Food & Receipts

How to Discriminate Wild vs. Farmed Frogs and Safely Handle Them

Discover the nuances of telling wild frogs apart from farmed frogs, as well as helpful tips for properly cooking the tasty amphibian just in time for dinner! Check out the Cooking section from Điện máy XANH for the guide to frog-cooking success!

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1 September, 2023

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Distinguishing Wild and Farmed Frogs

Choosing Between Wild Frogs and Farmed Frogs: Tips for Differentiating the Two

When it comes to cooking frogs, you may find yourself facing a common challenge – how to distinguish between wild frogs and farmed frogs. Dien May XANH is here to provide you with some helpful tips to help you confidently make the distinction:

1. Appearance: Wild frogs typically have a more vibrant and varied coloration compared to farmed frogs. Their skin may have spots, stripes, or other patterns, while farmed frogs often have a more uniform color.

2. Size: Wild frogs are generally smaller in size compared to farmed frogs. If you come across frogs that are exceptionally large, they are more likely to be farmed frogs.

3. Texture: The texture of the frog’s skin can also give you a clue. Wild frogs usually have rougher and bumpier skin, while farmed frogs tend to have smoother and softer skin.

4. Behavior: Observe the behavior of the frogs. Wild frogs are known to be more agile and quick, often jumping away at the slightest disturbance. Farmed frogs, on the other hand, may be less agile and less likely to react as strongly.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can feel more confident in distinguishing between wild frogs and farmed frogs when choosing the right type for your recipes.

Exploring the Distinguishing Features of Wild Frogs

Physical Appearance:

The spine and hip bones of the frog are typically thin and easily noticeable.
This individual possesses captivating, luminous eyes accompanied by a slender head, waist, and discernible tendons.
The frog’s belly is characterized by either a yellow or white color, whereas the skin on its back can be either black or bright yellow.

Wild frogs often have dirt and small insects on their bodies, which can also be found on the larger frogs when they are being sold.

Processing information:

Wild frogs are typically harvested and boiled in large quantities during the rainy season, particularly starting from September. This is the time when wild frogs are generally at their fattest, as they need to accumulate sufficient reserves for the upcoming winter period. As a result, the meat of these frogs tends to be firm, fragrant, and possesses a delightful texture that is both tender and chewy, reminiscent of chicken meat.

The market price for wild frogs is typically high, varying above 120,000 VND per kilogram during April 2020.

Investigating the Unique Traits of Farmed Frogs

Appearance:

Wild frogs generally have slimmer and smaller limbs compared to their domestic counterparts.
The skin on the outer layer of the frogs is brown, although it is not as dark or evenly colored as that of wild frogs.
The head of the frog is significantly larger than that of common frogs and exhibits a leisurely movement.

Farmed frogs are typically marketed as being clean and consistently sized.

Processing Information:

Farmed frogs consistently maintain a plump appearance year-round. However, upon cooking, the meat tends to shrink and exhibit potential signs of antibiotic residue. Furthermore, farmed frog meat may lack the desired tenderness, resulting in a mushy texture, and it may not possess the same level of deliciousness as that of wild frogs.

In April 2020, the price of farmed frogs is typically much lower than that of wild frogs, often ranging from 60,000 to 80,000 VND per kilogram.

How to Identify Quality Frog Legs

When deciding between wild and farmed frogs for culinary purposes, it is important to consider your preference and specific cooking requirements. Fresh and firm frogs typically possess the following qualities:

It is advisable to refrain from purchasing frozen or pre-processed frogs as they may not provide the same quality as their fresh counterparts. When frog meat undergoes processing, it is necessary to cook it promptly to maintain its freshness and delectable taste. Allowing the frog meat to sit out exposes it to the risk of losing its freshness, along with its inherent nutritional value.
The skin of the object is yellowish, displaying an evenly distributed and large sized appearance.

“Eliminating the Fishy Smell When Cleaning Frogs”

Dien May XANH offers a comprehensive guide on removing the fishy smell while cleaning frogs. Follow these easy steps for effective results:

Removing Parts of the Frog

Instructions to remove the frog’s head: Carefully secure the frog with one hand while simultaneously holding a knife in the other hand to precisely remove the frog’s head.

Removing or keeping the frog’s skin:

When preparing frog, the choice to keep or remove the skin is a matter of personal preference. Should you decide to keep the skin, it is imperative to thoroughly wash it in order to eliminate any sand worms that may be present, as frogs reside in unclean soil. On the other hand, if you opt to remove the skin, simply use your hand to firmly pull the skin beginning at the recently cut head.

Internal Organs:

The internal organs are highly contaminated and should be removed before consumption.

Spine: This part of the frog is commonly injected with substances to enhance its strength. Therefore, removing the frog’s spine is a safe and beneficial procedure for its health.

Blood Vessels and Veins on the Frog’s Thighs

Frogs, being frequently found in marshes and paddy fields, are susceptible to small parasites that can mimic their blood vessels and veins. Consequently, it is important to carefully remove these blood vessels and veins during frog processing to prevent any confusion.

Clean Your Frog: Important Step in Proper Care

There are two recommended methods to effectively clean the frog and eliminate any lingering fishy odor:

Method 1:

Firstly, clean the frog thoroughly by washing it with alcohol and ginger. This will effectively eliminate any bacteria present and get rid of the fishy odor associated with the frog.
Method 2: Vinegar and salt can be used to wash the frog, yielding similar results as method 1 but with slightly less effectiveness.

Blanching Frog Meat – A Step-by-Step Guide

Blanching frog meat before cooking is a common practice that’s often skipped due to concerns about nutrient loss. However, a quick blanching process using a mixture of alcohol, ginger, and turmeric powder can enhance the firmness, color, and fragrance of the meat. Optimal results are achieved with this method, as it effectively removes any unwanted fishy smell from the frog meat.

Tantalizing Frog-Based Cuisine

Now that you have learned how to select and properly clean frogs to remove any fishy odor, it is time for you to explore a wide range of mouthwatering frog dishes. Discover the delectable recipes you can create using frogs, including:

Savoring Frog Hotpot: A Unique Culinary Adventure

Frogs are a popular choice for creating a delectable hotpot that is enjoyed by many individuals, particularly when shared with loved ones. Embellish your frog hotpot by incorporating pickled bamboo shoots, chili sauce, or in the style of a sweet and sour broth reminiscent of sour fish soup.

Popularity of Fried Frog Legs Increases in Australia

Fried frogs can be prepared using various ingredients such as fish sauce, butter, or even the use of frog skin to create a crispy texture. This delectable dish is enhanced with garlic and chili, resulting in a highly appetizing culinary experience.

Try This Delicious and Nutritious Stir-Fried Frogs Dish!

Frogs can be a versatile ingredient in cooking, as they can be cooked in various ways. Aside from frying, they can be stir-fried with a mixture of ingredients like lemongrass, onions, and garlic. These culinary combinations can result in a wide range of enticing dishes that can easily be incorporated into your everyday meals.

Tantalizing Taste of Braised Frogs: A Delicacy?

Braised frogs are a highly nutritious and delectable dish that appeals to individuals of all ages, including the elderly and children. It pairs exceptionally well with rice or porridge, making it a favorable choice for a wholesome meal.

References from images and compilation: echgiongmientrung, pasgo, and FurHi Tv YouTube channel.