The turbot is an inshore flatfish that is found mostly in European waters, thriving in the Mediterranean and on sandbanks in the North Sea. A master of disguise, the turbot’s symmetrical shape and sandy brown color allows it to lay incognito along the ocean floor to avoid predators and to feed. Unlike many other flatfish, it has no scales, but sports bony tubercles on its body for protection. Foremost, however, it is coveted for its wonderful flavor and texture when prepared – and is considered an elite seafood item among chefs around the globe. Its popularity on the plate traces all the way back to Roman times, when it was called “the Pheasant of the Sea.”
The aquaculture of this fish now allows many to enjoy its fine qualities without the prohibitive expense and limited supply associated with wild caught turbot. STOLT Sea Farms of Galicia, Spain is at the forefront of producing these fully sustainable and traceable fish. Using the latest research and development, they have been able to duplicate the natural life cycle of turbot in controlled conditions, fully traceable from reproduction and breeding, through larval and juvenile stages, to adulthood and harvest, a process that takes up to three years to complete. Control of light, water temperature, lower density stocking and minimal invasive human contact allow them to thrive in these conditions.
Raised in eco-responsible sea farms supplied with water directly pumped in from the Atlantic, these turbot are all-natural, fed on a diet with no land-based animal blood or bone meal, or genetically modified ingredients. The fish are purged before harvest and humanely terminated in low stress in a slush bath, then shipped immediately to us at Browne Trading Co. They arrive in the pristine condition they left the water in, fresh and never frozen.
With its firm and delicious white flesh, the Turbot is highly regarded by many of our nation’s top chefs. It’s traditionally pan fried or whole roasted for best results. Available for purchase online as two whole, 2-3 pound fish, or four fillets of two pounds total. Larger sizes available for wholesale customers.
Harvest Region: Spain
Seasonality: Year Round
Yield (Fillet Percentage): 48%
Flavor Profile: Mild, Delicate
Texture Profile: Medium Firm
Substitute:
- Large Fluke
- Halibut
- Dover Sole
