What is isinglass primarily made from?

Isinglass is a form of gelatin that is derived specifically from the swim bladders of certain species of fish, most commonly sturgeon. The swim bladder is an organ that helps the fish maintain buoyancy in the water. The process of making isinglass involves extracting proteins through a method that typically involves drying and processing these bladders, resulting in a product that can clarify beverages such as beer and wine.

This clarifying agent is particularly valued in brewing and winemaking due to its ability to bind with suspended particles, helping to remove haze and impart a clearer appearance to the final product. This traditional fining agent has been used for centuries in these industries, appreciated for its effectiveness and the relatively neutral flavor impact it has on the beverage.

Other options like dried fish muscle, gelatin from pork, and algae extract do not accurately describe isinglass. While there are various fining agents available, each with its own sources and properties, isinglass specifically refers to that sourced from the swim bladders of fish, primarily sturgeon. This specificity is what makes the correct choice standout.