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The Ancient Wisdom: “Don’t Buy Catfish” – But Today, a Delicacy?

The mudfish was once considered a cheap and undesirable fish, fit only for the poor. However, today it is a sought-after delicacy, prized for its unique flavor and texture. This humble fish has undergone a remarkable transformation, from a lowly and overlooked catch to a culinary favorite, gracing the tables of discerning food lovers across the land.

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10 December, 2024

Why Did the Ancients Say Not to Buy Catfish?

Among the various types of fish, catfish are small, with little meat and many bones. In the past, our ancestors mainly caught fish from natural sources, so compared to carp, grass carp, bighead carp, and silver carp, catfish are smaller in size and have more bones, especially remnant bones that can easily get stuck in the throat if not careful.

With the economic conditions of the past, it was essential to choose fish with more meat to ensure sufficient quantities for meals. Therefore, in the context of natural fishing, catfish fell short in quality compared to other carp species. Hence, catfish was often reserved for the poor and sometimes used to feed pets or pigs.

The wisdom passed down from the elders to avoid buying catfish stems from its low meat content, limiting the number of dishes that could be prepared. In a time of scarcity, buying catfish could be a disadvantage. Moreover, if there are children or elderly people in the family, consuming catfish increases the risk of bone-related accidents. Thus, caution is advised to prevent any potential harm from this fish.

Catfish, Once Shunned for Its Bones, Is Now a Delicacy

Why Has Catfish Become a Delicacy Today?

With economic development, fish are predominantly farm-raised in ponds, and the taste of grass carp, bighead carp, and carp has diminished compared to their naturally caught counterparts. Moreover, with the growth of industrial livestock farming, farmers have favored tilapia, which are omnivorous and fast-growing, leading to a significant decline in the natural catfish population. Additionally, the rampant use of pesticides on fields has further contributed to the decrease in natural fish populations.

As a result, the number of catfish has become increasingly scarce. In the trend of aquaculture, farmers focus on raising grass carp, bighead carp, and carp, neglecting catfish. However, with today’s affluence, people seek delicious and safe food rather than just filling their stomachs, leading to a preference for natural produce.

Catfish remain a species that is less commonly farmed or caught naturally. Their meat is sweet and nutritious, making them a good food-medicine combination. Thus, many people seek out catfish for their superior taste and nutritional value, marking a shift from quantity to quality.

Catfish: A Delicacy That’s Not Always Readily Available

In reality, finding natural catfish is not as easy as it used to be. While grass carp, carp, tilapia, and grass carp are always available due to industrial farming, the number of natural catfish in lakes, ponds, and rivers has decreased. Connoisseurs now prefer natural catfish over industrially farmed fish, driving up prices. In markets, catfish can range from 60,000 VND, while tilapia is 50,000 VND and carp is 80,000 VND. In some areas of the capital, catfish prices can even reach 100,000 VND or more, depending on the season.

However, some farmers have started to cultivate catfish to cater to this emerging consumer trend.

Tips for Choosing Delicious Catfish

When buying catfish, to ensure you get natural catfish, it’s best to choose from vendors who display their fish on mats or in bags rather than those swimming in buckets. Fish swimming in buckets are usually farm-raised and will have uniformly dark scales and fins. In contrast, natural catfish, though alive, will have silvery and brighter-colored scales.

Choose catfish with rounder bodies for better taste. If you prefer eggs, select those with larger bellies, while those seeking more meat should opt for thinner fish. Natural catfish tend to have fuller bodies than their farmed counterparts.

Catfish stewed until the bones soften can be safely consumed whole, providing additional calcium.

When choosing catfish, ensure they are fresh, with firm flesh, clear eyes, and no slime.