A row of bamboo-pierced fish looks at the table at the corner of the kiosk. The fly flies around and tries to descend, but Mama Ence, as she calls, tries to drive the flies away with a flick of cloth. Naturally, if the fly approaches, the aroma is tasty and slightly fishy from the body of the fish. The dark brown color indicates the fish has been cooked with smoked. Therefore, one of the typical souvenirs of Ambon is known as a typical Asar Fish Ambon.
image source [1] The Asar name is another name of the smoke that the way this Fish is cooked. Asar Fish is the same name with similar fish found in Jayapura. "Asar means the fish is resistant from Asar (prayer time) to Asar again, so this fish is a durable fish so ...", added Mama Ence when explaining the origin of the As As Asar change. However, several other sources mention the precise reason for using a shift in language where some parts of eastern Indonesia refer to Asar as Asar.
Back to Culinary Fish Asar typical Ambon. This food is a very popular food both in Ambon, Maluku, outside the region of Maluku, even known to European countries like the Netherlands. Many praised their unique pleasures and tastes. "Asar long-lasting fish, so many who like to make these souvenirs ..", so Mama Ence increase popularity of this Asar Fish. Even because of the high interest of buyers, the Indonesian government has also established the Asar Fish sales center in Galala area, about 5 kilometers from downtown Ambon. Asar fish prices vary considerably, depending on the size and type of fish. Generally, one Asar Fish is sold in the range 25,000 - 50,000 rupiah.
To make Asar Fish is very easy. Mama Ence said, "... usually beta wear Ikang Cakalang with Tuna only ...". According to him, this type of fish is stronger so that the meat is not destroyed when smoked. Asar fish production process is actually not too long, only takes about 3 hours. Initially raw fish is cleaned and divided into two parts. Then the fish was pierced with bamboo and arranged in a special place made for fumigation. Typically, traders have started producing from 5 am and finished bloat at 8 am. After that, Asar Fish is ready to be sold in various places provided.
Asar fish sold are in good condition and ready to eat. However, if you want to cook again no problem. Usually, Asar Fish is enjoyed with hot white rice and typical Maluku colo-colo sauce. This sambal is a mixture of cayenne pepper, lime, garlic, tomatoes and some other herbs. This fresh complement is perfect to accompany the Asar Fish Festival.
The popularity of Asar Fish is evidence that fish is still the main food for the people of East Indonesia, especially Ambon which has rich water territory. Asar Fish is not only delicious, but also durable up to a maximum of 7 days. "Asar fish can be taken abroad for days ...", Mama Ence explained. This is the excess of Asar Fish that has a philosophy as food security Ambon community. If we philosophize more deeply, Asar Ikan Asas typical is a symbol of Indonesia's marine wealth is closely related to the life of the Indonesian nation.