Fish

Esox lucius

A tier

Esox lucius is northern pike, a lean freshwater predator with large flakes of white meat and a reputation for Y-bones that demand careful filleting or traditional farcing. Flavour is clean and slightly sweet from cold lakes; texture is firm when just cooked. Classic uses include quenelles, gefilte-style mince, roasted loins after bone mapping, and smoked pike. Never overcook—the lean flesh dries. Young smaller pike are easier to manage than trophy fish with coarser texture.