Fish sauce was pretty good too. It enhanced flavor, and although it would be hard to sell elsewhere, it was quite popular in coastal areas like theirs.
It was just a hassle to make, and it needed to ferment for six months to a year. Each batch yielded quite a lot, too. Most families could not finish it all and could not be bothered to make it. People without enough experience could not make it successfully either, so everyone bought it ready-made.
That huge vat from last year had sold out less than two months after he took it to the city after New Year.
"Mom, how about we collect more anchovies and other small mixed fish, and you help make fish sauce? It sells pretty well."
"How well can it sell? It's such a hassle. If we make it now, we won't be able to eat it until next year. Don't we still have some left from last year at home?"
"I just want to give the shop more variety. Two or three more dried goods shops have opened around the market lately, selling dried fish too. We need more variety to attract customers. We can make it ourselves anyway, and you know how."
He could make more and get the process down, then wait a couple of years for plastic bag technology to mature. Then he could package it in small plastic bags. It would sell better in individual packets.
There-the beginnings of a fish sauce processing factory, right?
With a shop in the city, wouldn't selling these processed seafood products be even better?
Absolutely!
He admired his own brain. One quick turn, and out came another little money-making idea.
"A few more places selling dried fish have opened at the market? People are copying us already?"
"Two