I learned about khachapuri, churchkhela and zafrana in Georgia. In Ecuador, it was goldenberries (gooseberries) along with a tremendous variety of potatoes. In Serbia, it was kajmak, pljeskavica and slivovitz. What's truly amazing is that no matter how many places I visit, always exploring their farmers markets, grocery stores and restaurants, I learn something new on a regular basis. Even in the United States, there are an endless number of ethnic communities, especially in some of our larger cities, where discovering new ingredients, flavors and prepared foods is endlessly possible.

Most recently, while wandering the aisles of the Seafood Expo North America in Boston, I encountered some delightfully designed packets that contained a curious, somewhat fluffy and flaky powder, called "fish floss." In general, fish floss is an Asian dried fish product with a slightly sweet, slightly salty and slightly fishy flavor with notes of seaweed and sesame. Healthy, full of flavor, and absolutely delicious, it's popular in Chinese and Malaysian cuisine, commonly used as a topping, sprinkled over tofu, rice and porridge, added to salads or stir-fried noodles, and is a flavorful filling for various buns and pastries.

The version I found, Yubao Fish Floss, was made with dried tuna, sesame seeds, seaweed, sugar, soy sauce, vegetable oil and salt. Other versions are available featuring a wide variety of fish including pollock, marlin, sailfish and salmon. In addition, there's pork floss, also known as pork sung. Made with pork, sugar, pea flour, palm oil, soy sauce and salt, it is equally popular and versatile, offering a delectable balance between sweet and salty. While it can be used in similar applications, I've found it used as a topping on bread and even baked into cookies. If you like the idea but prefer a vegetarian option, there are brands that make pumpkin floss, nori kelp floss, and egg floss.

If you're feeling adventurous and are willing to make your own, there are lots of recipes online that provide step by step instructions for fish, pork and vegetarian floss. It's a bit time consuming and requires constant attention. My suggestion is, if you have access to a Chinese market or bakery, you'll probably find these products without all the fuss and bother.

If you'd like to learn more, these are a few of the companies I've identified that make fish, pork and vegetarian floss:
Wei-i Foodstuff Co.
Chien Jung Frozen Food Co.
Formosa Food Co.
Bee Cheng Hiang
Fujian Hefeng Food Co.

Whether domestic or international, Studio Spear has the creative talent and depth of experience to create competitive brands that are supported by relevant, compelling and emotionally appealing presentations and sales messages. From trademarks, packaging and point of sale display to websites, sales literature, social media and more, we've got you covered. Want to give your brand a kick in the pants? Give us a call: 904 685 2135 - or shoot us an email: jeff@studiospear.com