The Maltese Foodies Revive a Traditional and Sustainable Fishing Trick
One of the most sustainable and offensively named methods for catching cuttlefish in Malta has been resurrected by local foodies dedicated to Maltese fare.
Natural preserves it’s all about exploring Maltese products, which go back to traditional ways that were used around the island – and their latest info on catching cuttlefish is eye-catching to say the least.
1. They broke the fill up method (also known as the of the cob method) and how you can do it too – as long as you have a strong female cuttlefish, that is.
“Fill up it is a term used only in Mellieħa and Gozo, the rest of the island calls it of the cob (yes yes I know),” said Natural Preserves. “The legend says that it was developed in Mellieħa, and from there it started to be used around the island.”
“First, you start by catching a small female cuttlefish. During the breeding season (which runs from February to approximately May) a female will carry clusters of infertile eggs in the opening under the mantle. The mantle is also usually pinkish in color while the males have a blue tint to them. Either way, once sex is done, the woman is kept alive and looked after very well like a pet.”
2. Once you have a wife, you need calm weather.
“Once the weather is very calm, I mean crystal clear calm, you use the woman as a lure and put her behind a boat, and no you can’t use an engine that doesn’t work.”
3. Then, everything starts to come together.
“Once the males come to mate with her, let them both out using a net and bring the female back in and repeat. This method of fishing takes time and can last five to six hours, and only yields about 30 men on a good day.”
4. Save the woman, send the men.
“And after you’re done, the female now carries fertile eggs and is released back into the wild. The males (sorry guys, mostly useless sex) are quickly dispatched.”
Natural Preserves regularly share delicious and informative opinions on Maltese cuisine – and their passion and knowledge shines through.
If you are looking for some new recipes, ideas – or fishing methods – check out their page, and keep it sustainable.
Right cover photo: @cristian_olivieri
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