Hapu upu u

They are temperate, Rock Cod-like fish, that can be distinguished from their distant relatives by their plain-colored body pattern. They are also related to the Hapuku. Gropers are found right around New Zealand, including the Chatham Rise but excluding the Campbell Plateau. They are most common over or near rocky areas down to 250 meters. The main fishing grounds for Gropers are the deep canyons off the East Coast of the North Island, Cook Strait, Kokura and the west Coast of the South Island.

The Sockeye possesses the reddest flesh from an almost exclusive diet of plankton. Even when cooked the Sockeye’s flesh remains bright red. Sockeye ranks just behind Kings in Omega 3 Fatty Acids. Sockeye are an excellent heart-healthy food. Its full flavor and firm texture make it a favorite of the Salmon family. The Sockeye Salmon is the premiere Salmon for deep red plate presentation. The culinary applications are limitless and beyond reproach. Grill, Saute, Broil, Smoke, Souse Vide, Tare tare.

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.