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Preparation of Australian Green Lip Abalone
Other common names are ear shells, sea ears, and muttonfish or muttonshells in Australia, ormer in Great Britain, and pāua in New Zealand.[5] The shells of abalones have a low, open spiral structure, and are characterized by several open respiratory pores in a row near the shell's outer edge. The thick inner layer of the shell is composed of nacre (mother-of-pearl), which in many species is highly iridescent, giving rise to a range of strong, changeable colors, which make the shells attractive to humans as decorative objects, jewelry, and as a source of colorful mother-of-pearl. The meat (foot muscle) of abalone is used for food, and the shells of abalone are used as decorative items and as a source of mother of pearl for jewelry, buttons, buckles, and inlay. Consumption[edit] Abalones have long been a valuable food source for humans in every area of the world where a species is abundant. The meat of this mollusc is considered a delicacy in certain parts of Latin America (especially Chile), France, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, and East Asia (especially in China, Vietnam, Japan, and Korea). In Chinese-speaking regions, abalone is commonly known as bao yu, and sometimes forms part of a Chinese banquet.[citation needed] In the same way as shark fin soup or bird's nest soup, abalone is considered a luxury item, and is traditionally reserved for special occasions such as weddings and other celebrations. However, the availability of commercially farmed abalone has allowed more common consumption of this once rare delicacy.[citation needed] These are Australian Green Lip Abalone being prepared for consumption.
Size: 4288px × 2848px
Location: Australia
Photo credit: © Barbara Jean / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: ., abalone, abalone., australia, australian, consumption, food, food., green, greenlip, lip, marine, muttonfish, muttonshells, preparation, prepareing, sea, shells