Korean skate

The Korean skate (Hongeo koreana) is a skate in the family Rajidae, and is the sole member of its genus. It occurs along the coast of the southwestern Korean Peninsula.

References

Hongeohoe

Hongeohoe, or hongeo, is a type of fermented fish dish from Korea's Jeolla province. Hongeohoe is made from skate and emits a very strong, characteristic ammonia-like odor that has been described as being "reminiscent of an outhouse".

Origin

Skates (hongeo) are cartilaginous fish that excrete uric acid through the skin, rather than by urinating as other animals do. As they ferment, ammonia is produced which helps preserve the flesh and gives the fish its distinctive, powerful odor.

The natural preservative effect of the fermentation process on skate meat was noted by Korean fishermen as early as the 14th century, during the Goryeo dynasty, long before refrigeration became commonplace. It was found that skates were the only fish that could be transported over long distances or stored for extended periods without rotting, even in the absence of salt.

Production

Originally, the skates used in the production of hongeohoe were harvested locally from the waters around Heuksando, an island off the southwestern coast of Korea. In more recent years, a larger proportion has been made with less expensive imported fish, mainly from Chile, although skate from Heuksando still retains a reputation for superior quality.