Karimeen- Kerala’s official State fish!
Did you know that Kerala has an official state fish?! You hear of national flowers and animals and birds- but a State fish?! What else would you expect from the Spice Coast of the world? Yes friends, the ‘Karimeen’ or pearlspot occupies this prestigious position in Kerala. Read on to know why…
As in most coastal states, the people of Kerala have a fondness for fish. You could even say they have a fetish for fish. The array of fish-based dishes that they make is as extensive as it is amazing. Each type of fish has its own type of preparation, each with a unique and delicate blend of spices and condiments. And this love of theirs for the denizens of the deep extends from sardines and mackerel to crabs and crustaceans, to perch, pomfret, seer fish, mullets, red snappers, anchovy, barracudas, mussels, squid and others. But with all the abundance of fishy food that they have, what the people of Kerala relish the most is the Pearl Spot (Etroplus Suratensis) or ‘Karimeen’ as they call this particular inhabitant of Kerala’s waters. Their love for the species is so great that it has been named the official State Fish, and the year 2010-11 is being observed as ‘The Year of Karimeen’.
A unique feature of Kerala is its extensive backwater system consisting of a complex network of lagoons, lakes, rivers, canals and creeks; and the brackish water found here makes the ideal habitat for Karimeen. The species is also grown in fish farms, but the ones in the wild taste better. A typical fish of the species would weigh about 250 grams. The state produces nearly 2000 tons of Karimeen annually, but the catch is far short of the demand, with the result that a kilogram of the fish can cost you anywhere between 200 and 300 Indian Rupees ( £3 to £4)
What makes ‘Karimeen’ so special? Well, if you’re the type for whom all fish tastes the same, it wouldn’t make any difference whether you eat Karimeen or sardines. But if you are a connoisseur of fish like most people of Kerala are, you’ll relish the nuances of taste that the Karimeen offers which is quite different from that of any other type of fish.
The most popular dish made from Pearl Spot is the hot and spicy ‘Karimeen Pollichathu’. If you’re wondering how it is made, it has a whole fish lavishly marinated with spices, wrapped in plantain leaves with a little oil added, placed in a deep pan and sautéed over a low fire. What results is a finger-licking preparation that is sure to turn you into an ardent addict with the very first experience. ‘Karimeen Varuthathu’ has the fish well marinated with spices and deep fried in coconut oil. ‘Karimeen Mappas’ has the marinated fish half-fried and then cooked in coconut milk. ‘Karimeen Paalu Pizhinjathu’ is a favourite dish among Christian homes in Kerala, which has the fish cooked in coconut milk gravy and is eaten with rice.
On your next Kerala holiday, be sure to savour some of the Karimeen delicacies that the state offers. Call Kerala Travel Centre on freephone 0808 178 9799 today. Get them to book you on a fabulous vacation to this paradise on earth. They know where to get you the best Karimeen preparations.
