What is chokka?
"Chokka is the South African name for squid, and the species caught in our waters is Loligo Vulgaris. Before the 1980’s chokka was mainly caught and used for bait, but as European food markets were selling it as a high-priced delicacy called calamari, soon local fisherman investigated and explored the opportunity to export our squid to mainly Europe, today a multi million industry. A squid has a head with eight tentacles, and a tube like body. The tube is either opened up and served as Calamari steaks or cut in rings, hence the confusion that you are eating octopus!! The heads are often deep fried, and make a scrumptious treat!"
Squid feed at night which explains why the Chokka boats are fitted with tremendously bright lights. Chokka is mainly caught at night. The lights attract the different fish species chokka feeds on. They swarm up to the light and are caught in nets. It is packaged and blast frozen at -40degC on board, as it is caught. The frozen product is mainly exported to Europe.
 |
| Chokka Boats at Sunset - Seaview |
"These vessels are indeed sea based factories, and stays at sea for up to three weeks. The industry is well regulated, as vessels are only allowed to carry crew according to the total amount of permits they were issued, and the industry have four closed seasons a year."
Now that I know Chokka is not octopus, I will definately give it a try next time :)
Calamari anyone?
No comments:
Post a Comment