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Tinca Gobba Dorata Del Pianalto di Poirino | Local Freshwater Fish From Poirino, Italy | TasteAtlas

Tinca Gobba Dorata del Pianalto di Poirino

Tinca Gobba Dorata del Pianalto di Poirino is a freshwater fish born, raised and bred in the Altopiano di Poirino ponds which are located in the provinces of Turin, Asti and Cuneo, in the Piedmont region. These clayish lands are scattered with small natural lakes called peschiere, in whose low, warm and muddy waters the Tinca Gobba Dorata (golden humpback tench) has found an ideal habitat.


Tench breeding has an ancient history in this area: due to the scarcity of water, farmers used to gather rain water in the lakes to provide water for cattle while breeding these fish to be sold or eaten at home. Traditionally, ranches were fished during spring to have a fresh protein supply after winter, and at the end of summer to have fish to preserve in carpione in the winter.


It is known and appreciated for its thick and delicate meat with no fat and above all for its clean taste, without the characteristic 'muddy' taste of the common ranch. The smell is distinguished by the fragrance of fresh water, free from hints of mud or grass.


A typical summer dish which uses the Tinca fish as its main ingredient is the traditional Carpione Piemontese; the fish is fried and then marinated in vinegar, white wine and aromatic herbs. As an alternative, it can be used in risottos, after the flesh has been drying on canvas cloths for at least 24 hours.