Hoki is a predatory fish that lives in the seas. She chooses coastal areas to live. Based on its name, this species is often confused with hake. In addition, they are largely similar in taste. However, in terms of visual characteristics, these individuals are very different. A characteristic feature of the Hoki is its long and thin tail. It is especially noticeable on small individuals weighing no more than 1 kilogram.
Description of the fish
The name "hoki" is believed to come from a Japanese word that means "long tail."However, there is another version, according to which the name comes from the word of the Maori people - the indigenous population of New Zealand. Moreover, Australia and New Zealand are considered the main suppliers of this fish.
It is worth noting that Hoki has a large number of local names. It is often called grenadier, grenadier, and Argentine longtail. There are also names such as “red cod” and “blue hake”.
Appearance
Hoki is a fish with an elongated body covered with small scales. It is characterized by a light color with a slight darkening on the back. The head is slightly flattened from the sides. Behind it on the ridge is a small spot of a dark shade. The lower jaw is more massive and protrudes forward. The teeth resemble brushes. They are small but very sharp.
A distinctive feature of the hoki is its ability to change color immediately after being removed from the water. Thanks to this, it acquires an attractive red tint. Hoki is distinguished by its relatively small size. Its length is 90 centimeters, and its weight does not exceed 4-5 kilograms. Mostly individuals with a length of 30-50 centimeters go on sale. Moreover, their weight is 0.5-2 kilograms.
Habitat
Hoki fish primarily live in the cold waters of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. It is also found in the Sea of Okhotsk. This fish is found at a depth of 2 kilometers. At the same time, the largest populations of red cod are recorded off the coasts of Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania. In these regions, up to 7 thousand tons of this fish are caught every year.
Hoki is also found in large numbers in South America. This primarily concerns Argentina and Chile. In these waters the fish looks a little different - it has a darker back.In addition, red cod is found in the European part of Eurasia. It is mined on an industrial scale in Germany and Denmark. Fishing is also carried out in Russia and Poland.
Reproduction and spawning
Hokies spawn in the same way as other coastal fish. Red cod moves into the depths of the sea and begins to spawn there. This process takes from several days to 2 weeks. The fish is considered very productive. Despite active hunting, in a short period of time it manages to restore the population.
For hoki to spawn, it requires suitable conditions. This requires a relatively warm coastal zone, shelter and convenient terrain. The fish also needs a sufficient amount of food.
The period of active development of juveniles begins within a few weeks. After which the fish is able to gain up to 0.5 kilograms during the year. The rate of development is directly affected by nutrition and habitat.
Benefits for people
This fish has a high commercial value all over the world. It is actively caught off the coast of South America and Australia, after which it is exported to various countries. It is worth noting that Australian fish is much less common in Russian stores. Almost everything that comes into the country is mined off the coast of South America. Several states are involved in fishing there at the same time.
Hoki fishing is possible at a depth of 5-250 meters. This fish is highly valued and widely distributed. This is due to the following factors:
- This is a schooling fish that is easy to catch. In addition, the habitat areas of red cod are accessible.
- Hoki is characterized by rapid growth and actively reproduces. This helps her maintain the population at a stable level. Due to this, people get the opportunity to actively catch this fish.
- Red cod has a unique taste. In addition, its meat contains many valuable substances, and therefore brings great health benefits. Due to this, fish is often used in cooking.
Features of meat
This fish is characterized by excellent taste. It has white meat with virtually no bones. Thanks to this, the product is easy to cut and cook. It is characterized by a sweetish taste, which is not inherent in fish. Hoki meat is more similar to shrimp. In addition to the carcass itself, gourmets appreciate the liver and caviar of the grenadier. In color and taste, it is largely reminiscent of salmon.
What substances are included in the composition
100 grams of meat from this fish contains 73 kilocalories. The product contains 81 grams of water, 17 grams of protein, 0.6 grams of fat and 0.3 grams of omega-3. Red cod contains many valuable ingredients. Among the most useful components it is worth highlighting the following:
- iodine;
- calcium;
- phosphorus;
- iron;
- fluorine;
- magnesium;
- selenium;
- vitamins A, F, D, E, B.
Hoki meat is rich in amino acids, which are required for the full functioning of the human body. These include arginine, valine, methionine. Fish also contains a lot of leucine, lysine, threonine, and isoleucine. Red cod is rich in essential and essential amino acids. It also contains a lot of fatty acids.
Beneficial features
This sea fish is a valuable dietary product. With its systematic use, it is possible to improve the condition of your body and prevent the development of dangerous pathologies.
The beneficial properties of hoki include the following:
- Improving the functioning of the thyroid gland and the entire endocrine system.
- Strengthening hair and nail plates.
- Beneficial effect on the condition of joints and bone tissue.Due to its high content of vitamins and minerals, khoki helps prevent the development of osteoporosis.
