Hake are deep-sea members of the Cod family, found on the continental shelf and slope to depths over 1,000m and are popular throughout Europe and America. Capr Hake is a sustainable fishery, as certified by the Marine Stewardship Council.
They migrate southward in the spring and northward in autumn but breeds throughout the year peaking in reproductive activity during August and September.
They are fished by bottom trawling with different mesh sizes for inshore and deep-water trawls.
Ranging from 1kg to 5 kg, Hake has a long, round, slender body and is mainly grey and silver in colour.
Hake is quite a mild fish, having a more subtle flavour than cod. The flesh is quite soft, but firms up on cooking, and is well worth trying.
For a light, modern alternative to battered Cod, try deep-frying Hake fillets dipped in a light tempura batter.
