The process involves preserving and flavoring seafood through extended exposure to smoke. This technique utilizes wood smoke to both cook and infuse the flesh with a distinctive smoky taste, simultaneously aiding in preservation by reducing moisture content and inhibiting bacterial growth.
Historically significant as a primary method of food preservation, the practice offers a unique sensory experience. The method imparts flavors unattainable through other cooking techniques, extending shelf life, and transforming the texture of the product. This transformation can range from delicate and flaky to firm and robust, depending on the type of fish and the smoking process employed.