| Market Names |
Petrale Sole, Sole, Flounder |
| Where Caught |
U.S. Pacific Coast |
| How Caught |
Trawl |
Petrale Sole
Petrale Sole (Eposetta jordani) is a flatfish. Despite its name, it is not, in fact, a sole but rather a flounder. It is regarded as a premium Pacific coast flatfish. It is fished along the US Pacific coast by trawl and is an important commercial fish. Adults may be cannibalistic, eating juveniles.
The Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood WATCH® rates Pacific Sole and Flounder as a “Good Alternative” to those from the Atlantic “where historical overfishing has reduced populations.”
| Sources | |
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Species NameEposetta jordani |
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SourcePetrale Sole is found in the Pacific Ocean from Alaska to central California. Their range may extend into Bering Sea. They live on the sand and mud bottoms of the outer-shelf usually in depths of 330-500 feet. |
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SeasonalityAlthough Petrale Sole is available year round, the fishery in the United States is sustainably managed by the Pacific Fisheries Management Council “PFMC” and operated under a stringent quota system. |
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Fishing MethodPetrale Sole is caught by trawl. There is currently no Petrale Sole aquaculture in the United States but is considered to have potential. |
| Features | |
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FlavorPetrale Sole is considered one of the best West Coast Soles. It has an excellent, mild and delicate flavor and fine, medium firm texture with small flake. It is a soft, moist fish and vulnerable to mushiness if overcooked. |
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Dietary InformationPetrale Sole is a good source of calcium and protein and is low in fat. Per 100g raw edible portion: Source: USDA |
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AppearancePetrale Sole is a right-eyed flatfish. The eyeside is olive-brown and the blindside is white. The meat is ivory or cream colored and the fillets are thin. |
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FormFresh Petrale is available whole, but most is sold as skinless and boneless fillets and graded “Ocean Run” and will vary in size from 3 ounces to 10 ounces. Frozen Petrale is available whole but as with fresh most is sold in a skinless boneless fillet form and packed, Individually Quick Frozen “IQF.” |
| Uses | |
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PreparationPetrale Sole can be stuffed, poached, steamed, sautéed, microwaved, panfried, or deep-fried. |
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SubstitutionOther species of flatfish (soles, flounders) can be substituted for Petrale Sole. |
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HandlingFresh Whole Petrale Sole should be refrigerated at 30-34 degrees F. Whole fish should be surrounded with fresh ice in a perforated pan which allows any water to drain away from the product for maximum shelf life. Never directly ice a Petrale Sole fillet. Filleted product should be stored in a sealed plastic container and surrounded with ice. |
| Market | |
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Sizes and CutsFresh whole Petrale run 1-3 pounds yielding fillets from 3 ounces to 10 ounces. Frozen Petrale is most generally pack in 10 pound cases “IQF” graded. Ocean Run 3-10 oz, or graded by size 3,4,5,6,7,8 oz. |
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Pricing ScaleDue to market and currency fluctuations, please contact your Seattle Fish Company of New Mexico associate for up-to-date market information, availability and current pricing information. |
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Shelf LifeFresh whole Petrale Sole which has been handled and stored properly should retain optimum quality for 3-4 days. Once the fish is filleted product should be used within 2-3 days. Frozen can be commercially stored for up to six months. |