Fish and chips – the universal symbol of England and the British way of life – are traditionally served with crisp, fresh, and lightly battered fish. While the former is definitely acceptable today, the latter isn’t quite what it used to be. Back in Victorian times, and even well into the 20th century, it was customary to cook large fish in front of guests, serving the entire piece with tartars, gravies, or other accompaniments. In contrast, modern Britons tend to avoid over-cooking and waste when consuming fish. The reason behind this cultural shift is simple – carbs.
Carbs are cheap and easy to come by. You’ll often find them in processed foods, from breakfast cereal to potato chips. Because processed carbs are so abundant, it’s become popular to shy away from foods high in fiber and sugar, which can be found in the ingredients list of most traditional English dishes. This is especially true of old-school fish and chips, which are now considered ‘low-carb alternatives’. As a result, today’s battered fish is typically served lean, and fried in vegetable oils with just a touch of salt. This ensures that the fish is not over- or under-cooked, while still keeping the traditional English flavor profile.
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Don’t Get Fooled By Cost-Per-Kilo
If you’re comparing prices between different types of fish, be sure to include whether or not you want your fish cooked. Because of the way we buy and consume fish, sometimes the cheaper the fish, the more you’ll have to pay for the catch. For instance, cod tends to be sold by the kilo in Iceland, whilst sole tends to be sold by the pound in most parts of Europe. If you want your fish cooked, you’ll have to pay a premium for it.
An Unexpected Side-Effect
As we’ve established, carbs are inexpensive and easy to get hold of. Because of this, many people with low-carb diets will experience something called ketosis. Ketones are body chemicals that your body releases when you deprive it of carbohydrates. This often results in a flushed, bright-red face and the sudden desire to nap. If you experience these signs, you are experiencing the joys of ketosis. The key to managing this side-effect is to reduce your carbs and eat more fats.
The Ultimate Guide To Cutting Back Carbs
For those looking to shed a few pounds, cutting back on carbs is a great place to start. When you reduce your carbs, you’ll often find that your hunger declines, and this can lead to weight loss. Because fats and proteins are more filling than carbs, you will be consuming fewer calories. Also, when your body’s glucose level drops, so does its demand for oxygen, which can improve your overall feeling of wellbeing. In addition, many low-carb diets recommend consuming more antioxidant-rich food, which can help fight off damaging free radicals in your body. These are small molecules that can lead to cell damage and premature aging. However, the above recommendations are merely suggestions – feel free to substitute food items as you see fit.
More Than Meets The Eye
Fish and chips is more than just a culinary tradition in England. It’s an entire way of life that has been cultivated over the years, and it’s clear that some people still prefer to live by the old ways. While some old-school fish and chips might only serve as a quick and easy meal, others see it as a richly deserved celebration deserving of a feast.
With carbs being so abundant and accessible, it’s clear that fish and chips aren’t going to disappear anytime soon. However, what will change is the traditional way we prepare and serve it. The key to keeping the flavor of fried fish is to cook it in small portions, and avoid overcooking. Another great way to prepare fish, especially lean varieties, is to bake them. By doing so, you will be avoiding many of the health concerns and pitfalls associated with fried fish, while still enjoying its unique taste.
Last but not least, make sure that you always season your fish and chips with sea salt. The former is cheap and easy to come by, whilst the latter can be synthesized cheaply at home. Nevertheless, buying a large bag of sea salt isn’t something to scoff at – it can add an additional layer of flavor to your food that you might not have tasted if you only used regular table salt.