‘Opelu & Akule
Mackerel Scad and Big-Eyed Scad
‘Opelu and its cousin, akule, are among the most popular fish sold in the market and by fishermen peddling their catch along the roadside. They are small, about 12 ounces to two pounds, relatively inexpensive, tasty, and easy to prepare.
The ‘opelu are most prevalent in October, but are easily caught as early as August and as late as December. The akule season is longer, from February through September. June is spawning time, when the akule bite best.
‘Opelu, leaner than the akule and not as strongly flavored, are most often smoked, dried or fried. The akule can be prepared in those same ways, but don’t stop there. Try these fish baked on a bed of vegetables, braised in a sauce, or…