- Improving the functioning of the digestive system. The product stimulates metabolic processes and improves the absorption of nutrients from food. In addition, red cod promotes the breakdown of fats and ensures their conversion into energy, which increases human activity.
- Prevention and treatment of pathologies of the heart and blood vessels. This is due to the stimulating effect of the product on the hematopoietic system and the beneficial effect on blood vessels. This product effectively resolves cholesterol plaques and prevents their subsequent formation.
- Restoration and regeneration of tissues after traumatic injuries.
- Strengthening the immune system and increasing the body's resistance to external factors. This is especially true for people with poor health, the elderly and professional athletes.
Is it suitable for cooking?
Hoki is sold frozen. This can be boneless fillet or carcass. This fish is characterized by off-white meat. At the same time, its flesh is more aromatic compared to other types of fish. This is due to the high fat content. Therefore, this fish is ideal for cooking.
Red cod is characterized by tender and juicy meat, which has a slightly sweet taste. After cooking, medium-sized flakes appear. The finished fish is characterized by a pronounced aroma and mild taste.
It is important to consider that if the defrosting and cooking option is incorrectly chosen, the fillet may disintegrate into fibers. As a result, the dish will look unpresentable. It is best to bake fish at room temperature in foil.It can also be fried using a small amount of vegetable oil.
Nutritionists advise eating hoki dishes 1-2 times a week. At the same time, it is recommended to eat 100-150 grams of fillet per meal. This amount of fish will provide the body with all the substances it requires.
Cooking tips
Frozen or thawed khokie is sold in Russian stores. The second option is considered more preferable, since this way freshness can be assessed. The optimal solution would be to buy a whole carcass with head.
In this case, it is recommended to focus on the following signs:
- Hoki has a dark back. Light color with darkening is also possible. In this case, the fish itself should be a little pale. It is important to ensure that there are no uncharacteristic spots on the carcass.
- Determining the freshness of a product by color is not easy. It is much better to focus on the smell and appearance of the gills. It is important that they are red or pink and not pale.
- When pressing on the carcass with your finger, the pit should disappear.
Hoki is prepared in different ways. It is permissible to fry fish in a frying pan, stew, or bake. It is also boiled, marinated and grilled. Despite the fact that grenadier is considered a rather exotic product, it can be combined with a wide variety of products. Most often, fish is cooked in tomato or cream sauce. At the same time, it should be stewed with canned tomatoes or tomato paste. It is recommended to add spices, onions and carrots to the dish.
Best used for preparing fillets. This product is easy to cut and has virtually no bones. In addition, fillet contains most of the vitamins. Besides this, it looks very tasty.This part of the fish is considered moderately fatty, which makes it possible to use it for preparing various dishes.
Hoki caviar is also considered a very popular product. It has a delicate taste and is suitable for frying. The product can also be added to fish soup or used to make sandwiches. Red cod caviar can be an excellent alternative to more expensive types. In addition, it has truly excellent taste.
Popular recipes
Hoki is considered a universal fish that can be used to prepare a wide variety of dishes. It is prepared with different sauces or fried in a frying pan.
With sour cream sauce
This beautiful and elegant dish can even be served at a festive table. To do this you will need the following ingredients:
- 600 grams of hoki fillet;
- 50 grams of hard cheese;
- 100 grams of fresh champignons;
- 2-3 tablespoons of flour;
- 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil;
- spices, salt, pepper.
To prepare sour cream sauce, it is recommended to whisk the following ingredients:
- 500 milliliters of medium fat sour cream;
- 1 egg;
- salt;
- black pepper;
- greenery.
To prepare a delicious dish, it is recommended to do the following:
- Take the hoki fillet and cut into medium sized pieces. After which it is recommended to rub them with spices and leave them to marinate a little.
- Dip the fish in flour and fry over medium heat. This should be done until a golden crust appears.
- Fry the champignons separately.
- Place the fish and mushrooms in a baking container, pour over sour cream sauce and sprinkle with cheese.
- Bake the fish in an oven preheated to 190 degrees until golden brown.
Fried hoki
This dish has excellent taste. To prepare it you will need the following ingredients:
- 400 grams of hoki fish;
- half a glass of oatmeal;
- 4 tablespoons flour;
- 1 egg;
- 1 small spoon of curry;
- salt;
- spices;
- vegetable oil.
To fry khokki deliciously, it is recommended to do the following:
- Grind oatmeal.
- In a separate container, mix curry, spices, flour and salt.
- Cut the fish fillet into small pieces.
- One by one, dredge the fish in flour, beaten egg and oatmeal.
- Fry the fish in a preheated frying pan until golden brown. It is recommended to do this over medium heat.
- Pour cream and lemon juice over the finished dish. It is also permissible to use unsweetened yogurt as a sauce.
Hoki is a rather interesting fish that has excellent taste. Its meat contains many valuable components. Thanks to this, the product has a beneficial effect on health and helps cope with many pathologies.
