Plaice

Name: Plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) — a flatfish of the north-east Atlantic with a brown upper surface covered in bright orange spots, and a pale underside, with delicate, mild, sweet, fine-flaked white flesh.

Description

Plaice live on sandy sea beds, from Iceland to the Mediterranean, and have been a staple fish in Britain, the Netherlands, Denmark and Germany for centuries. In the Netherlands and Denmark, it is a traditional spring dish, served with butter and parsley, and in Britain it is a classic of fish and chips and pan-fried plaice with lemon. The North Sea plaice fishery was in trouble, but a managed recovery has made stocks healthier.

The fish has a thin, tender flesh, a delicate flavour and a fine texture, similar to but less prized than Dover sole. The whole fish or fillets are sold, and the orange spots fade after death, so bright spots are a sign of freshness.

Main nutrition value

Plaice is a lean, white fish, low in fat and calories, and a good source of high-quality protein, selenium, vitamin B12, phosphorus and iodine. It is low in fat and in mercury.

How best to be consumed

Plaice is delicate, and cooks in a few minutes.

1. Dust whole or filleted plaice in flour and pan-fry in butter for 2 to 3 minutes per side, with lemon and parsley.
2. Bake or poach, or roll fillets around a filling, and steam.
3. Coat in breadcrumbs or batter for fish and chips.
4. Handle gently, since the thin fillets break easily.
5. Look for bright orange spots and firm flesh, and choose MSC-certified plaice.

Overconsumption could cause…

Plaice is healthy in food amounts.

1. Fish allergy, which can be severe and is usually lifelong, so anyone allergic must avoid fish and check labels, including fish in sauces and dressings.
2. A lot of fat, salt and calories if battered and deep-fried, or served with rich sauces.
3. Gout flare-ups in people with gout, since fish and shellfish are moderately high in purines.
4. Overfishing and environmental concerns for some stocks, so look for MSC or ASC certification, or check a sustainable seafood guide.

GroupsWhite FishFinfishHigh proteinLow fatRich in seleniumRich in vitamin B12Rich in vitamin DFresh

Related foodsFlounderSoleHaddockCodMonkfishPollock

Wikipedia — European plaice, used for origin, naming and history: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_plaice