Shark Fin Soup (China)
Shark fin soup is a soup of
Chinese origin made with shark fin and flavored with chicken or other broth.
Shark fin is somewhat neutral in flavor and is used to add texture to the dish.
It is believed that the first shark fin soup was invented during the Sung
Dynasty by an emperor who wanted to show his guests his power, wealth and
generosity.
Therefore, preparing and serving
this expensive dish is now seen as a sign of respect. Today, the soup is part
of the Big 4, which represents health and well-being in Chinese culture and is
usually reserved for special occasions, while the other three are abalone, sea
cucumber, and fish larynx.
öShark fin soup is a status
symbol, with bowls ranging from $5 to $2,000, depending on the type of shark
fin served in the soup. However, due to the shark fin process and the inhumane
treatment of sharks that have live fins and cannot swim or survive in the
ocean, Shark fin soup is considered one of the biggest threats to shark populations
around the world, and some establishments still consume this delicious, yet
controversial, Chinese soup. actively trying to stop it.