UNAIR NEWS The use of snakehead fish as a raw material for processed foods is gaining increasing attention due to its rich nutritional profile, positioning it as a potential superfood. Eka Saputra, SPi, MSi, a lecturer at the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPK) (UNAIR), explained that snakehead fish contains high-value nutrients that could contribute to both public health and national food security.
Snakehead fish as local superfood
Superfoods are defined as foods with exceptional nutritional content, including proteins, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that are rarely found together in other food sources. Saputra noted that fish, in general, offers a well-rounded and highly beneficial nutritional composition.
淔ish is a nutrient-dense food with a complete profile, particularly rich in essential amino acids or protein. Snakehead fish, in particular, contains high levels of albumin, which serves as its primary added value, he said.
Albumin and its health benefits
Albumin is the main protein found in blood plasma and plays several critical roles in the body. These include transporting substances such as hormones, medications, and enzymes, as well as supporting faster recovery from post-surgical wounds. It can be consumed directly from whole snakehead fish or through extracted forms such as capsules, syrups, and even medical infusions.
Saputra added that albumin contributes to cell regeneration, supports early childhood growth, and contains bioactive compounds in the form of peptides. However, he emphasized that processing methods can alter its properties.
淪ince albumin is a protein, it is sensitive to high temperatures. No processing method leaves nutritional content entirely unchanged, but processing remains essential to increase fish consumption, maintain quality, and extend shelf life, he explained.
Product diversification
As the consumption of junk food and fast food continues to rise, Saputra sees the development of processed snakehead fish products as a strategic effort to provide healthier yet more appealing food alternatives.
淪nakehead fish can be turned into products such as nuggets, 榢aki naga (fish sticks), and fish meatballs, making them more practical and attractive to consumers, he said.
Snakehead fish also has strong potential to be incorporated into nutrition-based food programs. However, its development must take into account the availability of raw materials and ensure consistent product quality to preserve its nutritional benefits.
Saputra also encouraged parents to diversify snakehead-based dishes to better match children檚 preferences. 淢enus should be adapted to children檚 tastes to help improve their appetite. Options such as dim sum, otak-otak, and other creative variations can be effective choices, he concluded.
Author: Maulya Afifah Zahra
Editor : Khefti Al Mawalia
