Hoki is a fish that is also known as the blue grenadier, blue hake, whiptail, whiptail hake, and New Zealand whiting. Hoki belong to the hake family and can be found off the coasts of New Zealand and Australia. Stocks of Hoki are considered to be healthy meaning that consumers who are looking for a relatively environmentally sustainable fish can be assured at present that these are a good and ethical choice. The fish has a dense white flesh and is rich in omega-3 acids making it a beneficial dietary choice.
Hoki have long wedge shaped bodies that narrow towards the tail. They have a colour pattern that ranges from blue-green to silver with quite slim fins. Hoki have a protruding jaw that is commonly associated with cod and a number of hake fish. They have quite large eyes that give the fish a startled appearance but are likely very useful in helping the fish navigate the murky waters of their preferred environment.
Larger fish species feed on hoki as well as humans. However, these fish reproduce in large numbers, which is keeping their population stable at present. The hoki matures quite rapidly and can grow up to a maximum size of 120 cms (47 inches). Due to worldwide concerns about fish stocks, the hoki’s sustainability was evaluated taking these issues into account along with fishing techniques and expected practices on fishing boats.
Hoki prefer to live in the middle depths of the water and they feed on crustaceans. Their scientific name is Macruronus novazelandiae and they are the largest commercial fish species in New Zealand. Fisherman are closely monitored with regard to their hoki catch because these are typically extremely high in volume. Although stock numbers are currently strong, careful measures are being taken to ensure the fish are not excessively exploited. Some concerns have been raised about bycatch and hoki industry related dumping. The New Zealand government is conscientious about regulating hoki fishing in order to maintain sustainability and keep them economically viable.
For cooking, hoki work well in recipes that call for cod or hake and can be cooked using similar methods. The dense flesh of this fish stands up very well to both sauté and grilling. Hoki can also be steamed or baked. The flesh is mild and somewhat sweet and so works well with a wide variety of vegetables and sauces.
Hoki have long wedge shaped bodies that narrow towards the tail. They have a colour pattern that ranges from blue-green to silver with quite slim fins. Hoki have a protruding jaw that is commonly associated with cod and a number of hake fish. They have quite large eyes that give the fish a startled appearance but are likely very useful in helping the fish navigate the murky waters of their preferred environment.
Larger fish species feed on hoki as well as humans. However, these fish reproduce in large numbers, which is keeping their population stable at present. The hoki matures quite rapidly and can grow up to a maximum size of 120 cms (47 inches). Due to worldwide concerns about fish stocks, the hoki’s sustainability was evaluated taking these issues into account along with fishing techniques and expected practices on fishing boats.
Hoki prefer to live in the middle depths of the water and they feed on crustaceans. Their scientific name is Macruronus novazelandiae and they are the largest commercial fish species in New Zealand. Fisherman are closely monitored with regard to their hoki catch because these are typically extremely high in volume. Although stock numbers are currently strong, careful measures are being taken to ensure the fish are not excessively exploited. Some concerns have been raised about bycatch and hoki industry related dumping. The New Zealand government is conscientious about regulating hoki fishing in order to maintain sustainability and keep them economically viable.
For cooking, hoki work well in recipes that call for cod or hake and can be cooked using similar methods. The dense flesh of this fish stands up very well to both sauté and grilling. Hoki can also be steamed or baked. The flesh is mild and somewhat sweet and so works well with a wide variety of vegetables and sauces.
