Cape hake (Merluccius paradoxus)

Description

Two species of hake are found in Southern African waters: the shallow-water Cape hake (Merluccius capensis) and the deep-water Cape hake (Merluccius paradoxus). Cape hake is one of the most important food dishes in South Africa and has been commercially fished since the late 1800s. The Cape hakes are elongated fish with long slender bodies, large heads and visbible front teeth. They can grow up to 1.4 m in length.

Origin
Woolworths sources hake from the well-managed demersal trawl and longline fisheries in South Africa and Namibia.

Attributes
Cape hake is renowned the world over for its delicate taste, white flesh and firm texture. Hake is low in fat, contains essential amino acids and is a healthy source of B-complex vitamins and vitamin E. It also contains minerals such as iodine, calcium, zinc, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus.

Cooking
Hake is incredibly versatile and can be prepared in a variety of ways, including coated with crumbs or batter and fried, baked or grilled. The flesh of hake absorbs flavours brilliantly.

Sustainability

The hake fisheries in South Africa and Namibia have been independently certified to the Marine Stewardship Council's Fisheries Standard, a set of requirements for sustainable fishing. In both countries the stocks of hake are considered to be above maximum sustainable yield, with annual catches regulated by a total allowable catch (TAC).

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