A very big, but little-known species is now being marketed in Europe.
The Peruvian Pavilion hosted a culinary demonstration of paiche, a fish native to the Amazon River and its tributaries, at the 2018 Seafood Expo Global on Wednesday, 25 April.
Paiche (Arapaima gigas) is considered the largest freshwater in the world. It can measure up to three meters in length and weigh up to 200 kilograms.
Now being produced year-round by aquaculture operations in Peru, paiche is popular in the South American country, often being used in ceviche. It is already exported to the United States, but Peru has plans to introduce it into the European market, according to Maria del Rosario Pajuelo Escobar, the Director of the Trade, Tourism, and Investment Office in Peru’s Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism in Belgium.
“One of the main characteristics of paiche is its delicious white meat, with neutral, versatile taste,” Pajuelo said. “It’s high in protein, minerals, iron, zinc and omegas.”
A portion of 100 grams of paiche contains 20 grams of protein, comparable to a fillet of beef or a chicken breast, but with much less fat and calories, Pajuelo said.
