Halibut, USA
Halibut "America's favorite
fish"
Halibut are among the largest fish in the sea and
the largest of all the flatfish. They can grow to more than 8 ft long
and 700 lbs. Halibut weighing in at more than 100 pounds are often
called "Whales", "Soakers", or even "Barn Doors", while smaller halibut,
less than 20 pounds, are often called "Chickens". The largest Alaskan
halibut ever caught while sport fishing was 459 lbs. in Unalaska
Bay.
Halibut is prized for its delicate sweet flavor,
snow-white color and firm flaky meat. It is an excellent source of
high-quality protein and minerals, low in sodium, fat and calories and contains a minimum of
bones.
Halibut is very versatile in the kitchen, as well,
with many recipes for baking, broiling, pan-frying, deep-frying, poaching or
barbecuing.
A
fletch refers to a large halibut fillet. One halibut will yield four
fletches. Halibut also yield roundish cheeks which are extracted from
their head area. Halibut cheeks are sweet flavored and are considered a
delicacy.
