Origin/The Story of Ras Echt Vis
Ras Echt Vis is the freshest fish for the fish retail and restaurant industry. In our family business, the fish is processed purely and filleted traditionally. Thanks to our special method, the taste is preserved, and the structure remains firm. Our fish is an original product of exceptional quality. The sturdy structure of Ras Echt Vis products makes our fish ideal for restaurant preparations and artisanal smokehouses.
‘Caught in our northern waters and our own IJsselmeer. Brought in and filleted by us with the secret of the blacksmith.’
Supply
Ras Echt Vis originates from the northern waters and the IJsselmeer, caught on fishing trawlers. The fish is transported from the ports to the fish auctions, where our buyers select only the best fish. Additionally, we utilize fixed supply vessels, distinguished by sustainable fishing methods.
Jan van Jakke
The Ras family has a long tradition of fish trading. Founder Jakke Ras started in 1931 together with his fifteen-year-old son Jan Vishandel J. Ras and Sons. This fishmonger supplies fish to retailers. Jan 'van Jakke' was a true fishmonger and sold fish door-to-door.
From 1952, Jan takes over his father's business. The entire Ras family works together, and over time, his sons also join the business. From the sixties onwards, the company increasingly focuses on wholesale, specializing in round fish. Jan van Jakke masters the art of filleting round fish and is considered one of the pioneers of the fishing industry in Urk during those years.
Ras Echt Vis is delivered by Jan's grandson Jan ‘van Gerrit van Jan van Jakke’. He is the fourth generation active in the fish trade and is part of a long tradition of artisanal fish processing where quality is central.
The Blacksmith's Secret
‘All our fish has optimal taste due to our unique hand-filleting method. We stroke our fish, so to speak. Discover here our secret.’
Ras Echt Vis distinguishes itself through its authentic method. Fish consists of layers of loose pieces of meat. There is a membrane between these pieces. When the fish is filleted by a machine, this membrane breaks. This causes the fish to dry out faster, which affects the taste.
Our craftsmen fillet with care, so the fish remains juicy and flavorful. Over the years, artisanal hand-cutting has been further developed and refined. We call this method our ‘blacksmith's secret,’ which enables Ras Echt Vis to deliver unique quality.