Shark fin soup history
The consumption of Shark Finned Soup was first popularized in China during the Ming Dynasty in the late 15th century. Originally seen as a dish for the wealthy with many aphrodisiac properties the dish has remained as a symbol of status in traditional Chinese culture. Despite the scientific evidence disproving health benefits of shark fins, they are still sold for medicinal purposes in China as treatments for conditions ranging from impotence to low and high blood pressure. It is estimated from a popular survey that some 35% of Chinese have consumed Shark Finned Soup. The dish is usually served in large ceremonies such as Weddings or Graduations. Where the dish was once exclusively consumed by the upper echelons of society, it today is consumed by a growing populace that have risen in economic wealth since the early 1980’s. Based from estimates from black market trade it is estimated that the sale of the soup rises at a rate of 5% per anum.
The soup in itself is more of a stew that is combined with other ingredients and spices which are intended to add spice to the dish. The Fin itself holds little flavor and is instead only used in the dish so as to add texture as well as for its many supposed health benefits. Shark fins have such notoriety in Chinese cuisine that it is known as one of the 8 treasured foods from the Sea. Recently synthetic substitutes have been introduced into the market with the intent of supplying a much more environmentally friendly substitute as well as affordable.
The soup in itself is more of a stew that is combined with other ingredients and spices which are intended to add spice to the dish. The Fin itself holds little flavor and is instead only used in the dish so as to add texture as well as for its many supposed health benefits. Shark fins have such notoriety in Chinese cuisine that it is known as one of the 8 treasured foods from the Sea. Recently synthetic substitutes have been introduced into the market with the intent of supplying a much more environmentally friendly substitute as well as affordable.