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\tIngredient Name: Fish Maw, Gas Bladder, Air Bladder, Swim Bladder \tWhat is this<\/strong><\/p>\n \t<\/strong><\/p>\n \tThis is an internal gas-filled organ found in most fish.<\/p>\n \tIt is commonly used in chinese cooking and in chinese soups and some consider fish maw to be a luxury item (although it is not necessarily expensive).<\/p>\n \tWhen cooked, fish maw takes on the flavour of the surrounding ingredients.<\/p>\n \tIt is an excellent source of collagen.<\/p>\n \tWhen purchased dried, it comes as a hard, solid, hollow, translucent tube (as shown above) and must be soaked to soften before use. When cooked, it has a soft, slippery texture.<\/p>\n \tHow do I prepare it<\/strong><\/p>\n \tWash and soak your fish maw for at least 4 hours (or overnight) in room temperature water, or until it is soft and malleable.<\/p>\n \tWhere can I buy this<\/strong><\/p>\n \tYou can find dried fish maw in most asian supermarkets and in asian herb shops.<\/p>\n \tAlthough some people prefer lighter-coloured fish maw, the colour has no bearing on the quality of the product.<\/p>\n \tWhat is the cost<\/strong><\/p>\n \tFish maw prices vary widely depending on the size and type of fish. Prices can go as high as several hundred dollars for 100g. However, it is not necessary to purchase expensive fish maw.<\/p>\n \tAny benefits<\/strong><\/p>\n \tFish maw is an excellent source of collagen.<\/p>\n \tMany Chinese people believe that drinking fish maw soup and eating fish maw will improve their skin and, for pregnant women, the skin of their babies.<\/p>\n \tSome also believe fish maw can help with fertility and will drink and eat fish maw when attempting to become pregnant.<\/p>\n \tIt is also thought to help with blood circulation.<\/p>\n \tAny precautions<\/strong><\/p>\n \tNone that I can think of except to ensure it is fully soft before eating (otherwise it can hurt to swallow!). It is very healthy.<\/p>\n
\tChinese Name: Yu biao<\/strong> (\u9c7c\u9cd4 yúbiào)<\/p>\n