What is hake?
Hake are members of the cod family and can be found at depths of over 1,000 metres. A total of 12 hake species are known in the family of Merlucciidae, and even though taste and texture can vary by species they all tend to have a milder taste, softer texture and smaller flake than cod.
Is hake sustainable?
Hake carrying the blue MSC label is certified sustainable. MSC labelled hake comes from a fishery that has been independently assessed to the MSC Fisheries Standard. Every supply chain business handling MSC seafood must meet the MSC Chain of Custody Standard, which ensures that fish and seafood sold with the blue label has come from fishing certified as sustainable against the MSC Fisheries Standard. Hake is a versatile fish and many MSC labelled products are sold worldwide.
Bonus fact
Hake is not only a fish, it is also a surname of English and Nordic origin. The name is thought to have derived from the Old Norse word haki. Hake, Haki or Haco was a famous Scandinavian sea-king in Norse mythology. The word haki is also connected to the word ‘hook,’ a name originally given to someone in the fishing industry. It seems a connection to the ocean is a trait in both kinds of hake!
More about hake
A foodie's guide to hake
Sustainably sourced from Canada to New Zealand, this tasty, white-flaked fish is winning over chefs and home cooks around the world.
South Africa hake fishery supports bird conservation
The South African hake fishery has grown to become an exemplar of sustainability. With the help of a local bird conservation charity, it's also supporting the surrounding wildlife.
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A bright, sustainable future for Namibian hake
Once a picture of overfishing, Namibia’s hake sector is being transformed following three decades of collaboration between government and industry.