Know the Characteristics of Salt Fish Free of Formalin, Don't Buy It Wrong!

Illustration of salted fish preserved by salting and drying methods (photo: Pixabay/Kaigraphick)

YOGYAKARTA - Salted fish is one of the food ingredients that many people like. This food is very easy to find in the market and is often the main choice when you want to save money.

Although often considered a simple food ingredient, salted fish can be the perfect side dish for rice, especially if served with sambal.

Traditionally, salted fish is preserved by salting and drying methods (sun-dried). However, there are still certain individuals who use harmful chemicals such as formalin in the preservation process.

In fact, the use of formalin for food is not allowed because it is dangerous for health. Therefore, it is important to know the signs or characteristics of formalin-free salted fish so as not to buy the wrong one.

Characteristics of Formalin-Free Salted Fish

Summarized from various sources, the following are the characteristics of formalin-free salted fish that you need to know:

Has a Characteristic Stinging Aroma

Natural salted fish usually emit a distinctive smell that is quite strong, sometimes even smells bad. This aroma is actually a sign that the fish is processed without chemicals. On the other hand, salted fish containing formalin tends not to have a smell because its natural aroma is covered by chemicals.

Easy to Destroy Texture

When touched or pressed, salt fish without formalin tends to be fragile and easily broken. This shows that the drying process is done naturally. Unlike formalin salt fish which feels hard, chewy, and not easily damaged.

Color Not Too Bright

The next characteristic of formalin-free salted fish is its natural appearance, usually somewhat dull and not very attractive. If the salted fish looks very white, clean, or too striking, you need to be alert because it may contain additional chemicals such as bleach or formalin.

Fish Meat is Thicker

Good quality salted fish generally have thicker meat. This indicates that the fish used is still fresh during the salting process. For the type of anchovy, choose the one that is a little bigger so that it does not easily break when cooked.

Not Too Long Lasting

Natural salted fish still has a shelf life limit. If salted fish looks unchanged even though it has been stored for a long time, it should be suspected. It is likely that the fish has been given chemical preservatives.

Infested by Flies

Although it looks uncomfortable, the presence of flies can actually be a natural indicator. Flies are attracted to the smell of traditionally processed salted fish. If salted fish is not infested with flies even though it is sold in the open air, it is possible that the fish contains formalin or other chemicals.

This is information about the characteristics of formalin-free salted fish. Get other interesting news updates by visiting the VOI.id page.