Why does my fish taste of soil?

[MulderitsmeX]

Google couldn't really help me so am turning to MN wisdom.

I ate some Basa tonight (ate my own portion after giving to the baby) and it tasted of soil. I've had this before - does ot mean the fish is "off"?

Also upon investigating Basa i'm not sure I will eat it again as there's some question over whether the Mekong river where it is produced is that clean.

Got the fish from sainsburys and have been having real problems with their freshness lately (it's either them or waitrose where I live)

Iirc basa is a name for a type of catfish. Allegedly more sustainable than the popular white fish it now replaces. Catfish and the Mekong would both put me off tbh.

Fish which are bottom feeders (like catfish) can taste 'muddy' if they've lived in a muddy environment and not been kept in clean water for a few days to purge their digestive tracts. I don't like most trout because of this.

I knew the wisdom.of MN would.prevail thanks guys.

Think I will.steer clear of basa from now on, I naively assumed it was like cod just swimming around the atlantic but feel a bit grossed out now I know what it is.

Because it's Basa. Muddy tasting floor feeding, generally unpalatable but cheap fish.

Pollock is nicer as a cheap fish, despite being grey and a bit soggy. If you want something more substantial for a sauce, try coley. Very underrated.