first fish

[bored...]

I have not eaten fish in over ten years. It was forced upon me as a child and I have avoided it ever since. I think the dislike is probably more psychological than physical and I would really like to get into eating it again, mainly for health and weight management benefits.
Where should I start? What is the best fish to try to ease myself back into the taste? I have been told tuna steak or salmon would be a good place to start? Is this true? Thanks x

[Buenchico]

Many children are put off fish by the presence of bones (or, at least, the possibility that they might find some). They simply remember that they 'don't like fish' even though that dislike hasn't actually got anything to do with the flavour or texture of fish.

For that reason, I'd suggest avoiding anything with plenty of bones. Once you get back into eating fish, you'll probably love grilled (fresh) sardines, simply served with brown bread and lemon juice but (because of all the bones) that might be 'a step too far' to start with.

I'd also advise against starting with tuna. It's a very distinctive flavour, which some people love but many people hate. (Suggesting that you should try tuna is a bit like suggesting that someone who has never experienced any type of beer should start with Guinness! It's definitely an 'acquired taste' and probably not a good starting point).

A salmon steak might be a better idea. (There are no significant bones, it's easy to cook, and not particularly expensive). If you're not too constrained by finances though, I'd suggest either a delicate white fish, such as Dover Sole or, even better, a firm-textured fish, such as swordfish. (I simply refuse to believe that you wouldn't enjoy a swordfish steak. Look for one which is generally white, rather than grey, and grill it lightly on both sides. Serve simply, with new potatoes and lemon juice).

Chris

[woozer]

Hi
I too had fish forced on me as a child and had found it very difficult to try eating it for years. But all these cookery programmes use so much of it and the sauces look so lovely so
I first tried a bit of my husbands fish shop cod - then moved on to some very very fresh white fish when I was on holiday. Now I love cod, haddock and other fleshy white fish like monk fish but find the flat fishes such as sole and plaice too strong for me

I have also found that I can manage some smoked fish because to me it tastes a bit like bacon ! I first tried a smoked haddock and asparagus risoto which was fiine as there was only a wee bit of fish in it. Now I love poached smoked haddock with a poached egg or hollandaise sauce.

I suggest you try a very small amount of someone elses food and progress from there if you can..it is worth it !

[whifffey]

Unquestionably you should try halibut. Expensive, but an absolutely heavenly re-introduction to fish. Look in Marks and Spencer.

It microwaves beautifully and very quickly. Serve with new potatoes (Jersey Royals are appearing now), and sweet petits pois.

[Mortartube]

Cod is a very good place to start as it has a very mild flavour, as does pollack. If bones are a worry, go to the fishmonger and ask for the tail end of the fillet as the fine bones are at the front end of the fish in the area behind the head.

Flatfish such as dabs are cheap and not too highly flavoured. Make sure that you cut of the fins all of the way around the outside and cut a fair war back into the fish or you will be plagued with lots of tiny bones.

[jack daniels]

Ha Ha - I've been eating fish for 4 decades & funnily enough you've just named the 2 fishes I can't stand to start with!

I'd go for

Cod
Pollack
Gernard
Tilapia
Swordfish
Mahi Mahi
Halibut
Flounder

this might be handy

http://www.recipes4us.co.u/Fish/Types%20of%20F ish.htm