Fish sauce is a staple ingredient in many Southeast Asian cuisines, known for its umami-rich flavor and pungent aroma.
But have you ever noticed the numbers on the label of your favorite fish sauce? Specifically, what does 40 N mean?
In this article, we’ll explore the meaning behind this industry measure and why it matters when it comes to choosing the best fish sauce for your cooking needs.
Get ready to dive into the world of fish sauce and discover the secrets behind this beloved condiment.
What Does 40 N Mean On Fish Sauce?
The number on a fish sauce label, such as 40 N, refers to the grams of nitrogen per liter of fish sauce calculated as protein. The higher the number, the richer and more concentrated the sauce.
For example, lower numbered fish sauces around 20N-25N are usually diluted with water and other additives, while 30N-35N are good for everyday cooking. However, 40N and above is where you start getting into the territory of high-quality, premium fish sauces that can truly elevate your dishes.
Red Boat Fish Sauce 40 N is a prime example of a high-quality fish sauce with a 40N rating. Made from wild-caught black anchovy and sea salt, Red Boat uses a centuries-old fermentation tradition to barrel-age their fish sauce for unsurpassed quality and flavor. With no preservatives or additives, Red Boat’s commitment to quality ingredients and time-honored fermentation traditions make it one of the purest fish sauces on earth.
What Is Fish Sauce And How Is It Made?
Fish sauce is a liquid condiment made from fish or krill that have been coated in salt and fermented for up to two years. It is a staple seasoning in East Asian cuisine and Southeast Asian cuisine, particularly in Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. The umami flavor in fish sauce is due to its glutamate content. Fish sauce is used as a seasoning during or after cooking and as a base in dipping sauces.
To make fish sauce, fish or krill are mixed with salt and left to ferment for a period ranging from several months to two years. During the fermentation process, enzymes break down the proteins in the fish into amino acids and peptides. These amino acids and peptides give fish sauce its unique umami flavor. After fermentation, the mixture is pressed to extract the liquid, which is then bottled for use.
Red Boat Fish Sauce 40 N is made from wild-caught black anchovy and sea salt. Red Boat uses a centuries-old fermentation tradition to barrel-age their fish sauce for 12 months in wooden barrels. After fermentation, the resulting liquid is pressed out and bottled. Red Boat’s commitment to quality ingredients and time-honored fermentation traditions make it one of the purest fish sauces on earth. Its name is a reference to degrees N: the scale used to measure the amount of nitrogen in fish sauce, which correlates to protein content and thereby flavor. Forty degrees is up to three times the amount of protein of other brands because the company doesn’t dilute its product with water, another indicator of Red Boat’s superior quality.
Understanding The Numbers On Fish Sauce Labels
When shopping for fish sauce, it’s important to understand the numbers on the label. As mentioned earlier, the number on a fish sauce label refers to the grams of nitrogen per liter of fish sauce calculated as protein. This measurement is known as the N value.
The N value is an indicator of the quality and concentration of the fish sauce. Lower N values indicate a less concentrated sauce that may be diluted with water and other additives. These sauces are good for everyday cooking, but may not have the same depth of flavor as higher N value sauces.
Higher N value sauces, such as those with a rating of 40N and above, are considered premium quality fish sauces. These sauces are richer and more concentrated, with a stronger umami flavor that can truly elevate your dishes.
It’s also important to note that the N value can affect the price of the fish sauce. Higher N value sauces with a richer flavor profile may be more expensive than lower N value sauces.
Why Does The N Value Matter For Fish Sauce Quality?
The N value, or the grams of nitrogen per liter of fish sauce calculated as protein, is an important indicator of fish sauce quality. The higher the N value, the richer and more concentrated the sauce. This is because a higher N value means that the fish sauce has a higher protein content, which is a key factor in determining its flavor and aroma.
Fish sauces with lower N values, around 20N-25N, are usually diluted with water and other additives. These types of fish sauces are good for everyday cooking but may lack the depth of flavor and complexity that higher N value fish sauces offer.
On the other hand, fish sauces with N values of 40 and above are considered premium quality. These high-quality fish sauces are typically made from pure ingredients and are fermented using traditional methods that have been passed down for generations. They have a rich umami flavor and aroma that can truly elevate your dishes.
How To Choose The Best Fish Sauce For Your Cooking Needs
Choosing the right fish sauce for your cooking needs can be a daunting task, especially with so many options available at your local Asian market. Here are some tips to help you pick the best fish sauce for your next dish:
1. Read the label: Traditional fish sauce contains only two ingredients – salt and fish (or “fish extract” on the label). Look for fish sauces made with just one type of fish, such as anchovy, mackerel, or shad. Avoid brands that add preservatives or other additives to speed up the fermentation process.
2. Look at the nitrogen content: Nitrogen content is indicated by degrees N on the label. The higher the number, the more protein and umami flavor in the sauce. At least 30°N is standard, but higher is better (and more expensive).
3. Look at the color: A lighter, more transparent fish sauce may look nicer, but variations in color in traditional fish sauce can actually tell you about the weather while the sauce was being made. If the sunshine was nice and bright while the salt was being separated from the fish extract, the sauce will be lighter in color. If there wasn’t enough sun and it took more time for the salt to separate from the fish extract, the sauce will be darker and have a deeper, more complex flavor.
4. Smell the sauce: The smell is a simple indicator of how good the sauce is. It should smell fishy, but not stinky. Typically, hand-made sauces are smellier than sauces with additives.
5. Taste it: Good fish sauce tastes salty, and then sweet. It should never taste bitter. Rely on taste to tell you about the saltiness rather than the label since there’s a balance between too much and too little salt.
By following these tips, you can choose a high-quality fish sauce that will enhance any dish you make. Remember that fish sauce is a personal preference and can vary in taste and smell, so don’t be afraid to try different brands until you find one you love.
Tips For Storing And Using Fish Sauce In Your Recipes
Now that you know what 40 N means on fish sauce, it’s important to know how to properly store and use it in your recipes. Here are some tips:
1. Store fish sauce in a cool, dark place: Fish sauce can last for years if stored properly. Keep it in a cool, dark place like your pantry or fridge, away from direct sunlight and heat.
2. Use fish sauce sparingly: Fish sauce is a powerful flavor enhancer, so a little goes a long way. Start with a small amount and add more as needed.
3. Add fish sauce to your marinades: Fish sauce can add depth of flavor to marinades for meats and vegetables. Mix it with other ingredients like garlic, ginger, and soy sauce for a delicious marinade.
4. Use fish sauce as a dipping sauce: Fish sauce is commonly used as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, dumplings, and other appetizers. Mix it with lime juice, sugar, and chili for a tangy and spicy dip.
5. Add fish sauce to your stir-fries: Fish sauce can add umami flavor to stir-fries. Add it towards the end of cooking to prevent it from becoming too overpowering.
By following these tips, you can make the most out of your high-quality fish sauce and take your dishes to the next level.
