Brilio.net - Anchovies are indeed smaller than other types of fish. But when it comes to taste, anchovies are delicious and liked by many people. Anchovies also contain lots of nutrients that are good for the body, you know. Reporting from healthline.com, anchovies are rich in calcium, omega-3, protein, etc.
However, like most other types of fish, anchovies sold on the market sometimes contain formaldehyde or other chemicals to make them last longer. Many people try to remove it by simply washing it with water. In fact, this method is still not effective enough for cleaning anchovies, you know.
The reason is, if someone eats fish that still contains formaldehyde too often, the risk could be dangerous for the body. Reporting from cdc.gov, formalin has the risk of causing food poisoning, eye allergies, cancer, and so on.
So, for those of you who don't know how to get rid of formaldehyde in fish, especially anchovies , there are experiences about cleaning anchovies shared by netizens on the YouTube account VEMPIDOU ALAAA activity, here. He said, there is one trick to remove formaldehyde from anchovies, relying on one kitchen ingredient to make it safe to consume.
"We know that there are a lot of fraudulent traders out there, so that the anchovies last a long time, they use chemicals," he stressed, quoted by BrilioFood from YouTube VEMPIDOU ALAAA activity on Wednesday (27/3).
How to remove formaldehyde from anchovies.
To practice this trick, the first thing you have to prepare is a basin or bowl to put the anchovies in. Then, wash the anchovies using clean water while stirring gently.
"Wash it twice, guys. So that the anchovies are really clean," added the owner of the YouTube account VEMPIDOU ALAAA activity.
photo: YouTube/VEMPIDOU ALAAA activity
After washing twice, first soak the anchovies in clean water. Next, pour in 1/2 bottle of vinegar and stir until evenly mixed. Yup, vinegar is the main kitchen ingredient for practicing this trick to remove formaldehyde from anchovies. Soak the anchovies in vinegar water for 30 minutes.
After soaking for 30 minutes, discard the vinegar solution used to soak the anchovies, then rinse the anchovies again until they are really clean. Then, the anchovies are ready to be cooked into any dish according to taste.
photo: YouTube/VEMPIDOU ALAAA activity
How about it, it's really easy to remove formaldehyde from anchovies, isn't it? Taking a peek at the YouTube upload of VEMPIDOU ALAAA activity, apart from the comments column being filled with enthusiastic netizens, this video has also been viewed more than 99 thousand times, you know.
"Can you replace the vinegar for the vinegar or not?" asked YouTube @whoinihai8123 and got a response from the video owner, "You can use a little baking soda too."
"If you put vinegar in it, doesn't the taste change?" said YouTube @sesukanyaella8432 and answered, "No... finally rinse with water again."
How to store anchovies.
Anchovies that have been cleaned don't always have to be cooked straight away, you know. You can save it first to cook at a later date. So, here's how to store anchovies so they last longer.
1. Clean and dry.
Before storing, make sure the anchovies have been cleaned well. Wash the anchovies with clean water to remove dirt and excess salt. After washing, dry the anchovies with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to remove any moisture.
2. Store in an airtight container.
Place the anchovies in an airtight container or tight plastic bag to protect them from air and moisture that can cause spoilage. Make sure the container is clean and dry before using.
3. Add ice or freeze.
If possible, add a layer of ice or freeze the anchovies to maintain a low temperature and prevent bacterial growth. Make sure to avoid direct contact between the anchovies and ice or frost by using a container or plastic bag as a barrier.
4. Store in the refrigerator.
Place the container or plastic bag containing the anchovies in the refrigerator. The low temperature in the refrigerator will help slow the spoilage of the anchovies and maintain their freshness.
5. Check regularly.
Periodically check the condition of the anchovies being stored. Discard any anchovies that show signs of spoilage, such as an unpleasant odor, changed color, or abnormal texture.
6. Use it at the right time.
Even if stored in good conditions, anchovies still have a shelf life. It's best to use anchovies for a relatively short time to ensure their freshness.