In 1975 the world’s perception of sharks was forever changed with the release of Steven Spielberg’s blockbuster movie “Jaws”. The action movie about a massive killer shark was quite scary, and I’m sure more than a few mature adults avoided swimming in the sea after watching it! The shark was, of course, simply a prop, but I’m afraid the movie stigmatized sharks as intentional killers and terrified a whole generation of children to boot.
I have to admit that I was leery about shark encounters when I moved to the Caribbean in the 70s, and kept a tense look-out while spear-fishing amongst the reefs. I soon realized that the nurse sharks sleeping in the sand were harmless, as were the reef sharks feeding between the coral; they seemed willing to share their habitat with me provided I left them alone, and once I understood this underwater etiquette it was easier to relax while swimming.
The first time Mac brought a shark home I noticed that it was quite unlike the fish I usually seasoned and cooked. Sharks don’t have scales or bones and that made the cleaning process easier, but I was quite put off by the dreadful smell! At that point in time, I knew little about sharks; I later discovered that they contain high levels of uric acid and ammonia, and that they urinate through their skin. This, I am sure, accounted for the unappetizing stench of urine assaulting my nasal passages, and decided then and there that I would never eat shark. I didn’t like their evil appearance, they stank to high heaven due to the uric acid and ammonia AND they contained too much mercury. As for the absence of bones and scales? That was simply too weird, and I backed out of the kitchen in disgust.
Mac soaked his shark in milk for a while, which he claimed removed the rank smell. He cut and then seasoned it with salt, garlic and ticky thyme, then dredged the pieces in seasoned flour for frying. I never once tried any, but Vanessa and Rachel loved Mac’s shark bites and ate them with gusto. Mac also made ceviche, a delicacy he assembled using thinly sliced shark and fresh lime juice and, although it looked tasty, I never once tried even a tiny nibble. I did NOT like shark!
Many years later, Rachel and her family were visiting from Canada and Nik suggested going to Sabrina’s in Paget Farm to eat some shark – he was sure our two grandchildren would love the experience and he was right. Everyone ordered the shark and fries except (of course) grandma; I simply ordered a portion of fries, which I picked at while the rest of the family devoured their generous portions of fried shark with obvious pleasure. At the end of the meal there were a few pieces left and, because the shark had smelled so good, I reached across the table and ate one.
Oh my, Sabrina’s shark was utterly delicious, and I’m sure Mac’s was too. I had literally turned my nose up at food because of the way it smelled, and punished myself needlessly for more than 40 years….