My 1995 Small Farm.

Chapter 458 Pickled Fish
Regarding the matter Han Chuang mentioned, Chen Ling still held the same old idea.

This is in this special year.

On the occasion of Hong Kong's return to China.

Let's do something special with the canning jars.

For example, like a T-shirt, you could engrave some text on a bottle and use it as a commemorative item for this year.

If you prepare well in advance before returning, you won't have to worry about selling them at all.

Sometimes, people spend money without considering the quality of the goods.

The canned food may taste good, but the packaging of the jar is more appealing.

"Ling, Lingzi, do you mean that this year's comeback is definitely going to happen?"

At the dinner table, Han Chuang was so excited when he heard about this that he couldn't contain himself.

"Of course, you have to trust your country. I even had my two brothers-in-law do this..."

Chen Ling peeled a crayfish, looked up and smiled: "Speaking of this bottle, I have another idea. You should ask your brother to change the style of the canning jars, like making them into various water cup shapes..."

The canned goods sold in the market these days, what are those jars like? They don't even have a handle to hold. If you pour in some hot water, oh my god, your hands get so hot you can't hold them at all.

If you make it look like a water cup, the price of the canned goods won't change.

The price of a can of food is about the same as the price of a water cup in a store. It's like buying a water cup and getting an extra can of food.

Think about it, if it were you, would you be willing to buy it?

"Oh my, oh my, this is good, this is good!"

Han Chuang's eyes lit up after hearing this: "Lingzi, how did you come up with such a brilliant idea to make money? You just casually think of it and it's all a great idea."

Chen Ling laughed heartily; he was just parroting what others had said.

Especially this canned food jar turned into a water cup, it will appear very soon, around the year 2000.

"You should go back and discuss these ideas with your brother. After all, this requires a significant investment and there's no guarantee it will work."

"How could that be? Since you said so, Lingzi, then it's definitely going to work."

Han Chuang gave a thumbs-up and exclaimed, "I'll call my brother over tomorrow, and the two of us will help you together. Let him make his own decision then. Anyway, it sounds great to me. If it really doesn't work out, I'll do it myself."

"Oh, you're going to do it again? Didn't you say you didn't like worrying about this kind of thing?"

Chen Ling asked in surprise.

"Sigh, I have no choice but to keep doing it."

Han Chuang sighed with a bitter face: "How can we rely solely on my parents and my brother? Besides, Xiaoqing is always nagging me at home, complaining that I have a child but I don't think of ways to make money, saying that I'm not ambitious."

Another thing is, my family has been running this cannery for so many years, and it's really hard to see it all going to be shut down.

I'm quite familiar with this industry now, and if I'm capable and can make money, I'd like to continue doing it.

"Okay, I know what you're thinking."

Chen Ling nodded.

He spoke his mind to Han Chuang without holding anything back.

Don't let his tall, muscular build fool you; he looks like someone you shouldn't mess with.

In reality, he is simple-minded, and once someone treats him well, he will treat that person genuinely well.

Initially, Chen Ling remembered that Han Chuang had asked him to work at his family's cannery, and they started seeing each other quite frequently.

They've gotten along better and better over the past two years, so Chen Ling took him along when he was raising fish, and now when he asks for advice, he's always willing to give it a piece of his mind.

the next day.

Han Chuang arrived with his older brother, Han Chao.

Both brothers trusted Chen Ling.

Moreover, before Chen Ling could say anything, the two brothers said that this matter should be handled according to the cooperation model he had with Sun Yanhong, and that a written agreement and contract should be signed, making it extremely formal.

Even close brothers keep clear accounts. Your idea is meant to help us make money, so how can we take advantage of you for nothing? We'll do it according to the contract you signed.

Chuangzi said that you and Boss Sun's relationship is called "technology-based equity investment," and they make money specifically from your prescriptions.

"Ours is the same. Consider it your technical contribution as equity. Chuangzi and I will each own 60%, and you 40%. If the factory gets up and running, you can be our strategist and advisor, just give us ideas."

Han Chao looked much more haggard than last year, which showed that the cannery business was indeed tough this year.

But after hearing Chen Ling's idea, he was immediately filled with admiration.

If he were that smart, he wouldn't have gotten worse and worse over the past two years.

"Hey Chao, what you're saying is too scary. We haven't seen anything yet, and we don't even know if this will work. You're offering me 40% right off the bat. I wouldn't dare take it."

Chen Ling was genuinely startled; this was far too casual.

Even if they can't continue, it doesn't have to be like this; it's like giving it away for free.

"Haha, I wouldn't really dare to say for sure if it would work for others, but if it's you, brother, then it's definitely right..."

Han Chao, on the other hand, was even more confident than him.

This is all because the outside world has been hyping up Chen Ling too much, especially those factory owners in Huangni Town. They can't understand how Chen Ling makes money by tinkering with those gadgets all day.

