Reef fish split, salted and sun-dried on racks, then rehydrated for cooking. It is the atoll preserving method that let outer-island families store a large catch and trade it between islands.
It depends on relentless equatorial sun and constant wind to dry faster than spoilage sets in, and reef fish carry a ciguatera risk that drying does not remove.
What goes into it
- reef fish, split and flattened
- sea salt
- sun and trade wind
How it is made
The fish is split down the back, gutted, flattened and rubbed with salt, then laid on raised racks in full sun and turned as it dries. It is brought in at night against the dew and put out again at dawn, and after several days it is stiff and keeps for months.
How long it takes: three to seven days on the racks
How it is eaten
Soaked in changes of water, then boiled or fried with coconut, rice and breadfruit.
History
An atoll preserving method that let outer-island families store a large catch and trade it between islands.
Frequently asked questions
What is Salted Dried Fish?
Salted Dried Fish is a charcuterie & cured from Marshall Islands: reef fish split, salted and sun-dried on racks; rehydrated for cooking. An atoll preserving method that let outer-island families store a large catch and trade it between islands.
How is Salted Dried Fish made?
The fish is split down the back, gutted, flattened and rubbed with salt, then laid on raised racks in full sun and turned as it dries. It is brought in at night against the dew and put out again at dawn, and after several days it is stiff and keeps for months. It takes three to seven days on the racks.
Can I make Salted Dried Fish at home?
No, and the atlas gives no method for it. It depends on relentless equatorial sun and constant wind to dry faster than spoilage sets in, and reef fish carry a ciguatera risk that drying does not remove.
What goes into Salted Dried Fish?
Reef fish, split and flattened, sea salt, sun and trade wind.
How is Salted Dried Fish eaten?
Soaked in changes of water, then boiled or fried with coconut, rice and breadfruit.
