Common names for Porgy
Red porgy, pink porgy, sea bream, silver snapper
Other languages for Porgy
- French name: Pagre commun
- Italian name: Pagro
- German name: Sackbrasse
Introduction to Porgy
The term “porgy” is derived from an American Indian word meaning “fertilizer,” which was a frequent use for these plentiful fish during Colonial times. While the species is most often known to as porgy in the United States, where it is primarily sold at ethnic markets, it is referred to as sea bream in Europe. On the American side of the Atlantic, about 15 species of porgy are present, including members of the Sparidae family including sheepshead and scup. They vary in size from 1/2 to 20 pounds, with market-sized fish weighing little more than 3 pounds. The red porgy (P. pagrus) is the biggest, found on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. It is captured using both hook and line and trawls and is a popular recreational fish in the United States. Argentina is the world’s largest producer of red porgy and exports frozen fish to markets across Europe, where the fish is highly prized. Uruguay and Brazil both have commercial fisheries for red porgy.
Product profile for Porgy
The meat of the red porgy is white and soft, with a big flake and a mild, sweet taste. In terms of taste and texture, it’s been compared to snapper. Porgies have a lot of tiny bones, which makes filleting them tough.
Cooking tips for Porgy
Porgy is a flexible fish that can be used in a number of dishes, and its mild flavor complements a wide range of flavors. Fish and steaks that have been dressed can be filled and baked. Cooking whole fish on the grill or roasting it in the oven softens the bones and allows the meat to slip off more readily. Porgies have rough, difficult-to-scale skin. It’s best to have the fish sized before to purchase.
Nutrition facts for Porgy
Calories: 124 Fat Calories: 46 Total Fat: 5.1 g Saturated Fat: N/A Cholesterol: N/A Sodium: N/A Protein: 19.6 g Omega 3: 0.8 g
Primary product forms for Porgy
Fresh: H&G, Head-on (gutted), Fillets Frozen: H&G, Fillets, Blocks
Global supply for Porgy
Argentina, Brazil, Greece, Spain, Turkey, United States, Uruguay, Iran
