Nursery World - Nutrition (16)

Shellfish Nutritional value

Nutritional value

Like all fish, shellfish are highly nutritious. They supply protein and a range of minerals and vitamins and have very little saturated fat. Prawns, for example, supply vitamin B3, B12 and E, potassium, magnesium, zinc, selenium, calcium and iodine. Frozen, boiled crab supplies selenium, zinc, potassium, magnesium, iodine, copper, folate, and small amounts of several B vitamins, notably biotin.

However, shellfish tend to be very salty and are a common childhood allergen, so this should be borne in mind, especially when serving this food in a group setting.

Using shellfish

The greatest care must be taken in obtaining shellfish that are the freshest possible. They must be kept refrigerated the whole time except when being prepared. Adding shellfish to dishes should be done at the last moment and the dish served straight away.

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