss diet. Moreover, Basa also contains 5 grams of healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids. They are really good for your brain and body, especially as you age.
Basa’s Habitat and Lifestyle:
Like many other fish, Basa calls the Mekong River Delta in Vietnam its home. It is a large and muddy river with a lot of fish swimming around. Basa likes to swim in the deepest part of the river, which is not too shallow or fast. It’s like finding the perfect place to relax!
Now, what does Basa do all day? Well, this is a busy fish! The base is called by scientists a bottom feeder, which means they like to find food from the bottom of the river. They like munching on small bugs such as insects, snails, and even small fish.
Is Basa safe to eat?
Undoubtedly, eating any fish can be associated with some kind of risk because sometimes they may have harmful substances such as mercury and PCBs, which can be bad for your health if they accumulate in your body.
However, many experts say that the good things about eating fish are more important than the risks.
Studies show that the levels of harmful items in Basa fish are usually safe to eat. However, some people are already concerned that Basa fish are grown in ponds, so they might pack up some harmful stuff from the water. Fish farmers often use chemicals and medicines to maintain healthy fish, which can affect fish.
Some studies have found that Basa fish from Vietnam don’t meet safety standards. They use many medicines to maintain healthy fish.
In a study, most Basa fish sent to European countries such as Germany, Poland, and Ukraine had bacteria that could make people sick.
To make sure you do not get sick after eating fish, you should always cook Basa fish completely and not eat it if it is raw or not cooked well.
Affordable Basa compared to Cod and Haddock:
When it comes to choosing white fish for your meals, Basa stands out for being budget-friendly. If you compare it to other options such as COD and Haddock, you will generally find that it costs almost 25% less than those.
Although it is cheaper, it is still more nutritious, like COD and haddock. So, if you want to save money without sacrificing taste or health, Basa is a good option.
Environmental impact of Basa farming:
You must know that when the Basa fish is farmed, it can sometimes cause environmental problems.
A big problem is that the ponds where Basa fish are farmed can be dirty. Sometimes, chemicals and waste from the farms can enter the water, which can be bad for plants and animals.
In addition, making ponds from farming can sometimes mean cutting trees or changing the land, which can damage other animals’ homes.
However, some farmers are trying to find ways to grow the Basa fish without hurting the environment. They are using fewer chemicals and finding ways to recycle waste. This is development work, but hopefully, we will find ways to grow basa fish that are good for humans and for the planet.
