Whitebait

Whitebait

Type	Immature fry of fish
Main ingredients	Various species of small fish
Variations	Depending on region and species
Similar dishes	Elvers
Cookbook: Whitebait   Media: Whitebait

Whitebait is the immature fry of fish, in this case sardines and anchovies fished on the Riviera

New Zealand whitebait fritters

British whitebait are much larger than New Zealand whitebait

Whitebait is a culinary term used to describe the young fry of various fish species. Measuring typically between 25 and 50 millimeters, these juvenile fish are tender, edible, and often considered a delicacy in many cultures.

Overview

Whitebait are small, delicate fish that are often consumed whole, including their heads, fins, bones, and internal organs. Due to their tender nature, they are especially prized in various culinary traditions. However, the term "whitebait" and the specific fish species it refers to can differ depending on the region.

Behavior and Habitat

Whitebait often move in dense schools along coastlines, entering estuaries and occasionally venturing up rivers. This schooling behavior, coupled with their small size, makes them particularly vulnerable to capture using fine-meshed nets.

Whitebaiting

The act of catching whitebait is known as whitebaiting. Due to the high demand for these fish and their tendency to travel in schools, whitebaiting can be a lucrative activity in areas where whitebait are abundant.

Culinary Uses

Whitebait can be prepared in a variety of ways, often depending on regional preferences. However, given their size and delicate nature, they are commonly fried and eaten whole. Their mild flavor and crunchy texture make them a favorite in many seafood dishes.

Ecological Concerns

Whitebait comprises the immature fry of several significant food fish species, including herring, sprat, sardines, mackerel, bass, and others. Harvesting them can be ecologically unsustainable, as it reduces the population of adult fish. Recognizing this, several countries have implemented stringent regulations on whitebait harvesting.

Elvers

Elvers are the young of eels. Historically, these were consumed as an affordable seafood option. However, due to various environmental factors reducing eel populations, elvers have become scarce. Consequently, they are now viewed as a delicacy in certain regions, fetching prices as high as 1000 euro per kilogram.

Whitebait Around the World

Different countries have varying definitions and regulations regarding whitebait.

See Also

• Fish fry
• Seafood
• Eel fishing

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