Yan Dang Fragrant Fish

Yan Dang Fragrant Fish

　　Since ancient times, it has been known as one of the “Five Treasures of Yan Mountain.” During the Qing Dynasty’s Qianlong reign, it was served as a tribute. The fragrant fish belongs to the fish order Osmeriformes and the family Plecoglossidae, and is a small to medium-sized anadromous fish. Adult fish measure 15 to 20 centimeters in length and weigh 60 to 120 grams. They have an elongated, laterally compressed body, a small head, a pointed mouth, a grayish-black back, and a silvery-white belly. The fragrant fish has an oil gland channel along its spine that emits a distinctive aroma, which gives the fish its name. It typically inhabits shallow, cool, and nutrient-poor mountain streams that flow into the sea, feeding on algae growing on rocks. Known for its tender, fatty flesh and uniquely delicious flavor, it has been hailed by the international culinary, tourism, and fishing communities as the “King of Freshwater Fish.” The Pu Xi Bay, Song Bo Stream, Jin Zhu Stream, and Fu Rong Golden Stream in Yan Dang are all abundant sources of fragrant fish, with those from Shi Men Pool in Da Jing being particularly prized for their superior quality. The fragrant fish has many fine bones and is not usually eaten fresh but is more commonly smoked into dried fish. The dried version is golden in color and has a very fragrant taste. Commonly known as “fragrant fish jerky,” it keeps well over time and is said to be “preserved for a thousand-mile journey.”