The University of Missouri might add Asian carp (a nuisance and invasive fish) to the cuisine it serves its students.

The school recently asked several students to try Asian carp dishes. Some 40 students tried different recipes using the fish during taste tests at the Missouri campus. Their reactions will help the culinary staff decide whether to serve the fish.

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The experimental dishes the students tested included pasta puttanesca with seafood and bacon and jalapeno chowder, The Columbia Missourian reported.

"It's a very versatile product. It's economical, and it has potential," said Executive Chef Eric Cartwright.

He said he didn't receive negative comment from the taste-testers.

The Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism has been trying to find a market for the nuisance fish that invaded the state's river systems. UM could be the first university in the nation to serve Asian carp to students.

In 2014, a Missouri food store became the first to sell Asian carp dishes such as boneless ground, fillets with some bones and fish heads. Sales have been above average.

The parks department is working to persuade Mexican and Chinese restaurants in Columbia to use Asian carp.

Serving Asian carp in UM dining halls is mainly designed to make students aware of the negative impact the fish is having on rivers from New Orleans to the Great Lakes.

Tagscarp, asian carp, canteen menu, fish menu, University of Missouri, culinary