Can the hard bumps on turbot fish be eaten?

Dec 10, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Huang Yuhong

Introduction

Turbot naturally have hard bumps on their body, and the fish is safe to eat if it is fresh. However, hard bumps caused by abnormal growths or spoilage are not edible. Some of these surface bumps on turbot are natural bony protrusions or scale variations, which are part of its normal physiological structure. If the bumps are firm and regularly shaped, and the fish is lively, odorless, and has firm flesh, it can be safely consumed after thorough washing and complete cooking.

Under normal circumstances, the natural hard bumps on turbot are safe to eat if the fish is fresh; however, hard bumps caused by abnormal growths or spoilage should not be consumed. If in doubt, it is advisable to consult a medical professional beforehand. Detailed analysis is as follows:

Some hard bumps on the surface of turbot are natural bony protrusions or scale variations, which are part of its normal physiological structure. If the bumps are firm and regularly shaped, and the fish appears lively, odorless, and has firm flesh, it is safe to consume after thorough washing and complete cooking.

However, if the bumps are raised lumps that are soft, ulcerated, or oozing pus, or if accompanied by slimy skin, foul odor, or rotten flesh, they may indicate disease or parasitic infection. Consuming such fish may pose health risks and should be strictly avoided.

When selecting turbot, carefully examine the condition of any bumps to ensure the fish is fresh and free of abnormalities. Thoroughly wash the fish before cooking, remove impurities, and cook it thoroughly. If discomfort occurs after consumption, stop eating immediately and seek medical attention.

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Can turbot with white spots on its body be eaten?

If the white spots on turbot are due to naturally uneven pigment distribution or minor surface frost damage caused by low-temperature storage (with no off-odor after thawing and firm flesh), and if the fish eyes are clear, gills are bright red, and there is no unusual smell, the fish is generally safe to eat. Such white spots do not affect the quality of the flesh, and thorough cooking ensures food safety without adverse health effects.

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Can turbot be eaten after being frozen?

In general, whether turbot can be consumed after freezing depends on the freezing method and storage condition. It is safe to eat if it has been properly frozen and has not spoiled, but should not be consumed if improperly frozen or already spoiled. When storing turbot at home, clean the fresh fish thoroughly, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap, place it in the freezer compartment of the refrigerator, maintain the temperature below -18°C, and consume it within 3 months whenever possible.