Q: How should I store fish maw if I can't finish it once it's opened?
A: Hello, fish maw, once opened, is susceptible to moisture damage, mold, and insect infestations due to environmental factors. Therefore, after opening, it is recommended to reseal it and store it in a cool and dry place at temperatures below 20 degrees Celsius or in the refrigerator's freshness compartment. Also, make sure to protect it from insects and moisture. For fish maw that has already been soaked, you can cut it into pieces and store it in airtight bags or containers in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for up to six months.
Q: What is the blooming ratio of your fish maw?
A: The blooming ratio of our fish maw can reach approximately 3-4 times its original size.
Q: Why does your fish maw sometimes have blood streaks?
A: The presence of blood streaks in fish maw can be attributed to different fishing methods. During fishing, factors such as water pressure can cause some fish to have ruptured abdominal cavities, leaving behind blood streaks. Additionally, some stronger fish may struggle during capture, or when fish are processed with sharp tools, it can result in traces of blood. However, this indicates that our fish maw has not undergone any chemical processing or bleaching. The blood streaks you see are a natural occurrence and safe to consume.
Q: Why does my fish maw still have a fishy smell after processing?
A: Fish maw comes from fish, and it retains the scent of the ocean. If you are very sensitive to this smell, you can add some slices of ginger and green onions while soaking it to reduce the fishy odor. During cooking, you can use ingredients like ginger slices, red dates, lotus seeds, wolfberries, and yam slices to further reduce the fishy smell.
Q: How much should I soak at once?
A: In general, it is scientifically recommended to soak around 15 grams (dry weight) of fish maw per person for one serving. For children and the elderly, you can adjust the amount accordingly. You can also soak more at once and store it in the refrigerator for convenience if you plan to consume it over several days.
Q: When is the best time to eat fish maw?
A: It is best to consume fish maw on an empty stomach, ideally before going to bed at night or before breakfast in the morning. This allows for better absorption. If possible, you can eat it daily.
Q: Can people with uterine fibroids, cancer, or recent surgery eat fish maw?
A: Yes, fish maw is safe to consume for people with uterine fibroids, cancer, or those who have recently undergone surgery. Fish maw is rich in nutrients like collagen, which can aid in the healing of surgical wounds and help with conditions like gastric ulcers. Additionally, fish maw is free from hormones, so it won't have any adverse effects or irritations for individuals with these conditions. It is a suitable choice because it contains high-quality collagen without estrogen, making it nourishing without causing dryness.
Q: Can I consume fish maw if I have a seafood allergy?
A: I'm sorry, but fish maw should not be consumed by individuals with seafood allergies or protein allergies, as it can trigger allergic reactions. People with allergies or sensitivities to seafood should exercise caution when considering fish maw consumption and consult with a medical professional for advice. If you experience any adverse symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
Q: Why does sea cucumber release sediment during the soaking process?
A: Hello, sea cucumbers releasing sediment during soaking is a normal occurrence. It can happen due to incomplete cleaning of the sea cucumbers or the shedding of their outer layers during the soaking process, which results in the release of sediment.
Q: Why does sea cucumber dissolve during soaking?
A: This situation may occur if sea cucumbers are not soaked properly and come into contact with oil or alkaline substances during soaking. When sea cucumbers encounter oil, salt, or alkali, the enzymes present in them can cause the proteins in sea cucumbers to dissolve, resulting in a gel-like texture. It is essential to soak sea cucumbers without any oil, salt, or alkali to prevent this from happening.
Q: Is it better to soak sea cucumbers larger or smaller?
A: The size of sea cucumbers does not necessarily determine their quality. When soaking sea cucumbers, it is essential to follow the recommended soaking methods provided by our experts. Sea cucumbers can absorb water, and excessive soaking may affect their texture. It's best to follow the recommended soaking time for optimal results.
Q: Why does my fish maw become so hard after steaming?