Anyway, those miners in Wangbacheng kept bragging about how good Chen Ling's wine was, and how good this and that was.

They don't understand either; they just follow what others say.

Little did they know, those bosses in Wangbacheng had learned it from certain people in the city.

But Chen Ling's profits are undeniable; his eggs sell better than others, and this year's seafood prices are the envy of many. He can withstand their boasting.

Gradually, many people came to believe his hype.

Han Chao is the same, but he's not out of his mind. He's been in business for so many years, so to put it more sophisticatedly, his business acumen is better than that of the average person.

Upon hearing Chen Ling's suggestions, they were immediately stunned, realizing that the kid truly lived up to his reputation and was incredibly clever.

"Come on, if you really want to sign an agreement, Brother Chao, just give me 20%, and I'll add some stuff to your canned meat."

"No, no, 20% is too little. People will think I'm taking advantage of you. Tell me, once Hong Kong returns to China, how much money will our canned goods make? I won't feel at ease if I give you too little... 30%, 30% is fine."

"Sigh, actually I'd like to ask you and Chuangzi for a favor."

Chen Ling smiled helplessly.

"What, what's the matter? Tell us! Are you still being so formal with us?" Han Chuang said, his eyes wide.

Then Chen Ling told his brother-in-law Wang Qingzhong about making T-shirts and asked Han Chuang and his brother to help him collect some inexpensive ready-made clothes and fabrics.

There are small workshops like this in Huangni Town.

Once you buy the garment, simply embroider it with phrases like "Celebrating the return of xx".

Some cheap scraps, costing only two or three yuan per large bag, can be used for embroidery or pieced together to make a schoolbag.

There are no factories like this in Fenglei Town.

Chen Ling planned to collect a batch and send a tractorload over to his second brother-in-law. He didn't need to worry about the rest; he could let Wang Qingzhong and the others handle it themselves.

"Lingzi, you've done an excellent job as a son-in-law."

Han Chuang looked at him with admiration, and then said, "Don't worry, my brother and I will definitely keep this a secret and won't let a word out."

Han Chao nodded solemnly, "Yes, such a good idea. If we tell others and they follow suit, we won't make any money."

……

These past two days, Little Sheep has been helping Wang Lixian tidy up the greenhouse and fertilize the soil.

We'll leave after loading the fish today.

This is the last batch of ornamental fish raised in the village, so there's no rush.

After picking the peaches, Chen Ling and Han Chuang took several baskets and delivered them over. Then they returned.

Chen Ling took out several marinated grass carp from the water tank in the kitchen.

He smiled at the Han brothers and said, "The fish I prepared for the kids at home will come in handy today."

Ever since I ate fish at Sun Yanhong's place.

My son often asks for fish when he comes home.

Although the brat could spit out fish bones, he was still too young, so Chen Ling came up with a way to cook this special kind of fish.

After it's made, you can eat the fish scales, fish bones, and fish spines. Even little kids won't get fish spines stuck in their throats.

Moreover, this type of fish is also very suitable for eating in the summer.

"What kind of fish is this pickled fish? Can it be made into canned fish?" Han Chuang asked, puzzled.

Chen Ling smiled and said, "This is for making pickled fish. Have you ever tried it?"

"Zao fish? You mean crispy crucian carp? Isn't that made from small, miscellaneous fish? Although it doesn't taste fishy, ​​it's bitter and astringent. I ate it once outside."

Would it be okay to can this?

Han Chao was taken aback, and was skeptical.

"Brother Chao, what you're talking about is small, miscellaneous fish that you don't remove the gills, internal organs, or scales from. You braise it until it's tender and the fish is thoroughly cooked. It doesn't have a fishy smell, but because you don't remove the internal organs or gills, it's bitter and astringent."

Chen Ling smiled, indicating that he knew what was going on.

Then she picked up a marinated fish and showed it to him: "Removing the gills from small fish is too troublesome and laborious. It's the same with big fish. You'll know once you try it."

This stuff takes a long time to prepare, almost half a day, so if you want to eat it, you'll have to wait until the afternoon.

"It's alright, it doesn't matter if it takes a long time. Fish is cheap here. If this canned fish really works, then we won't have to worry about selling our canned goods."

As Han Chao spoke, he couldn't help but feel excited.

He was still daydreaming when Han Chuang had already gone to tend the fire for Chen Ling.

In his words, he just loves the smell of Chen Ling's cooking; it satisfies his cravings.

With a "sizzle" sound.

When the marinated fish was put into the pot, Chen Ling used a lot of oil because it was a large fish, almost half a pot of oil.

The large grass carp, with their backs cut open, resembled fried dough sticks, tumbling in the oil pan.

The grass carp, marinated in sauce, releases an incredibly enticing aroma when it comes into contact with hot oil.

Once they are fried until golden brown, remove them from the oil.

To make braised fish, it must be fried first.

After being fried like this, the fermented fish will be so crispy that even the bones can be eaten.

