Whitebait, also called noodle dish, is mainly distributed in eastern Aisa. It has been one of the chief export aquatic products of China. The growing areas for whitebait in China are mainly the shallow lakes on the lower reaches of the Yangtze River and Huaihe River. The whitebait from Taihu Lake, famed for its white tender flesh and sparse bones, enjoy great popularity. Taihu Lake whitebait is one of the three Taihu Lake treasures.
There are four kinds of Taihu Lake whitebait, big whitebait, Lei whitebait, Taihu short-mouth whitebait and toothless whitebait. The big whitebait and Taihu short-mouth whitebait are facing extinction. The fishing time of Taihu whitebait is from mid May until late June. Most of the whitebait is frozen for export. The Taihu Lake Brand of frozen fresh whitebait has been a famous brand in Japan. The dried whitebait is a best- seller in Asia, Europe and the United States.
Taihu Lake whitebait is nutritious for its protein, fat, carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorus, iron, vitamin B1 and B2. It can be made into various delicious dishes such as Fried Whitebait and Eggs, Boiled Whitebait and Eggs and Fried Whitebait.
