While many people know that sharks are dangerous predators and may likely cringe at the thought of sinking their teeth into one of these fish, there is also an increasing interest in discovering whether humans can eat great white sharks.
From the northeast coasts of North America in Canada to the coastal waters off southern Africa, it is not uncommon to spot great white sharks being pulled in nets or on long lines.
It is also illegal to kill a great white shark in all American waters and most internationally.
In this blog post, we’ll look closely into the question can you eat great white shark and explore some important considerations when doing so safely.
Table of Contents
Do People Eat Great White Sharks and Is It Safe?
Eating great white shark meat might be a tradition for some cultures in certain areas, but it can be dangerous.
Great white sharks are apex predators with higher levels of mercury and other toxins from their prey than most fish so consuming them can negatively impact one’s health.
Shark meat is also salty and more likely to contain bacteria like salmonella because the shark spends so much time in warmer ocean waters.
While you technically can eat great white sharks, it is not recommended to consume this type of meat excessively. Before eating a great white shark, consider potential health risks and implications.
What Does It Taste Like?
The great white shark is renowned for having a very intriguing flavor profile.
The fish’s large body size and particular diet of crustaceans, small fish, and occasionally animals such as seals create a unique taste.
The flesh has a strong yet delicate texture with a hint of sweet, briny flavor – almost like lobster or crab meat.
Can You Eat Great White Shark Raw?
Now that we have answered the question, can you eat great white shark, let’s get into details. Eating a great white shark raw is not common practice, and it is much safer to cook this fish instead.
This idea is especially true if the great white got caught in an area with high levels of pollutants. Raw shark meat can contain toxins eliminated through cooking.
How To Cook Great White Shark?
The secret to cooking this mild and juicy delicacy is cutting it into thin slices before cooking. It is typically cooked over medium-high heat, seared on the stovetop, or grilled outdoors.
The fish should cook for a short bit; this allows the meat to cook all the way through while retaining its flavors.
Cooks will sometimes marinate these pieces of meat with citrus juices or soaked in milk before broiling or blackening them to improve the flavor.
Accompanying great white sharks with proven recipes such as stews or curries will provide additional depth of flavor and round out your meal.
Great White Shark Recipes
As this fish is a rarity on the dinner table, there aren’t many great white shark recipes. However, there are a few regular methods of cooking and ingredients used.
Pan-seared great white shark uses limited but powerful ingredients to enhance the flavor. Some ingredients are citrus flavors like lemon and lime, cajun spices, rosemary, garlic, and onion.
Is It Safe To Eat Great White Shark?
It is not advisable to eat a great white shark, even though it is legal in some countries. Great white sharks are not regularly consumed by humans due to the risk of dangerous bacteria and viruses that may dwell within their flesh.
While it is possible to do so, it should generally be avoided as a precautionary measure.
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