The mackerels are small relatives of the tunas. The mackerel proper is a native of the North Atlantic and Mediterranean, typically 18 inches/45cm long and 1–2 lb/0.5–1 kg. Like the tuna, it’s an energetic predator, with a large complement of red fibers, active enzymes, and an assertive flavor. It is usually netted in large numbers and sold whole, and deteriorates rapidly unless immediately and thoroughly iced.
From the book On Food and Cooking (2nd edition) by Harold McGee. © 2004 Harold McGee.
By permission of Scribner, a division of Simon & Schuster, Inc.