The Why & How of SustainabilityOcean jackets are a short lived and productive species off SE Australia, and their stocks are healthy. They have a very low market demand, and unfortunately there is major discard of this species at sea even though they are very edible and quite delicious!
First, and foremost, is its superlative flavour. The leatherjacket has pearly white flesh with little of that "fishy" flavour that some find challenging. As a whole fish it lends itself well to barbecuing, roasting or simple pan-frying.
Arripis trutta, known as kahawai in New Zealand and as the Australian salmon in Australia, is one of four species of marine fish within the genus Arripis, found in cooler waters around the south eastern and south western coasts of Australia and the New Zealand coastline.
Wrap trunks and fillets in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Refrigerate for 2-3 days or freeze for up to 3 months below -18ºC. Inexpensive leatherjackets are always a bargain.
Size – Are generally found under 1kg in weight but some offshore species can grow to 3kg.
Flathead, any of the flattened marine fishes of the families Platycephalidae, Bembridae, and Hoplichthyidae (order Scorpaeniformes), found in the Indo-Pacific and in tropical regions of the eastern Atlantic. Flatheads are elongated, large-mouthed fish with tapered bodies, two dorsal fins, and rough scales.
Europe has many large flat fish such as Halibut and Turbot for which there is really no equivalent in Australia, it's best to consider the other ingredients and cookery method when choosing a substitute for such fish.
Birds eat many leatherjackets and you can help them by forking over the soil in spring to expose the grubs. Beneficial parasites and diseases also destroy many leatherjackets.
Leatherjackets are the larvae of the European Crane Fly or Daddy Long Legs as they are commonly known. The larvae cause damage to lawns by feeding on the roots of grass plants. Adult crane flies hatch from pupae in late July and August and lay their eggs in the ground within 24 hours of hatching.
You'll commonly find them skinned and headless, but still on the bone. “Easy to fillet, the flesh is mild flavoured and has an almost 'chickenability' in regards to how it can be cooked,” says Susman. Superb in curries, the leatherjacket also excels when baked, grilled and even poached.
The adult crane fly can survive for several days but will usually mate and lay their eggs within the first 24 hours, giving rise to a new generation of leatherjackets. Leatherjackets are a problem for gardeners and farmers because they feed on the roots of grasses and crops, causing the plants to die.
Lift back the turf to find Leatherjackets feeding on the roots of the grass plant; generally at the edge of an infected area. The larvae have an elongated grey/brown tubular body up to 30 mm long without any legs. Adult Crane Flies do not damage turf, nor do they bite or sting.
To clean leather, mix a solution of warm water and dish soap, dip a soft cloth into it, wring it out and wipe the jacket. You can also make a cleaning solution of one part vinegar to one part water. Use a second clean, damp cloth to wipe off the cleaning solution. Dry the jacket with a towel.
Choose one leatherjacket (400 to 500 gram) per person, skinned with head off. Heat 2 tbsp of unsalted butter in a frypan until it is foaming. Fry the leatherjackets, fitting one or two in comfortably. Depending on the thickness, the fish should take 4 to 5 minutes each side.
Common in parts of the Gulf and Atlantic, this pretty little fish, sometimes called skipjack, seldom exceeds a few inches long but packs a venomous sting that can end a fishing day early. Little is known about the leatherjacket's venom, which is contained in glands beneath the dorsal- and anal-fin spines.
