There is a misconception that eating fish in the holy month of Ramadhan causes thirst during fasting. Many avoid eating fish during this period without doing a fact check, which suggests fish has health benefits proven by scientific studies.
Medical studies confirm fish contains high percentage of vitamins and minerals such as (vitamins A, D, and B). These elements help strengthen the nervous system and the heart muscle and help facilitate digestion. Thus, the fasting person will avoid the feeling of satiety, lethargy, and laziness.
Fish also contains a high percentage of proteins, so eating grilled or steam-cooked fish gives a feeling of satiety for a long time because it is rich in protein. It also helps to reduce weight because it is a healthy alternative to red meat and is rich in essential fatty acids.
Some nutritionists advise that you should eat two meals a week to get the amazing nutritional benefits of fish.
Markets have all kinds of fish. "All kinds are available in these markets, where the shoppers can buy oily fish and fresh crustacean fish of all kinds. We are keen to buy these fish fresh, especially during the month of Ramadhan, because their nutritional value is better and more beneficial to public health," one of the visitors of the Muttrah fish market told the Observer.
"We only suffer from the high prices of local fish, so we call on the competent authorities to activate the role of the monitoring and inspection apparatus in these markets, and in this way, the consumer will ensure that the price of local fish is moderate in the various wilayats of the Sultanate," he added.
Official sources indicate that fish markets are considered one of the main tributaries in fish distribution and marketing. The total number of fish markets is 58 distributed in various governorates of the Sultanate of Oman. The establishment of these markets aims at preserving the quality of fish and organising the fish marketing process. These markets also contribute to the permanent and continuous provision of fresh and various fish products to the local consumer.
The fishery is one of the most important economic activities in the Sultanate of Oman, and it is classified as one of the most important sources of national income, in addition to being a social profession that Omanis have practised for a long time. Omanis still depend on wealth as a primary source of livelihood.
Statistics issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources indicate, "More than 1022 species of bony and cartilaginous fish, about 252 species of oysters and 60 species of sea crabs have been recorded," and surveys are still ongoing to register new species of marine organisms in the Omani seas.” The ministry also confirms: “The number of fishing vessels and boats is approximately 14,942 vessels and boats." Thus, the matter is not limited to considering fish wealth as a source of national income for the country but is also linked to a profession inherited through generations and an economic and social activity for many citizens around the Sultanate of Oman.
Omanis outrival in preparing fish dishes, and in the homes of Omanis, especially during Ramadhan breakfast meals, there are common dishes such as fried fish, grilled fish, and fish cooked with fresh vegetables. These are prepared by adding spices that are part of Ramadhan dishes.
TEXT & PHOTOS BY: YAHYA AL SALMANI
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