Seasonal scallops reach their peak in flavor and nutritional value during their season in November and December. Consuming scallops during this time can provide various health benefits.
1. Seasonal Scallops: Rich in Essential Amino Acids
Scallops are abundant in essential amino acids, providing crucial nutrients for growth. Ingredients like calcium and leucine strengthen bones and promote growth in children and adolescents. Additionally, glutamic acid and unsaturated fatty acids nourish the brain and contribute to brain development. Glycine in scallops supports collagen production and strengthens skin tissues, helping prevent skin aging. Glycine and arginine also stimulate insulin secretion, aiding in blood sugar regulation.
2. The Vascular Health Benefits of Seasonal Scallops
Scallops play a significant role in improving vascular health. Potassium in scallops helps expel sodium and waste from the body, promoting blood circulation. Rich in taurine, they help regulate cholesterol levels and stabilize blood pressure. Taurine also improves liver function and aids in fatigue recovery. Seasonal scallops are also abundant in folate and iron, which stimulate blood production, improving oxygen supply and circulation, and preventing anemia.
3. Checking Freshness, Storing, and Consuming Seasonal Scallops: Recommendations
To select fresh scallops, start by checking the condition of the shell. Scallops with glossy and slightly blue-tinged shells are fresh. Those that close immediately when touched indicate freshness. The freshness of seasonal scallops significantly affects their taste and nutrition. It’s best to consume fresh seasonal scallops soon after purchase. For longer storage, freezing is ideal to maintain freshness.
4. Various Cooking Methods and Nutritional Balance with Scallops
There are many ways to cook scallops to enhance their unique chewy texture and mild flavor. Before cooking, it’s typical to soak scallops in salt water for an hour, then rinse them and briefly boil them. Cooking methods include grilling with butter or making soup with various seasonings for a refreshing taste. Combining scallops with vegetables can solve the issue of lacking fiber and help balance nutrition.