Asymmetrical bottarga at 30% off – flavor remains uncompromised

Reported by Zhang Chaoxin / Yunlin

As the winter season progresses, bottarga becomes increasingly plump. This year, bottarga prices remain stable, but amid the economic downturn, foodies looking to enjoy delicious food while saving money head to bottarga farming and processing areas along the Yunlin coast, such as Jinhu and Ailiao, to purchase asymmetrical bottarga. Priced at about 70–80% of regular bottarga, it may not look as appealing, but its taste is just as good.

This year, facing rising feed costs, bottarga producers have been hesitant to raise prices, opting instead for a low-margin, high-volume strategy to avoid driving away customers. A piece of bottarga weighing around 5 to 6 taels is of moderate size and suitable for gifting, priced at approximately NT$1,500. Larger pieces can exceed NT$2,000 each.

Lin, a fish farmer, said that those buying bottarga for gifting tend to choose larger, more visually appealing pieces. For personal use, most people buy smaller pieces—around five 16-tael portions per catty—which are not only more affordable but also just the right amount for a small family meal. These smaller pieces are very popular and currently the best-selling products.

However, there’s an even more economical option: buying asymmetrical bottarga. Due to its unattractive appearance, this type is usually purchased by individuals for personal consumption. It’s sold at 70–80% of the price of regular bottarga—truly a case of “getting 30% off.” But not many people know about it; most buyers are regular customers.

Lin said that in recent years, bottarga buyers have become polarized—they either go for the cheapest options or specifically request the largest pieces. He prepares some bottarga pieces weighing over 1 catty (600 grams) each year, priced at over NT$2,500 each. He once sold a 1 catty 6 tael piece for NT$4,000, and there were still buyers.