Balmain Bug

Balmain bugs are available all year. They generally inhabit waters less than 80 metres deep and have been caught at depths of up to 150 metres. They live in sand, mud or gravel substrates and are caught mainly at night. Quite often they are taken as a by-product of trawling. They have been known to reach up to 200gms in weight and 7.5cm in length. Moreton Bay Bugs, caught in Queensland are very similar in appearance and flavour. Moreton Bay bugs have their eyes on the sides of their heads and Balmain bugs' eyes are on the top.

Note about amines: Fresh seafood has low amine levels, but when older than two days the amine content rises to moderate, and any fish that has been frozen has high levels.

To Buy:

Bugs make an economical alternative to lobsters. They are sold whole, cooked or green (raw) and sometimes live. Bugs should have the limbs intact with no discolouration at the joints.

To Store:

Wrap in plastic wrap or foil or store in airtight container in refrigerator up to 3 days, or you can freeze for up to 3 months providing your freezer operates at –18ºc.

Tips & Tricks:

To remove meat from bugs, split the shell lengthwise. With a sharp knife or scissors, starting at the tail end, cut straight down to the head. Split open, remove vein and rinse lightly if necessary.

Cooking Tips:

Never re-cook cooked bugs. Green (raw) bugs can be steamed, poached, baked, grilled or barbecued. They are sometimes used as a filling for pasta or added to light sauces. Cooked bugs look fabulous when split down the centre and presented on a cold seafood platter.

Find recipes with Balmain Bug

Nutrition per Per serve:

Weight (grams):

160

Carbohydrates, g:

0.0

Fat (g):

1.4

Monosaturated Fat , g:

0.3

Zinc:

Magnesium:

Amines:

Low

Glutamates:

n/a

Energy (kJ):

651

Protein (g):

35.2

Saturated Fat, g :

0.3

Niacin (B3):

Potassium:

Sodium:

Salicylates:

Safe/negligible amount

Benefits the Following Health Conditions:*

* This information is sourced by a qualified naturopath. It is non prescriptive and not intended as a cure for the condition. Recommended intake is not provided. It is no substitute for the advice and treatment of a professional practitioner.