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Species Name
Branzino
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Latin Name
Dicentrarchus labrax
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Origin
Greece, Mediterranian Sea
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Harvest Method
Hand Cultivated
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Range & Habitat
Europe
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Producer
SFS Partnership
Range & Habitat
White, Mild, Flakey
Winter Flounder are a "Right-Eyed" Flounder and are cousin to the Plaice. "Left-Eyed" Flounder include Fluke (Summer Flounder), Southern Flounder, and Gulf Flounder. It is reasonable to state that the Winter Flounder inhabit colder waters and in turn have a higher content of body fat, producing more moisture in the flesh.
Flakey, Moderate, Moist, Light
Like other premium Hawaiian snappers, Uku has a clear, pale pink flesh that is delicately flavored. The oil content is high, the flake is medium and the moisture content is moderate. Some local chefs argue the Uku has a slightly fuller flavor than the sub-tile Opakapaka. The sashimi grade flesh will take high heat well and firm and tighten once heat is applied. The Uku is a handsome fish which reminds me of the Eastern Seaboard Black Bass. It has a lighter colored grey skin, friendly looking eyes and a stream-lined head with a masculine jaw-line that appears to smile at you. Uku harvested during the summer spawning season is often rich in natural fat, a desirable attribute for any sashimi application. Uku is one of the few cool to warm water temperature snappers that is safe to serve raw.
Sweet, Moist, White
The Wreckfish is a bottom dwelling large growing species that is very similar to Grouper. The Wreckfish can be found from 150'-2000'. The name "Wreckfish" comes from inhabiting shipwrecks and "Stone Bass" from the rocky ledges. The Wreckfish packs on the moisture for body temperature regulation in cold waters. The species can grow very large all the while maintaining the silkiness and sweetness of Grouper. Prepare larger cuts with moderate heat and the smaller fillet portions more quickly. Ceviche, Saute, Broil, Poach.