When preparing fish or fish skin for cooking, the scales are usually removed. However, there are a few exceptions where fish scales are intentionally consumed. For example, in some Asian cuisines, particularly in Chinese cuisine, fish with crispy scales are popular. 

In these cases, the scales are carefully prepared, usually by deep-frying or grilling, to make them crispy and edible.

Is it a Good Idea to Eat Fish Scales?

Eating fish scales is generally not recommended. While fish scales are not toxic or harmful to consume, they are not typically considered palatable.

Fish scales are thin, translucent, and have a hard texture, making them difficult to chew and digest. They do not provide significant nutritional value and are not known for their taste or culinary appeal.

In most culinary traditions, fish scales are removed before cooking and consuming fish. The scales can be removed by scaling the fish using a scaling tool or scraping them off with a knife. 

While there are some cultural practices in certain cuisines where fish scales are intentionally prepared and consumed, such as crispy scales in Chinese cuisine, these are exceptions and not commonly followed.

Can You Eat Fish Scales Raw?

Yes, you can; however, it is not recommended to do so since scales have a tough texture and are not particularly flavorsome.

It is generally advised to remove fish scales before cooking and consuming fish.

Different Types of Fish Scales

Fish scales come in various shapes, sizes, and structures. Here are some common types of fish scales:

1. Placoid Scales: Placoid scales are characteristic of cartilaginous fish such as sharks and rays. They are small, tooth-like scales that have a hard enamel-like surface and a pointed structure. Placoid scales help reduce drag and provide protection.
2. Cycloid Scales: Cycloid scales are found in most bony fish. They are round or oval-shaped scales that are smooth and have a concentric growth ring pattern. Cycloid scales are flexible and overlap one another, providing a smooth body surface.
3. Ctenoid Scales: Ctenoid scales are also found in bony fish. They are similar to cycloid scales but have small comb-like projections along the posterior edge. Depending on the species, the comb-like projections can be either fine or coarse. Ctenoid scales provide added protection and may aid in movement.
4. Ganoid Scales: Ganoid scales are found in primitive fish such as sturgeons and gars. They are thick, heavy, and rhombus-shaped scales with a hard enamel-like surface. Ganoid scales overlap each other like shingles and provide excellent protection.
5. Cosmoid Scales: Cosmoid scales are found in ancient fish species such as coelacanths. They are thick and bony scales with a hard outer layer of enamel-like material and a spongy inner layer. Cosmoid scales are more similar to armor than typical fish scales.

These are just a few examples of the types of fish scales found in different species. Each type of scale has unique features and functions, serving purposes such as protection, reducing drag, or aiding in movement.

Is it OK to Cook Fish with Scales?

Yes, it is perfectly fine to cook fish with scales intact. In fact, cooking fish with scales can offer certain benefits. Here are a few considerations:

1. Retains Moisture: Cooking fish with scales can help retain moisture during the cooking process. The scales act as a protective barrier, preventing the fish from drying out and keeping the flesh moist and tender.
2. Flavor Enhancement: Cooking fish with scales can help enhance the flavor. The scales can trap and infuse flavors, herbs, and spices into the fish, adding an extra layer of taste to the dish.
3. Easy Removal: After cooking, the scales can easily be removed if desired. Once the fish is cooked, the scales become loose and can be scraped off using a knife or easily peeled away.

How Do You Get Fish Scales Off of Your Food?

To descale a fish, you can follow these steps:

1. Rinse the Fish: Hold the fish under running cold water to remove any loose scales or debris.
2. Secure the Fish: Use a clean cutting board or a surface with a non-slip grip to prevent the fish from moving around.
3. Scale the Fish: Using a fish scaler or the back of a knife, scrape the scales from the tail towards the head. Apply gentle pressure and move in short strokes to remove the scales. Start from the tail and work your way up to the head, covering the entire surface of the fish.
4. Rinse Again: Once you’ve scaled the fish, rinse it again under running water to remove any remaining scales or debris.
5. Clean Up: Clean the area where you scaled the fish, ensuring that all scales are properly disposed of.

Alternatively, you can ask your fishmonger to scale the fish for you when purchasing it, saving you the hassle of scaling it yourself.

What Are the Benefits of Eating Fish Scales?

In terms of health benefits, fish scales are not a significant source of nutrients and are not typically consumed for their nutritional value. The scales of most fish are primarily composed of a protein called collagen, which provides structural support to the scales and the skin of the fish.

While collagen is a protein, it is not considered a complete protein source as it lacks certain essential amino acids.

In terms of other nutritional benefits, fish scales are generally low in fat and contain minimal amounts of vitamins and minerals. They are not a significant source of vitamins such as vitamin D, vitamin B12, or minerals like calcium or iron.

It’s worth noting that the scales of some specific fish species, such as certain types of carp or tilapia, are consumed in certain culinary traditions. However, these practices are not primarily for nutritional reasons but rather cultural or culinary preferences.

What About Fish Scale Jelly?

Fish scale jelly, also known as fish scale gelatin or collagen jelly, is a culinary preparation made from fish scales. It is a traditional dish in some Asian cuisines, particularly in Chinese cuisine.

To make fish scale jelly, fish scales are thoroughly cleaned and boiled to extract the collagen protein. The extracted collagen is then mixed with other ingredients such as sugar, water, and sometimes flavorings or fruit juices. The mixture is typically simmered or cooked until it thickens and sets into a gelatin-like consistency.

Fish scale jelly is often served chilled as a dessert or sweet treat. It has a translucent and slightly jelly-like texture. The flavor of fish scale jelly is usually mild and can be enhanced with the addition of fruits or other flavorings.

You may also be interested in learning about How to Scale a Fish