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Pre-Shift Glossary
seafood

Uku Hawaiian

Delicate, yet flavorful. Pale pink that cooks to a paper white.

Flakey, Moderate, Moist, Light

Like other premium Hawaiian snappers, Uku has a clear, pale pink flesh that is delicately flavored. The oil content is high, the flake is medium and the moisture content is moderate. Some local chefs argue the Uku has a slightly fuller flavor than the sub-tile Opakapaka. The sashimi grade flesh will take high heat well and firm and tighten once heat is applied. The Uku is a handsome fish which reminds me of the Eastern Seaboard Black Bass. It has a lighter colored grey skin, friendly looking eyes and a stream-lined head with a masculine jaw-line that appears to smile at you.  Uku harvested during the summer spawning season is often rich in natural fat, a desirable attribute for any sashimi application. Uku is one of the few cool to warm water temperature snappers that is safe to serve raw.

Quick Facts

Commonly Known As:
Blue-Green Jobfish, Grey Snapper, Jobfish

  • Species Name

    Jobfish

  • Latin Name

    Aprion virescens

  • Origin

    Hawaiian Islands

  • Harvest Method

    Hook & Line

  • Range & Habitat

    Southern Pacific & Hawaii

  • Producer

    The Hawaiian Fleet

Seasonality
Spring
Summer
Fall
Winter
Year Round

Range & Habitat

about the fishery

The Hawaiian Fleet

Hawaii's Market is unique; boats fishing local waters bring their bounty in to be offloaded into Hawaii's auction, "United Fishing Agency Auction." Hawaiian auction bidders know their favorite boats, handling practices and ordering days. Each buyer takes their prized winning bid back to the plant each day and grades it for national distribution next day.

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