解題
### (a) Comparison of Nutritional Value of Oily Fish and White Fish
- **Protein:** Both oily and white fish are excellent sources of High Biological Value (HBV) protein, containing all essential amino acids required for body growth, repair, and maintenance.
- **Fat Content:** Oily fish (e.g., salmon, mackerel, sardines) contains fat distributed throughout its flesh (typically 10-20% fat), while white fish (e.g., cod, haddock, plaice) stores fat in the liver, leaving the flesh very lean (less than 2% fat).
- **Type of Fat:** The fat in oily fish is highly unsaturated and rich in Omega-3 essential fatty acids, which help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and support brain development. White fish contains minimal fat and is excellent for low-calorie or low-fat diets.
- **Vitamins:** Oily fish is an excellent source of fat-soluble vitamins A (for healthy vision and skin) and D (for calcium absorption). White fish lacks significant amounts of fat-soluble vitamins in its flesh but is a source of water-soluble B vitamins (such as cobalamin/B12 for red blood cell formation and energy release).
- **Minerals:** Both types provide minerals like iodine (for thyroid function) and phosphorus/selenium. Oily fish consumed with bones (e.g., canned sardines) provides a rich source of calcium for strong bones and teeth.
### (b) Guidelines for Buying and Storing Fresh Fish
- **Buying Guidelines:**
- **Eyes:** Should be bright, clear, and bulging (not sunken, dull, or cloudy).
- **Gills:** Should be bright red or pink (not brown or grey).
- **Flesh:** Firm and elastic to the touch; when pressed, it should spring back immediately.
- **Skin/Scales:** Scales should be intact, shiny, and cling firmly to the skin; skin should have a natural sheen and not be covered in thick slime.
- **Smell:** Should have a pleasant, fresh sea breeze smell, not a strong, unpleasant 'fishy' or ammoniacal odor.
- **Storage Guidelines:**
- **Temperature Control:** Store immediately in the coldest part of the refrigerator (0°C to 4°C) or on a bed of crushed ice to slow bacterial growth.
- **Hygiene/Cross-contamination:** Keep raw fish wrapped or in a covered container at the bottom of the fridge, strictly below and away from cooked or ready-to-eat foods to prevent drip contamination.
- **Preparation:** Eviscerate (gut) and wash the fish if not already done, as bacteria in the gut cause rapid spoilage.
- **Time Frame:** Consume fresh fish within 24 hours of purchase for optimum quality and safety.
### (c) Selection and Control of Cooking Methods to Conserve Nutrients
- **Steaming and Poaching:** Highly recommended as they are gentle, moist-heat methods. Because fish is not submerged in boiling water during steaming, water-soluble B-group vitamins are conserved. Poaching liquid can be used to make sauces so any leached nutrients are still consumed.
- **Grilling (Broiling) and Baking:** These dry-heat methods do not require the addition of fat, preserving the naturally low-calorie, healthy profile of fish. High heat in grilling quickly seals the exterior, keeping juices and nutrients locked inside.
- **Avoiding Deep-Frying:** Deep-frying adds significant amounts of saturated fats and high temperatures can damage heat-sensitive vitamins (like Vitamin B1) and degrade the beneficial omega-3 fatty acids in oily fish.
- **Temperature and Time Control:** Fish protein (myosin) coagulates at a low temperature (around 60°C). Overcooking causes the protein fibers to shrink and squeeze out moisture, leading to a dry texture and loss of water-soluble vitamins in the lost juices. Cooking should be brief, stopping as soon as the flesh turns opaque and flakes easily.
評分準則
Award up to 15 marks in total, structured across the three parts (maximum of 5 marks for each section):
### Part (a) Comparison of Nutritional Value (Max 5 marks):
- 1 mark: Identifying both provide HBV protein for growth/repair.
- 1 mark: Explaining fat distribution (oily fish has fat in flesh, white fish in the liver/lean flesh).
- 1 mark: Highlighting Omega-3 fatty acids in oily fish and their health benefits (e.g., heart health).
- 1 mark: Noting fat-soluble vitamins (A and D) present in oily fish vs B vitamins in white fish.
- 1 mark: Mentioning minerals (e.g., calcium in small edible bones, iodine in both).
### Part (b) Buying and Storing Fresh Fish (Max 5 marks):
- 1 mark per valid buying point with explanation (up to 3 marks):
- Bright, bulging eyes (not sunken).
- Red/pink gills (not grey/brown).
- Firm, elastic flesh (springs back).
- Fresh sea smell (no ammonia).
- 1 mark per valid storage point with explanation (up to 3 marks):
- Store in refrigerator (0-4°C) / on ice to slow bacterial growth.
- Keep covered on the bottom shelf to prevent cross-contamination.
- Use within 24 hours of purchase.
### Part (c) Selection and Control of Cooking Methods (Max 5 marks):
- 1 mark: Steaming/poaching prevents loss of water-soluble B vitamins.
- 1 mark: Baking/grilling avoids adding extra fat / maintains low-fat profile of white fish.
- 1 mark: Avoiding deep-frying as high heat damages omega-3 and adds unhealthy fat.
- 1 mark: Preventing overcooking which causes loss of moisture/nutrients and toughens protein.
- 1 mark: Use of poaching liquid in sauces to retain leached nutrients.