Say no to fish?

Is it okay to throw caution to the winds and eat sea-food in the monsoon? Diana Kotwal speaks to Chef Ananda Solomon and nutritionist Dr Richa Anand to find out whether all the fuss over fish is worth the stink

When it comes to eating fish in the rains, everyone has an opinion. But probe a little deeper, and the reasons are far from watertight.

Says Ananda Solomon, Executive Chef, Taj President, "There are certain myths and realities when it comes to the whole eating-seafood-during-the-monsoon dilemma."

Chef Solomon says that a lack of sophisticated fishing equipment might have had something to do with the origin of the myth.

Seafood isn't restricted to the coast any more, either. People sitting in Delhi get to eat pomfret, while Mumbaikars get a taste of salmon and sea bass imported from Europe."

Nutritionist Dr Richa Anand, Dr LH Hiranandani Hospital, disagrees. "During the monsoon, chances of infection, including food poisoning are higher.
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The sludge swept into the ocean carries toxins that cause infection."

Chef Solomon, too, agrees saying, "The monsoon is the time for breeding. And you'll find fish on the surface of the water very rarely. I believe we should respect nature, and the time chosen for fish to breed."

For those who just can't do without fish, come hail, rain, or high water, Dr Richa Anand has a suggestion. "It's better to wait till after the first showers," she says.
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"Make sure the fish you eat is fresh and properly cooked. Raw fish or sushi is not a good idea in this weather. Even raw vegetables like palak should be avoided," Dr Anand adds.

Chef Solomon suggests eating meat, poultry or hot and spicy food.

But for those who refuse to let a day go by without fish on their plate, Chef Solomon suggests, "Dried fish is ideal in this weather."

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