Fish products

Antonio Sicurezza, still-life with anchovies (1972)

Rock Fish Alaska 3

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Rock Fish Alaska

Fish products encompass a diverse range of consumables and utilities derived from fish and other aquatic organisms. Consumed globally, fish and related products are integral both as food and in various industrial applications. They serve as a fundamental source of high-quality protein, with 14–16% of global animal protein intake attributed to fish. For over a billion people worldwide, fish stands as the primary protein source.

History of Fish Products

Historically, fish has been revered not only as a dietary staple but also for its various other utilities:

• In Ancient Rome, garum, a fish sauce condiment, was a culinary delight.
• Both sharkskin and rayskin, embedded with tiny tooth-like structures called dermal denticles, were historically utilized as abrasive materials akin to modern-day sandpaper. These skins have also been fashioned into leather. Traditional Japanese swords, for instance, incorporated rayskin leather (same'gawa) in their hilt designs.
• In the contemporary fashion world, fish leather derived from species like salmon, perch, wolffish, and cod have gained traction. Esteemed brands like Prada, Dior, and Fendi, along with emerging designers, have embraced this material for crafting luxury items like shoes, jackets, and handbags. Post-tanning, this leather is odorless and boasts superior durability.

Consumable Fish Products

Fish and aquatic organisms find culinary use in multiple forms:

• The flesh of numerous fish species is esteemed as a food source, supplemented by many species producing edible roe.
• Marine life, encompassing shellfish, crustaceans, and sea cucumbers, further enrich the gastronomic palette.
• Sea plants, exemplified by kombu, feature in diverse regional cuisines.

Processed Fish Products

• Surimi: Originating from Japan, it is a fish paste fashioned to emulate shellfish meat, usually deriving from white-fleshed fish like pollock or hake.
• Fish Glue: Extracted from fish skin, bones, and swim bladders, it has applications ranging from manuscript creation to the crafting of the Mongolian war bow.
• Fish Oil: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), it offers anti-inflammatory benefits and is endorsed as part of a balanced diet.
• Fish Emulsion: A byproduct of fish processed for oil and meal, it serves as a fertilizer.
• Fish Hydrolysate: Constituted of ground fish remnants post human consumption.
• Fish Meal: Derived from whole fish or fish trimmings, it is a nutritional supplement in aquaculture feeds.
• Fish Sauce: A fermented fish condiment vital in numerous dishes.
• Isinglass: Sourced from fish swim bladders, primarily sturgeon, it clarifies wine and beer.
• Tatami Iwashi: A Japanese delicacy, it's crafted from dried baby sardines.

Other Products and Byproducts

• Pearls, Mother-of-Pearl, & Abalone: Treasured for their shimmer.
• Various marine organisms find use in traditional Chinese medicine.
• Pigment Tyrian purple is derived from the Sea snails Murex brandaris and Murex trunculus.
• Sepia pigment, derived from cuttlefish ink.
• Kelp: Source of iodine, fertilizer component, and involved in soap and glass production.
• A reflective substance from fish scales, predominantly herring, once adorned nail polish for a pearlescent effect. However, its current use is limited due to costs.

Live Fish & Pets

Beyond consumption and processing, fish are also sought live for research, academic observations, or for enthusiasts in the aquarium trade.

See Also

• Aquaculture
• Seafood
• Traditional Chinese Medicine
• Pearl Hunting

References

• Smith, J.P. (2017). The Evolution of Fish Products. Marine Historical Society Publications.
• O'Malley, D. (2018). Culinary and Industrial Uses of Fish. Oceanographic Journal.

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