Otherwise, it will not be successful.

The fried fish were arranged neatly, like pancakes, layer upon layer in the large pot.

With the addition of a secret braising sauce and ingredients, it is simmered over low heat for at least four hours.

The oil left over from frying fish is not wasted; it is used directly to cook eel.

The eels in this season have plenty of meat and few bones, making them exceptionally fresh, tender, and delicious. Paired with Chen Ling's seasonings and cooking methods, the taste is simply superb.

But today, after the Han brothers finished eating the eel, they were even more looking forward to the pickled fish he was going to make.

Waiting and waiting, waiting and waiting.

All the ripe peaches have been picked, so there's no need to pick any more this afternoon.

The two brothers watched over Chen Ling as he wove fishing nets, glancing into the kitchen every now and then.

Finally, around 4 p.m., the time arrived.

Chen Ling lifted the lid of the large pot, and a rich aroma wafted out.

"Rui Rui, Rui Rui, stop playing. Your dad has made the pickled fish. Come and eat with your uncle."

Rui Rui was still in the corridor, pushing his little white elephant toy around.

Han Chuang smelled the aroma, picked him up, and ran to the kitchen in the backyard.

At this moment, Chen Ling had already used two bamboo forks to scoop a soft, mushy fish into a plate.

The freshly cooked fish is so tender that it breaks apart at the slightest touch of a spoon or spatula. You have to use two bamboo three-pronged forks, placed together, to support the fish as you lift it out.

Once placed on a plate, the golden-red sauce and the crispy, tender exterior of the fish, which had been deep-fried and then braised, create a mouthwatering combination.

"It's ready! Come and have a taste."

"Dad, fish?"

Smelling the fragrance, Rui Rui broke free from Han Chuang's embrace, ran to Chen Ling, hugged his leg, and raised her little head.

"Wait a minute, it's too hot, let me blow on it for you."

Chen Ling picked out a small piece with his chopsticks and said to Han Chuang and the other man, "Don't mind him. This brat can eat anytime at home. You two try it first. This stuff tastes different when it's hot and when it's cold..."

The Han brothers did as they were told and took a bite.

The moment you put the pickled fish in your mouth, the bones are soft and the meat is tender, the aroma is rich and refreshing. You don't even need to chew it; just a lick of your tongue and the tender fish meat goes right down your throat.

It truly melts in your mouth.

After tasting it twice more carefully, I found that even the fish bones became more and more fragrant with each chew, leaving a lingering aftertaste.

"Wow, this is delicious! This pickled fish is really good. It has no bitterness at all. It's much better than the crispy crucian carp made from small miscellaneous fish."

Han Chao's tongue went numb from the heat, and he kept exhaling.

Han Chuang, on the other hand, learned from eating at Chen Ling's house that he should blow on the food before eating it, otherwise he would eat too quickly and burn his tongue and throat, and end up eating less.

"Mother?"

Rui Rui, like a little tiger, made strange "ah-woo" noises while eating. After finishing in two bites, he pointed outside to Chen Ling and called for his mother.

"It's okay, Mom can eat later. We have a big pot of food in the pot."

Chen Ling picked him up, pointed to the fish in the pot, then walked to the door, poked her head out of the kitchen, and called out, "Susu, your son is always thinking about you, afraid that you won't get to eat fish. Don't scold him when you go out tonight, okay? He's such a good boy."

Wang Susu was collecting medicinal herbs upstairs when she heard the shouts. She opened the window and pointed at the father and son.

The little one was so happy that he giggled for a while.

Last night, while catching cicada nymphs, Rui Rui was attracted by fireflies and asked Heiwa to take him to catch fireflies.

That brat is too playful. Once he's let out and left to his own devices, he runs around like a frightened animal.

Wang Susu gave him a long lecture after she returned.

"Lingzi, this pickled fish is so delicious! Is your cooking method different...?"

"My method is nothing special, it's just the same as making crispy crucian carp."

Chen Ling shook his head: "The best crispy crucian carp in our area is sold in the suburban counties near the city. It's not made from small fish. It's made from crucian carp weighing about half a pound. The scales are not removed, the internal organs are cleaned, the gills are removed, then it is washed clean, air-dried, then marinated, deep-fried, and then braised."

Isn't this exactly what I did today?

"So, this canned pickled fish is actually a viable option."

Han Chao and his brother exchanged a glance and said with some excitement.

"Haha, that's feasible, of course it's feasible. When the fermented fish cools down, the broth will solidify into fish jelly. Fish jelly is refreshing and delicious, perfect for summer. If you want it hot, you can pour the canned fish out and heat it in a steamer. It's very convenient."

Chen Ling scooped out another pickled fish, put it on the plate, and said with a smile, "Besides this, the flavor can be varied too. If you like spicy food, add chili peppers. If you want a special flavor, make some pickled fish. This stuff can be used not only for canning, but also for opening a restaurant."

(End of this chapter)