Grass carp (Cao yu)
(Grass carp, 草鱼, Belyy amur, Белый амур, Cá chép cỏ)
Grass carp (lat. Ctenopharyngodon idella) is a species of freshwater fish native to rivers and lakes in eastern Asia, from northern Vietnam to the Amur River on the Siberia-China border. Grass carp are large, with elongated, torpedo-shaped bodies.
They usually have silvery to olive-green coloring on the back, fading to white on the belly. Adult fish can reach significant sizes, often measuring over a meter in length and weighing up to 40 kg (88 lbs) or more. True to its name, the grass carp primarily feeds on aquatic plants.
It is a voracious feeder and can consume up to three times its own body weight in vegetation daily. This diet has made it a popular choice for aquatic weed control in some areas. The grass carp prefers slow-moving or stagnant water bodies with abundant vegetation. Read more
It is found in rivers, lakes, ponds, and canals. Grass carp are known for their unique spawning habits. They require long rivers for the development of their eggs, which are slightly buoyant and drift downstream until hatching. Grass carp is valued for its flesh in many culinary traditions.
It's often cooked in various ways, including steaming, boiling, and stir-frying, and is known for its tender and flavorful meat.
Part of
Xihu cu yu
This popular Hangzhou dish with a sweet and sour flavor is traditionally made with cleaned grass carp that is poached or steamed with ginger, then covered with a sauce ... Read more
