What is shark fin soup made of?
Traditional shark fin soup or stew is made with fins obtained from a variety of shark species. Raw fins are processed by first removing the skin and denticles before trimming them into shapes and bleaching to a more desirable coloration. Sharks’ fins are sold dried, cooked, wet, and frozen.
What is the point of shark fin soup?
They are used in a popular dish called shark fin soup, which is a symbol of status in Chinese culture. In the past, Chinese Emperors favored the soup as a dish that honored guests because it was thought to have medicinal benefits and represented a victory against powerful sharks.
Is selling shark fin soup illegal?
It currently has more than 130 bipartisan cosponsors, Scuba Diver Life reported. The Shark Fin Sales Elimination Act makes it illegal to possess, buy, sell or transport shark fins or any product containing shark fins, except for certain dogfish fins.
Where does the shark fin soup come from?
From ancient times to the present day, shark fin soup has always been made from the shredded cartilage of a shark’s dorsal fin (the fin on the top of its back).
What are the health benefits of shark fin soup?
The ancient Chinese texts and traditional Chinese medicinal accounts claim that the shark fin soup is associated with manifold health benefits. There are claims that shark fin consumption boosts sexual desires, protects against heart disease, supplies life-giving energy, and enhances appetite.
What can I substitute for shark fin soup?
Shark fins thicken soup, but could easily be substituted with arrowroot starch or another kind of common thickener. As such a nonessential ingredient, it could easily be replaced in the soup. For the sharks, however, the use of the fins comes at a great price and upsets the delicate balance of the marine food chain.
How many sharks are killed by shark fin soup?
With today’s demand of shark fins it is impossible to restore the population to what it once was. Researchers state approximately 100 million sharks are killed annually, the number one reason being shark finning. Since 1972 shark population has decreased by 60-70% in species such as Smooth Hammerhead, Dusky, Tiger, Bull, and Black-tip sharks.
From ancient times to the present day, shark fin soup has always been made from the shredded cartilage of a shark’s dorsal fin (the fin on the top of its back).
The ancient Chinese texts and traditional Chinese medicinal accounts claim that the shark fin soup is associated with manifold health benefits. There are claims that shark fin consumption boosts sexual desires, protects against heart disease, supplies life-giving energy, and enhances appetite.
With today’s demand of shark fins it is impossible to restore the population to what it once was. Researchers state approximately 100 million sharks are killed annually, the number one reason being shark finning. Since 1972 shark population has decreased by 60-70% in species such as Smooth Hammerhead, Dusky, Tiger, Bull, and Black-tip sharks.
Who was the basketball player who campaigned against shark fin soup?
Yao Ming, a former NBA basketball player who campaigned against shark fin soup. By late-2013, a report in The Washington Post indicated that shark fin soup was no longer seen as fashionable in China.
