Fish swim bladders are often discarded during fish processing as they are considered offal, but they actually contain a wealth of nutrients that are beneficial. Each fish has only one swim bladder. So, what is a fish swim bladder? What are its effects on the body, and how can it be used in cooking? The following article will reveal all.
1 What is a Fish Swim Bladder?
A fish swim bladder is an internal organ of the fish, shaped like a bag that contains air. It helps the fish adjust its buoyancy and balance while swimming. It also functions as a resonating chamber for creating and receiving sound.
Image of a fish swim bladder
The swim bladder is often discarded as people think it is not edible. However, it contains a variety of nutrients that are beneficial to human health, such as sticky substances, trace elements, , , and more.
Additionally, fish swim bladders contain a nutrient-rich substance known as “sea ginseng.” Not only can they be used to prepare a wide range of delicious dishes, but they also have excellent medicinal properties.
2 Benefits of Fish Swim Bladders
Fish swim bladders are considered one of the “eight treasures” of traditional cuisine, renowned for their remarkable properties such as nourishing the kidneys, enhancing essence, improving blood circulation, and more. For those suffering from kidney problems or frequent bouts of dizziness, consuming fish swim bladders can bring about a swift improvement in their condition.
Fish swim bladders – One of the “eight treasures”
For children, fish swim bladders are a rich source of nutrition, providing essential nutrients for their bone and brain development.
For women, fish swim bladders contain that help improve skin elasticity and combat aging. The biological protein collagen found in fish swim bladders is an excellent source of supplemental protein for the body. They also contain various other beneficial elements, including , trace elements, and substances that improve appetite and alleviate constipation.
Moreover, fish swim bladders help reduce feelings of fatigue, enhance physical and mental agility, improve brain function, boost intelligence, regulate secretion, and adjust milk production in new mothers. They also aid in treating insomnia in the elderly.
3 Medicinal Uses of Fish Swim Bladders
In traditional medicine, fish swim bladders are considered sweet and neutral. They are used in numerous medicinal recipes.
Recipe for improving kidney function and treating sexual dysfunction
Recipe 1: Combine 50g of fish swim bladder with 50g of wolfberries, 50g of rice, and 2 liters of water. Cook this mixture into a porridge and consume daily for a month.
Recipe 2: Combine 19g of ba kích, 10g of ích trí nhân, 10g of wolfberries, 15g of fish swim bladder, 2g of ginger, and 2 dates. Steam this mixture and consume within the day.
Fish swim bladder combined with natural ingredients to create a valuable medicine
Recipe for treating kidney weakness, back pain, dizziness, and blurred vision
Recipe 1: Combine 15g of fish swim bladder, 10g of ích trí nhân, 6g of lotus root, 4 slices of ginger, and 60g of lean pork. Steam this mixture for 3 hours and consume within the day.
Recipe 2: Combine 70g of fish swim bladder, 80g of peach flesh, 20g of sa uyển tử, 3 dates, and 3 slices of fresh ginger. Steam this mixture in a pot for 2 hours and consume within the day.
Recipe for treating stomach ailments
For individuals suffering from stomach problems or inflammatory conditions of the digestive tract, consuming dishes like fish swim bladder porridge, stewed fish swim bladder, or fish swim bladder soup can help protect and support the regeneration of the mucous membrane, promoting the healing of ulcers.
4 Culinary Dishes Using Fish Swim Bladders
Fish Swim Bladder and Frog Meat Soup
Ingredients: 0.5kg frog meat, 2 pig kidneys, 60g fish swim bladder, 30g wolfberries.
Preparation: Clean and prepare the ingredients, then steam them for 2 hours. Add seasonings to taste.
Note: This dish is beneficial for nourishing the yin, enriching the essence, and moistening the lungs. It is not suitable for individuals with spleen deficiency or a fever.
Delight your taste buds with unique dishes featuring fish swim bladders
Turnip Soup with Fish Swim Bladder
Ingredients: 700g turnips, 200g fish swim bladder, a few slices of ginger.
Preparation: Peel and cut the turnips into sections and boil them first. Clean and chop the fish swim bladder, then scald it with ginger to reduce the fishy smell and remove slime. Marinate the fish swim bladder with seasonings. Remove the foam from the turnip broth and add the fish swim bladder. Season with additional spices, and garnish with scallions and pepper. Serve hot to avoid a fishy taste.
Fish Swim Bladder and Lotus Seed Soup
Ingredients: 15g fish swim bladder, 250g young black chicken, 15g lotus seeds, 12g dried longan, 4 slices of ginger, 1 teaspoon of rice wine.
Preparation: Clean and prepare all the ingredients, then steam them for 2 hours. Season to taste. This dish helps nourish the yin, enrich the blood, and calm the mind.
5 Precautions When Consuming Fish Swim Bladders
Fish swim bladders contain a significant amount of sticky substance, which can cause bloating and indigestion. Therefore, individuals with poor digestion or existing digestive issues should refrain from consuming large quantities.
According to Master Nguyen Duc Quang from the Suc Khoe Va Doi Song newspaper, fish swim bladders are also not suitable for individuals with phlegm dampness.
Important considerations when consuming fish swim bladders
6 How to Choose and Buy Fish Swim Bladders
According to Master Nguyen Duc Quang, opt for fish swim bladders that are white or light yellow in color. They should feel dry and have a certain crispness, indicating their freshness.
Avoid purchasing fish swim bladders that turn dark yellow, develop mold, or emit a putrid odor over time, as these are likely spoiled.
Fish swim bladders have a relatively short shelf life, so it is best not to buy in bulk to avoid waste.
Choose fish swim bladders that are white or light yellow in color
7 Price and Availability of Fish Swim Bladders
You can find fish swim bladders at local markets or specialty stores selling fish and seafood.
The price of fish swim bladders varies depending on the type of fish. They can range from a few dozen thousand to several hundred million dong per kilogram. Swim bladders from prized fish such as lac fish and su vang fish are particularly sought-after and expensive.
What is the price of fish swim bladders?
For example, the swim bladder of the basa fish typically costs between 350,000 and 450,000 dong per kilogram.
Nowadays, due to profit motives, many manufacturers produce fake or imitation fish swim bladders, which can be harmful to consumers’ health. Therefore, it is essential to be vigilant and purchase from reputable stores to ensure quality.
We hope that this article has provided you with valuable and practical information about fish swim bladders. May it help you understand how to utilize this unique ingredient to benefit your health and wallet.
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