To dry fish effectively in the wild, clean and fillet it into thin strips and hang them to dry in a sunny and breezy location.
Here's a more detailed breakdown of the process:
1. Preparation is Key
- Catch and Clean: Obviously, you need to catch the fish first! Clean it thoroughly as soon as possible after catching it. Gut and remove the gills.
- Fillet and Slice: Fillet the fish. Then, slice the fillets into thin strips, approximately 1/4 inch thick. Thinner strips dry faster and more evenly.
2. Drying Process
- Hanging: Use thread, thin wire, or even strong plant fibers to hang the fish strips. Ensure there's adequate space between each strip for air circulation.
- Location: Choose a location that is sunny, well-ventilated, and protected from rain. Ideally, aim for 1-5 knots of breeze. This helps evaporate moisture.
- Duration: The drying time depends on the weather conditions and the thickness of the fish strips. After about 12 hours in ideal conditions, the exterior should form a dried, protective layer. The inside will take longer to dry fully. It may take several days, even up to a week, for complete drying.
- Turning: Turn the strips periodically to ensure even drying on all sides.
3. Ensuring Quality and Preservation
- Protection from Pests: Protect the drying fish from insects and animals. A makeshift screen or netting can be very helpful.
- Proper Drying: The fish is properly dried when it is firm, leathery, and no longer moist to the touch.
- Storage: Once dried, store the fish in a cool, dry place, ideally in airtight containers or bags, to prevent rehydration and spoilage.
Important Considerations:
- Salt: While optional, salting the fish before drying can help inhibit bacterial growth and improve preservation, especially in humid environments.
- Climate: Drying fish is more challenging in humid climates. Choose a location with maximum sun and airflow. Consider building a simple smoker to help dry and preserve the fish if humidity is persistently high.
- Safety: Thoroughly dried fish is crucial to prevent food poisoning. Ensure the fish is completely dry before storage.
