Has Kefal (Flathead Grey Mullet)

What Is Golden Grey Mullet (Has Kefal)?

Has kefal is considered the largest, plumpest, and most prized species among mullets. This fish, gray-backed and silvery-sided, lives in coastal waters, estuaries, and areas where salt and fresh water mix. Among mullet species, it's the most valuable in both flesh and roe.

Its flesh is white, plump, and medium-fatty; its taste becomes richer in season. One of its best-known features is that the female fish's egg sac is traditionally dried and waxed to make caviar (haviar / mullet caviar).

Nutritional Values of Has Kefal

As a medium-fatty fish, has kefal contains high protein along with omega-3 fatty acids; it provides about 120 kcal of energy per 100 grams. Values vary by the fish's size, fattiness, and season; they are approximate.

How Should Has Kefal Be Consumed?

With its protein-rich and omega-3-containing structure, has kefal can be part of a balanced diet; it can be cooked by grilling, baking, and steaming. Like all fish, it should be thoroughly cooked before eating.

This information is general; has kefal is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment.

How Is Has Kefal Selected?

Fresh has kefal has firm and shiny flesh, clear eyes, vivid red gills, and a fresh-sea smell. Being caught from clean waters positively reflects on its taste and smell; fish with loosened flesh or a sharp smell are not preferred.

• Flesh should be firm and shiny
• Eyes should be clear, gills vivid
• Should be from clean water, smell fresh-sea

How Is Has Kefal Stored?

Fresh has kefal, cleaned, is stored in the coldest part of the refrigerator, on ice, to be consumed quickly. If it won't be eaten right away, cleaning and freezing it in portions preserves its freshness; its caviar is stored separately and cool.

Using Has Kefal in the Kitchen

Has kefal is used most often grilled and baked; its larger sizes are also suitable for steaming and baking. Its plump flesh stands out with olive oil, lemon, and plain spices. Its roe is used in traditional caviar (haviar) making and served as a meze.

How Is Caviar Made from Has Kefal?

The female fish's egg sac is removed whole, salted and pressed to dry, and traditionally coated in beeswax. Thinly sliced and eaten as a meze, this product is known as mullet caviar (haviar).

Frequently Asked Questions

Are has kefal and grey mullet the same?

Has kefal is the largest and most prized species of mullet fish; many species exist under the general name "mullet." Has kefal is considered the most valuable of these in both flesh and caviar.

When is has kefal at its best?

It is mostly plumper and tastier in autumn, during the egg-bearing period; its caviar is also at its best during this time. It gives its best taste when fresh and in season.

Does has kefal have a muddy taste?

Mullets caught in still, muddy waters can have a slight earthy-muddy taste; this is not noticeable in has kefal caught from clean-flowing waters. Choosing from clean water improves the taste.