Welcome to Coronel!
- Elvis Daniel Macaya Mendez
- Ringnets
- Since 2010
- Coronel, Chili
Before heading out into the Pacific Ocean, Elvis and his crew load their boat, the Ventisquero, with everything they need for the long journey. Since they can be away for up to a week, the boat feels like a second home. Chef Sandro makes sure there’s always delicious food on the table!
Using sonar, the crew scans for large schools of jack mackerel. The technology not only helps them locate the fish but also determines their size. They only catch mature fish, ensuring the ecosystem remains in balance.
The fishermen set their ringnet around a suitable school of jack mackerel. These fish swim in dense schools with only their own kind, ensuring an efficient and sustainable catch—with no bycatch!
After the catch, the jack mackerel is sent to Volendam, where smoke master Jaap smokes the fish using traditional methods. His craftsmanship and recipe give the fish a unique, rich flavor—one you’ll find on the shelves of Dutch supermarkets.
As a jack mackerel fisherman, Elvis Daniel Macaya Mendez follows in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. As a captain, he loves his work, even though it keeps him away from home for more than half the year. “I’ve known the crew for so long, they feel like family.”
In 2019, Atlantic mackerel lost its MSC certification because the countries fishing for this species couldn't agree on the distribution of catch quotas. As a result, Atlantic mackerel has been overfished for years. For us, this was a clear signal, and we immediately decided to stop selling it. Luckily, we found a sustainable alternative in Chile, where horse mackerel is caught responsibly. This allows us to stay true to our mission of offering only fish of the highest quality and sustainability. Want to know more about this switch? Read it here!
In terms of flavor and texture, Jack mackerel and Atlantic mackerel are very similar, especially when smoked. Although they are officially different species that belong to separate families, you won't notice any difference in taste. Jack mackerel comes in many varieties, and our Jack mackerel is sustainably caught in Chile, where the stock has been carefully managed for years. Jack mackerel is often slimmer and smaller than Atlantic mackerel. The latter is recognizable by its distinctive tiger-like pattern on the side and beautiful green-blue color. Since Atlantic mackerel lost its MSC certification, horse mackerel is a fantastic alternative! Want to know more about this switch? Read it here!
Our Jack mackerel is hot-smoked using beechwood smoke. The fish is placed on trays in a large oven, where it is heated while smoke fills the space. This process gives the Jack mackerel its delicious, signature smoky flavor. Curious about the full story? Watch the video on our fishery page and follow the journey of the horse mackerel—from the sea to your plate!
Yes, Jack mackerel is a healthier choice compared to non-sustainable Atlantic mackerel! Because it contains less fat, this fish is full of flavor but with fewer calories. Additionally, Jack mackerel is rich in healthy omega-3 fatty acids and even contains more protein than regular mackerel. An added benefit: Because horse mackerel stays smaller, lives shorter, and has a lower position in the food chain, it contains significantly fewer harmful substances like mercury.
Our Jack mackerel is the perfect sustainable alternative to Atlantic mackerel and can be used in all your favorite smoked mackerel recipes. Chilean horse mackerel is typically a bit firmer in texture and less fatty, making it not only delicious on its own but also ideal for stews or incorporated into dishes like fish pie. Need more inspiration? Check out the recipes here!
You can currently find our smoked Jack mackerel fillet at Albert Heijn. Would you like to see this delicious fish at your local supermarket? Send them an email and let them know you're missing it! Who knows, our Jack mackerel might soon be available just around the corner!
