What is abalone?
Abalone is a species of shellfish (molluscs) that are not filter feeders like mussels or oysters but are grazers. They have only one shell, a little like a flat snail, and feed on algae or seaweeds of many types. There are many species of abalone (about 100) found throughout the oceans of the world but only a handful are suitable for commercial production. Australia produces four species but only two are in large scale availability; Greenlip, found throughout the southern half of Australia, and Blacklip which is found in the south east. However it is a hybrid between the two, called Tiger Abalone, which is creating much interest as a high quality and sort after abalone.
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Tiger Abalones are rare in the wild, only found where sandstone reefs and granite reefs collide. They are appreciated for their delicate flavour, superior texture and ability to blend well with a wide range of ingredients and cooking styles. Along with bird nest and shark fin, abalone is traditional to the way of life of many Asian communities. |
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