Anchovy essence

Anchovy essence is a fish sauce made from anchovies. It is a highly concentrated liquid that is used as a flavoring in a variety of dishes. The essence is typically made by fermenting anchovies in brine and then extracting the liquid.

History

The use of anchovy essence dates back to Ancient Rome, where a similar sauce, known as Garum, was a staple of the Roman diet. The process of making anchovy essence has changed little over the centuries, with the primary difference being the scale of production.

Production

The production of anchovy essence begins with the fermentation of anchovies in brine. This process can take several months to complete. Once the anchovies have fully fermented, the liquid is extracted and then filtered to remove any solid particles. The resulting liquid is the anchovy essence.

Uses

Anchovy essence is used as a flavoring in a variety of dishes. It is often used in Asian cuisine, particularly in Thai cuisine and Vietnamese cuisine, where it is a key ingredient in many sauces and marinades. In Western cuisine, anchovy essence is often used in Caesar salad dressing and in the preparation of Bloody Mary cocktails.

See also

• Fish sauce
• Garum
• Worcestershire sauce