Fesikh facts for kids
Fesikh (pronounced "fee-seekh") is a special traditional dish from Egypt. Egyptians enjoy eating it during a spring festival called Sham el-Nessim. This festival is very old, going back to ancient Egyptian times. It is a national holiday in Egypt.
Fesikh is made from gray mullet fish. These fish live in saltwater, like the Mediterranean and Red Seas. The fish is prepared by being fermented, salted, and dried.
How Fesikh is Made
Making traditional fesikh involves a special process. First, the fish are dried in the sun. After that, they are carefully preserved in salt. This method has been passed down through families for many generations. In Egypt, people who specialize in making fesikh are called fasakhani.
Staying Safe with Fesikh
Sometimes, people can get sick if fesikh is not prepared correctly. This is usually because of bacteria, like Clostridium botulinum, if the fish is not handled properly.
For example, in 2012, some fesikh products sold in Canada were recalled. This happened because a few people became ill after eating them.
However, these reports do not stop Egyptians from enjoying this festive dish. The problems usually happen only with fesikh that was not prepared well, or if it was old or spoiled. The Egyptian Ministry of Health always tells people to buy fesikh from trusted sellers. They also advise checking the expiration dates. If you make it at home, it is important to follow the recipe carefully.
