Eight ways to distinguish real from fake fish maw

Distinguishing between real and fake fish maw is actually quite simple, but you must consider all eight methods below, rather than just looking at one aspect. These eight aspects represent eight methods for identifying real and fake fish maw.

1. Transparency

The most basic characteristic of fish maw is that if it lacks translucency, it's generally fake. How do you check for translucency? The simplest way is to hold it against the light and see if you can see your finger through it; if it does, it should feel transparent. Fake fish maw lacks translucency and has a stiff, lifeless texture.

2. Fleshy texture

Each type of fish maw has its own unique texture, although some fish maws have similar textures, such as the red-mouthed maw and the North Sea male maw, both of which have relatively fine and smooth textures. If the fish maw has no texture and looks like a series of rigid, flat pieces, it is likely fake. In addition, the older the fish maw, the clearer, finer, and more beautiful its texture, giving it a sense of age and the marks of time.

3. Feature points

Each type of fish maw has its own characteristics. When choosing fish maw, you need to know what variety it is and what its characteristics are. For example, the fake Zhanjiang red-lipped fish maw in the picture lacks nasolabial folds and a sluice gate, so it is fake. The fish maw in picture 4 is genuine Zhanjiang red-lipped fish maw.

4. Soaking method

Genuine fish maw remains intact after soaking, while fake fish maw will show signs of unevenness after soaking. Of course, not all fish maw is suitable for soaking; some with a brittle texture are not suitable, while those with strong resilience are suitable.

5. Break it open and look.

The method is simple: just try breaking the fish maw and see if it breaks easily. Generally, better quality fish maw will feel like it's still connected when broken, rather than splitting into two pieces immediately. However, thicker or larger pieces of fish maw are much harder to break.

6. Poor color

Each type of fish maw has its own color. When choosing a particular type, you can first check pictures of that type to see if there is a significant color difference between the one you choose and the reference picture. For example, the color may be too yellow, a dull wash, or lack the natural woody texture of aged fish maw.

7. Stewing method

Genuine fish maw will remain relatively intact after stewing, but the stewing time is not arbitrary. Some genuine fish maws are stewed for 1 hour, while others are stewed for 3 hours. Within the appropriate time range, genuine fish maw will not easily melt, disappear, or fall apart after stewing, while fake fish maw will show strange signs such as bubbles, hard lumps, and unevenness.

8. Details

This mainly refers to the blood vessels and fish oil in fish maw. These are essential details of natural fish maw, although not all fish maw will have as many blood vessels as shown in the picture. However, older fish maw will have fewer blood vessels because they gradually fall off and disappear over time. But most fish maw, especially those with good adhesion, will have some blood vessels attached. Of course, the specific situation varies depending on the variety. Another detail is the texture of each type of fish maw. Some fish maw has horizontal stripes, some have vertical stripes, and some varieties have unclear textures. Therefore, you should refer to the picture of the specific type of fish maw you choose to confirm whether it is indeed fish maw.

Jin Haisheng has many years of experience in fish maw recycling and has accumulated rich professional knowledge . We understand the value, quality, and market trends of different types of fish maw.

We evaluate each batch of fish maw fairly to ensure our customers receive a fair buyback price . We rigorously assess the quality of every batch to guarantee you get the best value.

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