In today’s market, you can find many types of fish sauce. But did you know that naturally fermented fish sauce aged for many months is very different from fish sauce made with accelerated fermentation? The differences in taste, aroma, and quality are significant. Understanding these differences will help you choose the right fish sauce for your meals and ensure the best flavor for your family’s dining table.
Naturally Fermented Fish Sauce vs Accelerated Fermentation Fish Sauce
When buying fish sauce for home cooking, you’ll notice that there are many types available. However, the taste, aroma, and quality vary greatly. Here’s how the two main types differ:
1. Naturally Fermented Fish Sauce
- Made from fresh sea fish (such as anchovies) and pure salt in balanced proportions.
- Fermented naturally for up to 18 months, allowing fish proteins to gradually break down into natural amino acids, especially glutamate the source of the rich “umami” taste and deep, mellow aroma.
- Contains more amino acids, vitamins, and minerals from the sea compared to fish sauce made through accelerated fermentation.
2. Accelerated Fermentation Fish Sauce
- Fermented for only a few weeks to a few months.
- May use added enzymes or chemical accelerators to speed up protein breakdown.
- Produces a salty taste, but lacks depth flavor can be sharp, with a fishy or pungent smell.
- Often requires added flavorings or seasonings, and has lower nutritional value compared to naturally fermented fish sauce.
Why is Naturally Fermented Fish Sauce Better?
Naturally fermented fish sauce not only delivers authentic flavor and aroma, but is also safer since no chemical accelerators are used. It retains the full nutritional benefits of sea fish, making it a healthier choice for those who value both taste and quality.
For anyone seeking authentic natural fish sauce made from carefully selected anchovies and pure salt, traditionally fermented without shortcuts, with a smooth umami taste and delicate aroma here are two premium choices from Squid Brand:
- Premium Fish Sauce (Himalayan Salt Recipe)
- Made from premium-grade anchovies and 100% pure Himalayan salt, which contains over 84 minerals.
- Naturally fermented for 18 months without added sugar, MSG, or artificial flavoring.
- Delivers a rich, mellow flavor and natural aroma.
- Perfect for all types of dishes such as Tom Yum, stir-fried dishes, sautéed vegetables, and seafood dipping sauces.
- Ideal for those watching sodium intake and avoiding additives.
- Made from premium-grade anchovies and 100% pure Himalayan salt, which contains over 84 minerals.
- Squid Brand Gold Label Fish Sauce
- Made from premium-grade anchovies and 100% pure salt.
- Naturally fermented for 18 months with no added sugar, MSG, or artificial flavoring.
- Smooth umami taste, fragrant aroma, and preserved in glass bottles to maintain quality.
- Made from premium-grade anchovies and 100% pure salt.