What is Turbot (Scophthalmus maximus)?

Turbot Turbot

Common names for Turbot

True turbot, European turbot

Other languages for Turbot

  • French name: Turbot, Barbue
  • Italian name: Rombo chiodato
  • German name: Steinbutt

Introduction to Turbot

Turbot (pronounced tur-bet) is a preferred flatfish for sophisticated chefs. Turbot (formerly known as Psetta maxima) is a member of the Bothidae, or left-eyed, family of flounders. It is found in shallow inshore waters across the Mediterranean and north to the Norwegian Sea. The Netherlands, Denmark, and the United Kingdom are the primary producers. Global supplies are restricted, which is why this fish demands such a premium price. In France, Spain, and Chile, cultivated crops are complementing natural harvests. Turbot grown in farms are often smaller (1 to 4 pounds) and have a milder taste than wild turbot, which may weigh up to 30 pounds but typically weighs less than 10 pounds. Numerous lesser-quality flatfish species, including Greenland turbot and certain West Coast flounders, are sometimes misidentified as European turbot. These flatfish are inferior in taste and have softer meat than genuine turbot.

Product profile for Turbot

Turbot has dazzling meat that stays brilliant white even after cooking. The flesh is solid with a big flake and a moderate taste. A turbot, like all flatfish, has four fillets, with the rear fillets being meatier than the belly fillets. Fillets from a 3- to 4-pound turbot are quite meaty, whereas those from smaller fish are often quite thin. On the fin side of each fillet, a ring of fatty tissue holds a row of snow-white flesh « kernels. »

Cooking tips for Turbot

Treat turbot with the attention it deserves, preparing it in ways that bring out its delicate flavor and dazzling white flesh. Turbot is delicious cooked whole, with the bones added for taste. In dry heat, fillets might overcook; steaming, poaching, and pan-frying are better options than grilling.

Nutrition facts for Turbot

Calories: 95 Fat Calories: 26.1 Total Fat: 2.9 g Saturated Fat: 0.8 g Cholesterol: 48 mg Sodium: 150 mg Protein: 16 g Omega 3: N/A

Primary product forms for Turbot

Global supply for Turbot

Chile, Denmark, France, Netherlands, Spain, UK, Iran