Taihu Black Carp

Taihu Black Carp

　　　　Product Name: Taihu Black Carp

　　Alias: Snail Black Carp

　　Origin: Taihu Lake, Huzhou, Zhejiang

　　Features: No fishy smell, firm texture, delicious taste.

　　Composition: Contains protein, fat, inorganic salts, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin A, etc.

　　Efficacy: The gallbladder of the black carp clears heat and detoxifies; the fish scale gelatin has astringent and hemostatic effects. The black carp’s bile treats sore throat, red eyes, eczema, boils, and ear discharge; the fish scale gelatin treats gum bleeding, nosebleeds, and purpura.

　　Product Introduction: The black carp bred in Taihu Lake can weigh over 100 jin (50 kg). As their main diet consists of snails, their meat differs significantly from that of common grass carp or silver carp. The head and tail are best enjoyed in a clear broth, while the mid-section can be braised, smoked, made into fish balls, stir-fried slices, rolled rolls, or used in fish porridge. The internal organs of the black carp are also very tasty.

　　Product History: In Taihu Lake, there is a three-peaked island called Sanshan Island, covering an area of 2 square kilometers. Archaeologists have discovered a Paleolithic cultural site here, revealing that the ancient inhabitants mainly relied on fishing and hunting as their economic activities and were skilled fishermen. In later periods, the local residents continuously maintained highly developed fishing industries, using fishing as one of their important means of livelihood. This is strongly evidenced by the large number of fishing tools unearthed. During recorded historical times, the prosperity of the fishing industry in the Wu region became even more evident. It is recorded that King Helü of Wu once built a “Fish City” to raise fish. Such large-scale fish farming indicates the thriving state of fishing activities.