Fish Fact Friday: Cape Hake

Welcome back for our second Fish Fact Friday, featuring a Southstream fan favorite: Cape Hake! We’ve shared plenty of recipes with both I&J Cape Hake and Sea Harvest Cape Haddie, but everything that makes Cape Hake unique deserves its own spotlight. Let’s dive in for week two!

Cape Hake is one of South Africa’s most celebrated seafood species, sustainably harvested from the cold, nutrient-rich waters of the South Atlantic. Two species make up the commercial catch, Deep-Water Cape Hake (Merluccius paradoxus) and Shallow-Water Cape Hake (Merluccius capensis), both prized for their delicate flavor, snow-white flesh, and versatility. Thriving off the coasts of South Africa and Namibia, Cape Hake comes from one of the world’s most carefully managed fisheries, keeping populations healthy for generations to come. 

Mild, firm, and flaky, Cape Hake is endlessly adaptable in the kitchen. Its clean flavor takes on seasonings and cuisines with ease, going from crispy fish and chips and tacos to elegant baked entrées, curries, and Mediterranean-inspired dishes without missing a beat. It’s naturally lean but rich in high-quality protein, plus a solid source of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, selenium, and phosphorus, proof that great taste and great nutrition can come in the same fillet. 

Cape Hake has built a global reputation as a premium white fish thanks to its consistent quality, excellent yield, and reliable supply. Its firm flesh freezes exceptionally well, holding onto its texture and flavor through the cold chain, making it a go-to for both retail and foodservice. . 

With sustainability, versatility, and outstanding eating quality all in one fillet, Cape Hake remains one of the most trusted and sought-after whitefish species in the world. 

From the waters of South Africa straight to your kitchen. No matter the menu or the season, Cape Hake is an essential. Contact your Southstream team member to secure some today. Be sure to check out our ‘Product Lines’ page for more information.

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