The fish is both rough and ugly but the meat is extremely firm and nutritious.
Early mornings on the white sand strip of Central Vietnam, when the sun is still hidden behind the distant mountains, bamboo boats line up to head out to sea.
Amidst the sound of waves lapping the shore, fishermen diligently cast their nets, catching the products of the sea. Here, among the myriad of fish and shrimp, there is a fish that, although ugly in appearance, has a wonderfully sweet taste - the bottle fish.
In rural markets and midland areas, bottle fish are sold at a fairly cheap price. However, this fish is now on the list of specialty fish in restaurants. Photo: TL
The bottle fish, a member of the clam family, is shaped like a bottle, with a long, oval body, a flat, flat head, and a pointed tail. The skin of the bottle fish is grey, and its long body is covered with sharp, rugged fins, giving it a rough, ugly appearance like a rough sea rock.
Previously, fishermen in the Central region often considered the bottle fish as a minor fish, of little value, mainly used as animal feed. But now, that ugly appearance has become a sign to recognize a precious specialty of the Central region's sea.
Under the rough, gray skin, the flesh of the bottle fish is white, firm and has a sweet, elegant taste. Not only is the meat of the bottle fish delicious, it is also rich in nutrients.
Each piece of meat is a perfect combination of the characteristic sweetness of sea fish and the natural fattiness. It is the unique flavor of this ugly fish that has captivated many diners, turning the fish from a rustic dish into an expensive specialty.
Bottle fish can be processed into many delicious dishes, each dish has its own flavor, highlighting the uniqueness of this fish species.
At seafood markets, bottle fish is always a sought-after item. Fresh fish with shiny skin and firm meat are the pride of fishermen in the Central region. Photo: TL
On cold rainy days, a bowl of hot, fragrant fish porridge, the natural sweetness of the fish mixed with the aroma of green onions and pepper, makes anyone who enjoys it exclaim. And when summer comes, grilled fish with salt and chili is the perfect choice.
The fish is cleaned, marinated with salt, fresh chili and a little minced lemongrass, then grilled over hot coals, creating a dish with a crispy outer layer, fragrant with the smell of smoke, while the inside is soft, sweet and fatty.
It is impossible not to mention the bottle fish salad, a dish with a strong Central Vietnamese flavor. Fresh bottle fish, after being deboned, will be mixed with raw vegetables such as fish mint, herbs, perilla leaves, and dipped in fish sauce mixed with chili and garlic.
The fish salad is fragrant, sweet, and spicy on the tip of the tongue, bringing the flavor of the ocean to every sense, making it unforgettable for diners.
Not only delicious, the fish is also very nutritious. The fish meat contains a lot of protein, vitamins A, D, E and essential minerals such as calcium, iron, and zinc. In particular, the high omega-3 content helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, improve brain health and the nervous system. These benefits make the fish the top choice for those who want a delicious and nutritious meal.
Fish is a commodity that is always sought after by traders.
The economic value of bottle fish is also not small. In the current market, bottle fish usually costs from 130,000 to 150,000 VND/kg, while bottle fish eggs cost more, about 230,000 - 250,000 VND/kg.
These figures show that, from a fish once considered cheap, bottle fish has become an important source of income, contributing to improving the lives of coastal fishermen.
At seafood markets, bottle fish is always a sought-after item. The fresh fish, shiny skin, firm meat are the pride of fishermen in the Central region.
Bottlenose fish originate from seas such as the Indian and Pacific Oceans, but today, they are common in many parts of the world.
In Vietnam, bottle fish are distributed along large estuaries in the Central region such as Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Hue, and Da Nang.
These seas are not only famous for their wild beauty but also for being the cradle of precious bottle fish.
With the development of tourism, bottle fish is no longer just a dish for local people.
Tourists from all over the world when coming to the Central region all want to try the taste of the ocean through dishes made from bottle fish. Bottle fish has gone beyond the borders of the village, reaching out to the world, becoming the culinary ambassador of the Central region.
The meat of this fish is fragrant and firm like chicken but has very few bones, so it is very popular. Photo: TL
The story of the bottle fish is a story of appreciation and discovery. From a fish that was looked down upon, over time, humans have come to realize the value hidden within its rough shell.
Not only does bottle fish bring delicious taste, it is also a symbol of perseverance and creativity of coastal people. They know how to turn ordinary things into special things, from simple dishes to famous specialties.
And so, bottle fish is not only a dish, but also a story of love, of pride in what the sea brings. When enjoying bottle fish, we not only feel the delicious taste of the sea but also feel the love and dedication of the fishermen, who have devoted their whole lives to the sea.
So, if you have the opportunity to visit the Central region, do not forget to enjoy dishes made from bottle fish. For once, you can taste the salty taste of the sea, feel the quintessence from the simplest things.
Bottle fish - hidden behind its ugly shell is a treasure of the ocean, a specialty of the Central region that cannot be found anywhere else.
Source: https://danviet.vn/loai-ca-xau-het-phan-thien-ha-xua-lam-thuc-an-cho-gia-suc-nay-la-dac-san-quy-tot-cho-tim-than-kinh-20240823231428089.htm
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