Facts about Vietnam's Round Scad HGT
Round scad, known scientifically as Decapterus maruadsi, is one of the most widely fished species in Vietnam. It is commonly caught off the East Sea (South China Sea), particularly in the waters off the central and southern coasts. Vietnam has an abundant supply of round scad due to its favorable marine conditions, which support a large population of pelagic fish like round scad.
Fishing Areas: The primary fishing grounds for round scad in Vietnam include the Gulf of Tonkin, Nha Trang, Phan Thiet, and Vung Tau. These areas are rich in small pelagic fish that thrive in nutrient-rich waters.
Raw Material: Vietnam produces thousands of metric tons of round scad annually, with the majority of the raw material coming from artisanal and commercial fisheries. Round scad is commonly caught using purse seines, gill nets, and trawlers.
Processing of Round Scad HGT (Headed, Gutted, and Tail-Off)
Once the round scad is caught, it undergoes a meticulous processing method to ensure high quality for export. The most common processing type for round scad is HGT (Headed, Gutted, Tail-off), where the head, guts, and tail are removed, leaving only the cleaned body of the fish
Processing Steps:
Heading and Gutting: The heads of the round scad are carefully removed, followed by gutting to eliminate internal organs. This is done manually or with machinery, depending on the scale of the processing facility.
Tail Removal: The tail is cut off, and the fish is thoroughly washed to remove any residual blood or impurities.
Grading and Sizing: The fish is then graded based on size and quality, with the most common sizes being 7-9 cm, 9-11 cm. Proper grading ensures uniformity for export markets.
Freezing: Round scad HGT is typically frozen in block form, where multiple pieces are packed together in a mold and then rapidly frozen. The freezing temperature usually reaches -18°C or lower to maintain the fish's freshness.
Glazing: A thin layer of water is often applied to the frozen fish blocks before further freezing to prevent freezer burn and dehydration during storage.
The frozen blocks are then packed into cartons or boxes, which are clearly labeled with product details, country of origin, and other information required for export.
Export Markets for Round Scad HGT from Vietnam
Vietnam is a major exporter of round scad HGT, with its products reaching markets across the globe. The main destinations for Vietnamese round scad HGT include:
West Africa: Countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Benin are significant importers of round scad from Vietnam. The fish is an affordable protein source and is highly valued in these regions for its taste and versatility.
Middle East: Countries in the Middle East import round scad for retail and foodservice sectors, where it is sold whole or further processed into ready-to-cook products.
Southeast Asia: Round scad from Vietnam is also exported to neighboring countries such as Thailand, Philippines, and Malaysia, where it is used in both the retail market and in the fishmeal industry.
Industries that Use Round Scad HGT
Round scad HGT is utilized across various industries, including:
Retail Industry: Round scad is sold frozen in grocery stores and supermarkets. Consumers buy it for home cooking, where it can be grilled, fried, or steamed.
Foodservice Industry: Restaurants and caterers use round scad in a variety of dishes, particularly in grilled and fried preparations.
Fishmeal Industry: Lower-grade round scad is sometimes used to produce fishmeal, which is an important ingredient in aquaculture feed for other fish species.
Canned Fish Industry: Some of the round scad is further processed into canned fish, which is highly popular in regions like Africa and the Middle East.
What Round Scad HGT Can Do: Culinary Uses and Benefits
Round scad is a versatile fish with many culinary applications. It can be prepared in several ways:
Grilling: Grilled round scad is a popular dish, especially in coastal regions. The fish is marinated with herbs and spices, then grilled over charcoal for a smoky flavor.
Frying: Deep-fried or pan-fried round scad is commonly served with rice or salad. The fish's firm texture holds up well in frying, making it crispy on the outside and moist on the inside.
Steaming: Steamed round scad is a healthy option, often cooked with ginger, garlic, and soy sauce.
Nutritional Value
Nutritional Value
Nutritional Value of Round Scad HGT
Round scad is a nutrient-rich fish, providing several health benefits:
High Protein Content: Round scad is an excellent source of lean protein, which is vital for muscle growth and repair. A 100-gram serving of round scad provides around 20 grams of protein.
Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids in round scad help reduce inflammation, support heart health, and improve brain function. The fish contains about 1.5 grams of omega-3 per serving, depending on the fat content.
Low in Saturated Fat: Round scad is relatively low in saturated fat, making it a healthy choice for individuals looking to manage their cholesterol levels.
Essential Vitamins and Minerals: The fish is rich in vitamins like Vitamin D and B12, as well as minerals such as selenium and iodine, which support immune function and thyroid health.
Challenges and Improvements in Raw Material Collection
While Vietnam has abundant supplies of round scad, the collection and sustainability of raw materials are ongoing concerns. Overfishing, fluctuations in fish populations due to climate change, and competition from other fishing nations are some of the key challenges faced by the industry.
Sustainability Practices: To ensure the long-term availability of round scad, Vietnam is working to improve sustainable fishing practices by implementing stricter regulations on fishing quotas and gear types.
Improved Cold Chain Logistics: Investments in cold chain infrastructure, from the fishing vessels to the processing plants, help maintain the freshness and quality of round scad before processing and export.
“Vietnam’s round scad HGT is a highly versatile and affordable seafood product that serves diverse industries worldwide. It plays a crucial role in food security for developing countries while also offering nutritional benefits as a lean protein source rich in omega-3s. Careful processing, freezing, and packaging ensure that the product meets international standards for quality, and ongoing efforts to improve sustainability and fishing practices are essential to preserving this important resource for future generations.”
