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What Happens If You Eat Starfish?

Looking at starfish from a distance, may appear to be an exotic food option, but they may not be edible. While most of the time, the question of can you eat starfish may hover around in your mind, but you may not have the exact answer. The firm outer shell of a starfish may deter you from eating it. 

However, if the outer covering of a starfish gets open, you may somehow think of eating this delicious meal. Since starfish can be considered an edible or a safer food option, it has become a pretty popular food option for people in China, Indonesia, and some parts of Thailand.

Though, the noteworthy thing here would be that certain species of this fish may be highly poisonous or dangerous for consumption. Just take the instance of a thorn starfish. 

What Does The Fish Taste Like?

A starfish has the characteristics of a sea-like taste, which can be salty or briny. Though, from the inside, the meat has a semi-solid consistency with a pretty good taste when served. The fish has a tender or creamy taste as it may taste subjective. 

One thing to note is that the starfish don’t taste like any other fish, prawn, or traditional seafood, as everyone has their unique flavor. Some people may find the flavor of a starfish to be similar to the sea urchins or like a Chinese river carb. Some people may feel it is tasteless or slightly bitter or salty.  

Can The Starfish Be Eaten Raw?

When we talk about the question of can you eat starfish, another question can also pop into the mind, and that is, can the starfish be eaten raw? It is advisable not to eat starfish as raw as it can be poisonous or dangerous. Therefore, it is always recommended that people prepare a live starfish or cook and eat it like a lobster.

You should ensure that the starfish you cook is not dead for at least 24 hours, as it can cause certain kinds of stomach-related issues. 

How To Cook A Starfish?

If you are a seafood lover, you might know how to cook a starfish better. There would be different ways available to prepare a starfish. The most popular, easy, and preferable method would be to boil the starfish by placing that fish in the salty water for a few minutes. After that, you can transfer that fish into the cold water for 15 minutes. 

After the fish is boiled, you can remove it from the water and break its limbs to eat its green-brown flesh together. This will give you a delicious taste and will move your tastebuds. 

Deep-fried starfishes are pretty popular to eat in China. Once they are fried, you can eat them whole or break their leg to eat the inside flesh. Another common way to eat a starfish would be to grill it and serve it with the seasoning of salt and pepper over it. 

Is It Safe To Eat A Starfish?

While most starfish are not poisonous, a few species contain toxins that can be harmful if consumed. Ingesting a small number of these toxins can cause minor discomfort, but in more severe cases, it can lead to paralysis and even death. 

Despite this risk, eating a starfish is not as dangerous as some think. Most starfish found on the shorelines are safe to eat. Just be sure to avoid species that contain toxins or are particularly venomous.

Wrapping Up 

Eating a starfish may not be the most delicious thing you’ve ever tasted, but it is an interesting experience. So, if you’re brave enough to try it, be sure to go into it with caution and enjoy starfish as a delicious and nutritious meal option.

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