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Karpfen...Carp

Posted by Nick B. on 2010-10-28 16:15:14

It's important to note that to Americans, carp are a dirty, bottom-feeding fish in rivers and lakes, and are generally not eaten. Karpfen in Germany are raised in dedicated ponds over a course of 3 years to maturity, and are really a different dining experience than the average Yank can imagine, IME. "Gebacken" in German literally means two things in English: "baked" or "breaded & fried". In the case of Karpfen, "gebackener Karpfen" is the latter, not the former. So, breaded and fried, not baked in the oven. And "pepper carp" as you say, is "gebacken" but spicy with pepper. "Karpfen Blau" literally means "blue carp", and the "blue" refers to the color the fish turns during the process of poaching. So, poached carp. (Which is much better than it sounds, Americans!) It's very complicated, but this is one of the nice things about it! Now I'm hungry.