Known for its delicious meat, Asian carp has become an invasive species in the United States. They have grown into a robust breed and multiply rapidly, unlike in China, where it is difficult for them to live to adulthood. However, the reasons for this phenomenon are not entirely clear. In the Mississippi River, Asian carp "fly" 6 to 7 meters above the water, a striking, almost sci-fi spectacle that happens every day.
In the United States, eight species of fish, including black carp, grass carp, bighead carp, carp and silver carp, are collectively known as Asian carp. In China, these fish are usually found on the table and are prepared in a variety of ways, such as frying and stewing, steaming and stewing, and sweet and sour.
The environment plays an important role in the different handling of Asian carp in the United States and China. Due to excellent living conditions and the lack of natural predators, carp introduced from Asia multiplied rapidly and became the water overlord of the United States. Asian carp in the United States are very different from Chinese carp in that they are relatively small in size and have a longer lifespan. Asian carp has also evolved into a new "flying silver carp" in the United States, which can jump 6 to 7 meters above the surface.
There are three reasons why Americans do not eat Asian carp. First of all, Asian carp has a high reproductive rate, and even if people eat it regularly, it takes time to reduce their numbers. Second, the fish grow in polluted rivers that contain mercury, nitrates, benzene and other toxic substances. Third, Americans generally prefer marine fish to freshwater fish because they have a hard time handling the spines on carp.
On the other hand, Chinese loves freshwater fish, which has been a staple of Chinese cuisine for centuries. This cultural preference for freshwater fish has prevented the proliferation of Asian carp in China. As a result, Asian carp in China rarely grow to the same size as the United States, and they hardly invade.
