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Articles
Updated: April 1, 2010
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EmailAlong the Atlantic Coast from New England to North Carolina, a bounty of seafood is available during the Winter and early Spring. Summer flounder, also known as fluke is one of the most popular groundfish landed during these months. These delicious fish are flat and oval shaped with both eyes on one side. Their back is mahogany brown in color while the underside is white. Flounder range from 3 pounds to doormat sized fish that may exceed 10 pounds.
There are several ways to enjoy mid-Atlantic flounder at its peak. A popular way is to visit a coastal restaurant that specializes in serving fresh local seafood. These establishments are hard to find, but worth the effort. Some restaurants will announce specials when seasonal products such as fresh off the boat flounder are available.
Another way to obtain fresh flounder is to visit a reputable seafood market near Atlantic fishing ports. Most seafood markets in port towns offer extremely fresh catches of summer flounder and other groundfish.
For serious seafood enthusiasts, a third option is to purchase flounder from a seafood wholesaler. Flounder purchased in this manner are literally right off the boat. Purchasing from a wholesaler is not easy as fish are a feast or famine commodity. Also there are minimum quantities, usually 50 lbs. Still buying fresh, top quality summer flounder and other seafood in bulk is very popular, especially among local communities.
When a fishing period opens, it sometimes lasts only a few days or weeks. The event generates excitement as friends and neighbors work together to clean and pack fish, feast on fresh seafood and celebrate the bounty while it lasts. A few flounder may be available all season, but depending on state regulations, the major landings are often difficult to predict.
Summer flounder are very easy to clean and a good value in terms of final yield. A good fish monger can net as much as 60% or more of the total weight of a summer flounder as boneless skin on fillets. The flesh is white, fine grained and mild tasting. It is also low in fat, a source of B vitamins and niacin.
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