Fashui Tilapia

Fashui Tilapia

　　In Zixi County, there is a mountain village where natural hot springs emerge, converge into a stream that flows around the village, and are lined with swaying bamboo forests on both banks. Though the stream is shallow and clear, it teems with fish that make sounds. These fish have large mouths, long dorsal fins with hard spines, rich fat in their bodies, and a thin red streak like silver running along the top and bottom of their heads and tails. Their shape resembles tilapia, but they are nurtured and nourished by the hot springs, hence they are named after the village: Fashui Tilapia. The fish thrive because of the springs, and the springs come alive because of the fish—this is known locally as one of the “Three Wonders of the Hot Springs.” Tilapia has long been famous since ancient times as a warm-water specialty fish. It has a wide and varied diet, strong adaptability, and is especially cultivated in flowing hot spring water: its meat is the most tender, the flavor the freshest, with no fine bones, high in protein and low in fat, making it suitable for all ages.

Thanks to the optimal temperature of the mountain spring water, the fish can reach a weight of 0.15–0.25 kilograms in less than three months. When visiting Fashui to eat tilapia, aside from being amazed by the tenderness and freshness of the fish, you’ll also be struck by its large mouth, lack of barbels, large and round scales, and the hard spines along its back that resemble needles or thorns. Tilapia, known in ancient times as “fu,” has the saying, “Fu has always been a delicacy, esteemed since ancient times.” Today, it is honored as a “tribute fish,” and eating it is an unforgettable experience. Winter is the best season for crucian carp, hence the folk saying “Winter crucian, summer carp,” which means that winter is the ideal time to enjoy crucian carp—not only for its delicious taste but also for its nourishing qualities. There are many ways to prepare it: steaming, braising, stewing, and frying are all excellent options.