What is fish maw?
Many people don't know what fish maw is. In fact, fish maw is a type of fish tripe, the dried swim bladder of fish. It's rich in collagen, hence the name "fish maw" (花膠, huā jiāo, literally "flower胶" or "gelatin"). Below, we'll explain the origin of fish maw and some of its simple benefits.
Fish maw is a type of fish tripe, made from the dried swim bladders of marine fish. There are two sources for fish maw: one from large yellow croaker is called "yellow fish maw," and one from large drum fish is called "white fish maw." Fish maw comes in male and female varieties. The male type is long and straight, high quality with thick flesh. The female type is round and wide with horizontal lines, lower quality with soft, thin flesh that softens after soaking!
Fish maw, essentially the dried swim bladder of fish, is rich in collagen, hence its name. Chinese people have been eating fish tripe since before the Han Dynasty. The "Qimin Yaoshu" from over 1600 years ago documented what is now known as fish tripe.
There are over 100 existing types of fish maw. Each type comes from different species of fish swim bladders, also called fish tripe or fish glue. The price depends on the rarity of the fish species. Fish maw is made by drying the swim bladders (the organ that controls a fish's buoyancy) of large fish. Currently, the top-ranked fish maw are, in order: the king of fish maw: Golden Coin Fish Maw (from Totoaba fish), White Fish Maw (from Large Drum Fish), Yellow Fish Maw (from Large Yellow Croaker), Mackerel Fish Maw (from large Mackerel), and Eel Fish Maw (from large eels).
Golden Coin Fish Maw is the king of fish maw, extremely rare, and usually collected as a collectible. A single catty can cost hundreds of thousands. The Totoaba fish typically hides in deep-sea caves year-round, doesn't eat bait, and is scarce, making it very difficult to catch. Of course, Golden Coin Fish Maw has many functions; it was once used as a life-saving medicine and has hemostatic and blood-replenishing effects, though its collection value now far exceeds its edible value.
Fish maw is not only a famous banquet dish but also has nourishing and medicinal value. Fish maw is rich in protein, collagen, etc., and has the effect of nourishing yin and tonifying the kidneys. It can help the human body quickly eliminate fatigue and also aids in wound recovery for surgical patients. Generally, it can be consumed after 4 to 5 months of pregnancy, and consuming it multiple times before delivery can make the post-delivery period more comfortable. It can also be eaten 4 to 5 days after surgery for better wound healing.
Now do you know what fish maw is? And which type of fish maw is the most expensive?
Want to know the market value of your dried seafood and tonic products?
Welcome to check our Fish Maw Recycling Services for professional appraisal.
📚 Further Reading
- Want to know about bird's nest types and preservation? Check out: Kin Hoi Shing offers free door-to-door bird's nest recycling!!!
- Want to know about the differences in Cordyceps producing regions? Check out: Tuen Mun Nagqu Cordyceps Recycling Expert On-Site: Unlocking Price Codes, Avoiding Low-Price Traps!
- Want to know about Japanese dried abalone head count and sugar heart? Check out: The Art of Dried Abalone Recycling: Which Head Count Retains Value Best? Analyzing the Impact of "Head Count" on Recycling Prices.
Want to know how much your idle dried seafood is worth?
📸 Send us front, back, and side photos via WhatsApp for a preliminary estimate within 30 minutes.
Kin Hoi Shing Dried Seafood Recycling
WhatsApp: (852) 69035182
Free door-to-door service in all 18 districts of Hong Kong · Instant cash settlement · Appraisal process recorded
