What is so bad about shark fin soup?

Not only does shark fin have no nutritional benefit — it is often tasteless strands of cartilage in a chicken broth — but it also can be harmful. The shark’s position at the top of the food chain means it can contain dangerous amounts of mercury, cadmium, arsenic and other poisonous metals, the report said.

How is shark fin soup made?

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.

How do you prepare dried shark fin for soup?

Soak the dried fin in a large pot of cold water for 1 day, changing the water 4 times. Scrub with a brush. Add to a wok filled with cold water and slowly bring to the boil.

What states have banned shark fin soup?

As of January 2020, 13 U.S. states and 3 U.S. territories have banned the sale and possession of shark fins:

American Samoa.
California.
Delaware.
Guam.
Hawaii.
Illinois.
Maryland.
Massachusetts.

Why is shark fin illegal?

Oceana reported that fins are often imported from countries that have inadequate protections in place for sharks and/or that violate international treaties to protect endangered species.

What kind of vinegar do you use for shark fin soup?

Patchun Red Vinegar
Patchun Red Vinegar made with glutinous rice and water. It helps to bring out the full flavour of the food that it is paired with. It is suggested to use as shark’s fin soup condiment and dumpling dipping sauce.

How do you soften dried shark fins?

To soften and prepare the un-skinned shark’s fin: Drop into boiling water, turn the heat to low and simmer for 3 to 4 hours. Drain and let cool overnight in fresh water. Clean the surface, remove soft bones, peel the skin and wash under cold water.

Why shark finning is good?

People that engage in shark finning are likely receive a high profits from selling the fins. For instance, if a particular shark species is overpopulating, shark finning can help reduce the amount of sharks produced. The dead shark body that is released back into the ocean is also, food for the fish around it.

What is the history of shark fin soup?

History of the Infamous Shark Fin Soup. In China, shark fin soup is a cultural phenomenon that dates back to the Song Dynasty (960-1279) and increased in popularity during the Ming Dynasty (1369-1644). By the time of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), shark fin soup was established and in high demand.

Should shark fin soup be banned?

However with the constant demands of shark fins soup, comes along with certain consequences. In China, Shark fin soup should be banned for the following reasons it is unsustainability, inhumane, and there are alternatives.