Meat
ringed seal liver.
VegetarianVeganGluten-freeDairy-freeNut-freePeanut-freeSoy-freeEgg-freeShellfish-freeHoney-freeAlcohol-freeHalalKosher
SERVING
CALORIES
116
PROTEIN
18.6g
CARBS
2.9g
FAT
3.3g
FIBER
0g
NUTRITION PROFILE · per 100 g
Everything in this ingredient.
MACRONUTRIENTS
Calories116kcal—
Protein18.6g37%
Carbohydrates2.9g1%
Total fat3.3g4%
Saturated fat1.2g6%
Cholesterol260mg87%
Water74.2g—
MINERALS
Sodium110mg5%
Potassium280mg6%
Calcium13mg1%
Iron13.5mg75%
Magnesium18mg4%
Phosphorus3.0mg0%
Zinc4.2mg38%
VITAMINS
Vitamin A4880µg542%
Vitamin C24mg27%
Thiamin (B1)0.18mg15%
Riboflavin (B2)2.9mg223%
Niacin (B3)12.5mg78%
Vitamin B60.70mg41%
%DV based on a 2,000 cal diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central. A dash in the %DV column means there’s no established Daily Value for that nutrient.
MEASUREMENT CONVERSIONS
How much is what.
1 cup155g
1 tablespoon10g
1 oz28.4g
1 lb453.6g
HEALTH BENEFITS
Why eat it.
- ✓Extremely high in Vitamin A, which supports vision and immune function; however, levels can be toxic and must be consumed with extreme caution.
- ✓Excellent source of highly bioavailable heme iron, crucial for preventing anemia and supporting oxygen transport in the blood.
- ✓Rich in Vitamin B12, essential for nerve function, DNA synthesis, and the formation of red blood cells.
- ✓Contains significant amounts of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), which support brain health and reduce inflammation.
COOKING TIPS
In the kitchen.
- 1CRITICAL SAFETY WARNING: Consume in very small, infrequent portions due to potentially fatal levels of Vitamin A (hypervitaminosis A).
- 2To reduce the strong, gamey flavor, soak the liver in milk or a slightly acidic solution like water with lemon juice for 30-60 minutes before cooking.
- 3Cook thoroughly to eliminate potential parasites. Pan-frying thin slices quickly over high heat is a common method.
- 4Pairs well with strong flavors like onions, garlic, and acidic sauces to balance its richness.
STORAGE
Keep it fresh.
- For short-term storage, keep in the coldest part of the refrigerator (below 40°F / 4°C) in an airtight container and consume within 1-2 days.
- For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and a freezer bag, and freeze at 0°F / -18°C for up to 3 months for best quality.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
Is ringed seal liver healthy?
Ringed seal liver is exceptionally nutrient-dense, offering high-quality protein, heme iron, and Vitamin B12. However, it contains extremely high levels of Vitamin A that can be toxic to humans if consumed in large quantities, so it must be eaten with extreme caution and in small portions.
How much protein and calories are in ringed seal liver?
A 100g serving of ringed seal liver contains approximately 116 calories and 18.6g of protein. It is a lean protein source with only 3.3g of fat and 2.9g of carbohydrates.
Why is Vitamin A toxicity a concern with ringed seal liver?
Like many Arctic marine mammals, the ringed seal stores vast amounts of Vitamin A in its liver. Consuming too much can lead to hypervitaminosis A, a serious condition that causes symptoms ranging from headaches and skin peeling to liver damage and, in extreme cases, death.
Is ringed seal liver keto-friendly?
Yes, ringed seal liver is keto-friendly and low-carb, containing only 2.9g of carbohydrates per 100g. It also provides essential omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), which are beneficial for those on a ketogenic diet.
What does ringed seal liver taste like?
It has a very intense, earthy, and metallic flavor, similar to beef liver but much stronger. Because it is a marine mammal, it may also have a slight oiliness or 'fishy' undertone due to its high omega-3 content.
How do you traditionally prepare ringed seal liver?
In Arctic Indigenous cultures, it is often eaten raw, frozen (known as quaq), or lightly boiled. If pan-searing, it should be cooked quickly over high heat to prevent it from becoming tough and rubbery.
Is ringed seal liver gluten-free?
Yes, ringed seal liver is naturally gluten-free as it is a pure animal organ meat. It is safe for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, provided no gluten-containing seasonings or flours are added during cooking.
How should ringed seal liver be stored?
Fresh liver should be stored in the coldest part of the refrigerator and consumed within 1 to 2 days. For long-term storage, it can be wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn and frozen for several months.
Can ringed seal liver help with anemia?
Yes, it is an excellent source of heme iron, which is the form of iron most easily absorbed by the human body. This makes it highly effective for supporting red blood cell production and preventing iron-deficiency anemia.
How do you know if ringed seal liver is fresh?
Fresh liver should have a deep, consistent color and a moist, glistening surface without any slime. It should have a clean, metallic scent; any sour or overly pungent ammonia-like odors indicate that the meat has spoiled.
