Savusilmät

Savusilmät is a Finnish term that translates to "smoke eyes" and refers to a condition affecting fish, particularly herring. It is characterized by a clouding or opacity of the fish's eyes, making them appear milky or whitish. This phenomenon is generally observed in fish caught during specific seasons, often in the autumn.

The exact cause of savusilmät is not fully understood, but it is commonly attributed to physiological changes in the fish. One prevailing theory suggests that the clouding is related to the fish's diet and fat metabolism. As fish accumulate fat reserves, particularly before winter, changes in their blood chemistry and fluid balance may lead to the accumulation of lipids or other substances in the cornea, causing the milky appearance.

While savusilmät can be visually striking, it is generally considered to be a harmless condition for human consumption. Fish exhibiting this characteristic are still safe to eat, and the condition does not typically affect the taste or texture of the flesh. In Finland, fish with savusilmät are often caught and sold, and consumers are accustomed to this appearance. The term is primarily used in a descriptive and informal context within the fishing and culinary communities.