Sustainability Rating:
Red – Avoid (Floating Object Purse Seine (FAD) catch method)
Yellow – Good Alternative (Longline; US & West Central Pacific Ocean)
What:
Caught individually by long liners, Wahoo spend their time in the open ocean. Although they are a bit unpredictable, they can be found near natural flotsam or man-made fish aggregation devices.
When:
Available year-round (peak landings May - October)Where/How:
Where – West Pacific Ocean
How – Wild caught, bycatch and longline
Characteristics
Wahoo is a rather lean fish, and works best in preparations that won’t dry it out. Its pale flesh cooks up whiter and flakier than other open ocean fish like Swordfish.
Alternatives include Opah or Mahi Mahi.
For Your Menu
Since Wahoo has less fat than many fish, work with techniques meant to highlight leaner types of seafood. Poaching is a great way to work with ono and keep it moist.
For Your Waitstaff
Did you know that “Ono” in the Hawaiian language means “delicious”?
Make sure your guests try this wonderful fish! Need more trivia? Some believe that the name “Wahoo” comes from the fact that this fish was commonly caught by the first European explorers on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, which was also commonly spelled “wahoo” on old maps…
For Your Retail Display
Since we use its Hawaiian name, why not display this fish with some fresh pineapple, or even an orchid or two from the floral department? Your case will really catch customer’s eyes!