A: Our Belian fish maw is processed using a unique cold air drying method in the factory, which makes it rich in gelatin. Therefore, it is essential to follow the soaking method provided by us rather than steaming it. Steaming can cause the gelatin in the fish maw to overflow and result in incomplete soaking, affecting its texture.
Q: How long should I cook New Zealand sea cucumber before eating?
A: New Zealand sea cucumber is generally cooked for a very short time, as it is essentially already cooked during the soaking process. A quick blanching in boiling water is usually sufficient before consumption. There is no need for prolonged cooking.
Q: Why does my New Zealand sea cucumber peel off and dissolve when picked up?
A: New Zealand sea cucumbers are highly sensitive to temperature compared to tropical sea cucumbers. It is not recommended to steam or cook them for an extended period. We recommend following the soaking method provided by our experts, as it has been tested and proven to be the most reliable method for preparing New Zealand sea cucumbers.
Q: Why is New Zealand sea cucumber more expensive?
A: New Zealand sea cucumber is a wild-caught sea cucumber with high economic value. It is primarily harvested through free diving and manual collection. All the New Zealand sea cucumbers sold by us are MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries) certified, ensuring that they meet international export standards and are safe for consumption. Additionally, New Zealand implements a quota management system for sea cucumber harvesting, limiting the annual production to approximately 6 tons. This limited supply, along with the sea cucumber's natural habitat in the pristine waters of New Zealand, contributes to its higher price. The clean and clear natural environment in New Zealand results in a premium product that is highly valued.
Q: Why do New Zealand sea cucumbers sometimes taste astringent, bitter, or pungent?
A: There are several reasons for the taste characteristics of New Zealand sea cucumbers:
1. Medicinal Value: Sea cucumbers with high medicinal value tend to have a slightly astringent or spicy taste due to the presence of saponins. These compounds can cause a warming sensation and are considered "heaty" in traditional Chinese medicine.
2. Natural Characteristics: New Zealand wild sea cucumbers grow in deep, cold waters, and they naturally contain various alkaline substances and saponins. Even after thorough cleaning, the sea cucumber may still have a mild astringent or spicy taste. The richness of sea cucumber essence and the long growth period contribute to these taste characteristics.
3. Removal of Intestines and
Filaments: Sea cucumber intestines and filaments are the most astringent and fishy parts. Removing them during processing can reduce the astringency.
4. Vinegar: Adding a small amount of vinegar during cooking can help neutralize the saponins and reduce the astringency.
Q: How long does shipping take now?
A: The delivery time for regular goods is generally around 4-6 weeks. For dried goods, the customs clearance process may take 6-8 weeks, depending on the speed of customs clearance. However, due to recent impacts from the pandemic, there may be delays in shipping, and it may take 8-10 weeks or longer. We appreciate your patience and understanding.
Q: Is there a risk of leakage of personal information?
A: Please rest assured that your personal information will only be provided to the courier company for customs clearance purposes in China. We strictly adhere to customer privacy agreements and do not have a risk of leakage. If you have concerns, our customer service representatives will be happy to guide you on how to upload the necessary documents yourself.
Q: What should I do if my package is damaged upon delivery?
A: If you receive a damaged package, it is essential to take photos or videos as evidence and report the issue to us as soon as possible. You can directly contact our customer service and provide the photos to assist us in resolving the matter. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.
Q: Why do some packages from the same batch arrive while others have not?
A: Packages from the same batch may be shipped and cleared through customs separately due to courier and customs requirements. This may result in staggered delivery times for packages from the same batch. However, once customs clearance is completed, domestic courier services will gradually deliver your packages. Please do not worry; you will receive all your packages eventually.
Q: How is shipping to non-mainland China areas charged?
A: For shipping to non-mainland China areas, we offer DHL and NZPOST as options. The platform will provide real-time quotes based on your specific delivery address and package details. Please provide us with detailed information about the items you want to ship, the recipient's address, contact information, and our customer service will assist you in obtaining an online quote.