fishmonger.
Aug. 4th, 2004 01:02 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
jacktellslieshow to fillet a mermaid
first printing: market at the end of the world, 1867
the spines at the ends of the fingers and fins are poisonous. you'll first want to cut them off, preferably using scissors. handle the mermaid carefully until this has been done, doubly so if she is still alive. her scales are claimed by many to be made of shell and stone and jewel, but that is a falsehood. an ordinary descaler will more than suffice. the part of her that is woman is nearly worthless; some sell it cheaply for use in soups, but it can generally be assumed that out it should be thrown. it can be removed using the ordinary method used in cutting off fish heads. following this, fillet in the usual fashion, beginning with a small slice along the ridge at the back, and continuing to cut close to the bone, holding the flesh away as you do so in order to ensure a smooth cut. skin the fillet if you wish, and sell.
first printing: market at the end of the world, 1867
the spines at the ends of the fingers and fins are poisonous. you'll first want to cut them off, preferably using scissors. handle the mermaid carefully until this has been done, doubly so if she is still alive. her scales are claimed by many to be made of shell and stone and jewel, but that is a falsehood. an ordinary descaler will more than suffice. the part of her that is woman is nearly worthless; some sell it cheaply for use in soups, but it can generally be assumed that out it should be thrown. it can be removed using the ordinary method used in cutting off fish heads. following this, fillet in the usual fashion, beginning with a small slice along the ridge at the back, and continuing to cut close to the bone, holding the flesh away as you do so in order to ensure a smooth cut. skin the fillet if you wish, and sell.