Most people who grew up in the land of fish and rice love to eat fish. The superior water conditions in Jiangnan Region create a smooth, nutritious and tender flesh of fish, which can be combined with any cooking method. In the autumn season, it feels great to sit around a pot of fish head soup and watch small bubbles rising. The milky white soup is slightly sweet and has a primitive flavor.
The core of this deliciousness lies in Qiandao Lake. The organic fish swimming in the lake have long been popular all over the country. Fish head restaurants are scattered all over the streets and alleys of Qiandao Lake. A constant stream of people drives all the way from their cities to taste the most authentic water village delicacies.
The Organic Fish Winning at the Starting Line
To the west of Hangzhou, in Chun'an County, the Xin'an River passing through is blocked by a dam, storing water to form an artificial lake. The lake area covers an area of 573 square kilometers, and there are 1078 islands of different shapes and sizes around it. Looking around, the blue waves are vast and the islands are scattered, like pieces of jasper half immersed in the lake, so Qiandao Lake is named.
The water of Qiandao Lake is crystal clear, and the visibility is as deep as 9 to 11 meters. It is a national first-class water body and reaches the drinking water standard without any treatment. The sweet Nongfu Spring is produced here.
The fish are born in the huge Qiandao Lake and are not artificially bred. They swim freely in the vast lake. The fish is naturally delicate and tender, without any muddy smell.
Tonic Fish Growing up Eating Pine Pollen
Chun'an County has 1.35 million mu of pine forests. The moderate temperature, sufficient sunlight, abundant rainfall, and multi-level three-dimensional climate provide an excellent growth environment for masson pine.
Every April, the dense masson pine flowers are in full bloom, and the pine pollen is scattered to the water surface of Qiandao Lake with the breeze. This is one of the most ecological and nourishing treasures for food therapy, providing the best natural feed for organic fish. Therefore, in addition to being delicious, Qiandao Lake fish also has a tonic effect.
The organic fish takes at least 7 years to grow from small fry to 5 kg fish. After the years, the taste of fish is naturally authentic.
Fishing has become the unique culture of Qiandao Lake. In the unique “giant net fishing” of Qiandao Lake, the fisherman pulls the 4000-meter-long and 65-meter-high giant net in his hands, and one by one, fathead fish jumps into the sky and falls into the cabin.
In a few days, the trophies brought back on fully loaded ships will appear at banquets in major cities and become a magic weapon to whet the appetite of diners.
Fish Head, the Protagonist of Qiandao Lake
When a fish is placed on the dining table, people's chopsticks are usually directed at the belly of the fish, while the head of the fish is rarely wanted. But in Qiandao Lake, the fish head is the essence of a fish. Qiandao Lake fish head has become a very representative special food. Xiushui Casserole Fish Head, Tomato Casserole Fish Head, Green Pepper Temptation Fish Head, Ancient City Fish Head... fish head dishes are so many that are enough to make a feast.
Among them, the bighead carp (also known as fathead fish and silver carp) is the most famous. There is a folk saying “bighead carp head, meat bun”. Bighead carp is so big that its head alone can account for half of its body weight. It is rich in gelatins and is meaty and well-known in Jiangnan Region.
Bighead carp is commonly found in major cuisines, such as Suzhou City’s “Casserole Fish Head”, Shanghai City’s “Fish Head and Sparrow Egg Thick Soup”, Ningbo City’s “Dried Fish Head”, while Qiandao Lake’s “Green Pepper Temptation Fish Head” and “Ancient City Fish Head” have become the most popular bighead carp dishes ordered by tourists.
A Green Pepper Temptation Fish Head is prepared after multiple processes such as washing, pickling, frying, and stewing. The skin of the fish tightly locks the juice of the fish, and the color of the soup is green and fragrant. The soup is seasoned with a variety of ingredients and green pepper as well as Sichuan pepper. After scattering green peppers on the fish head, then add a little fish soup and simmer it in the casserole for five minutes. The well-done fish head is still in complete shape and tastes extremely delicious.
The other dish, Ancient City Fish Head requires cutting the cleaned fish head into two and then being fried until they are golden in color. A variety of different ingredients are also added. After cooked over a big fire until the soup dries, it is placed in a custom-made blue and white porcelain plate. The fish head is bright in color and rich in sauce. The more you eat, the more appetizing you will get. It goes well with both wine and rice. You will never get tired of eating it!
In addition to the super delicious fish head, Qiandao Lake also has a variety of delicious lake products. There are nearly a hundred kinds of freshwater fish, which are rare delicacies that are hard to find on the dining tables in cities. There is a saying: You must go to Qiandao Lake to eat fish, breathe the fresh air and admire the charming scenery. Eating fish here is really the most enjoyable thing in the world.