RELATIVE COST
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The lemon sole is a demersal species usually found on stony bottoms from depths of 10 m to 200 m. Lemon sole are moderately sized flatfish reaching up to 30 cm (rarely up to 45 cm) in length.
The lemon sole is a right-eyed flatfish with a small head and mouth and smooth, slimy skin. Widely distributed through the British Isles and northern Europe, Lemon Sole feeds on a variety of small invertebrates but predominantly on small marine worms. Spawning is mainly confined to depths of 55-91 m in the northwestern North Sea and commences at a minimum temperature of 6.5 °C in Scottish waters. Sex ratio is about 1:1, but females progressively predominate upon sexual maturity.
QUIRKY FACT
Lemon sole is a misnomer since it’s neither a real sole, nor does it taste of lemon, but it is pale yellow in colour. It’s actually a flounder (the family that includes plaice and turbot). The name derives the French name “limande-sole” meaning flatfish.
COOKING / EATING BENEFITS
Lemon Sole has delicate, sweet white flesh and is a great little eating fish. Although generally caught as bycatch whilst fishing for more commercial species (turbot, monkfish etc) Lemon Sole is a popular and tasty fish which isn’t currently under pressure. Larger specimens can be filleted, dusted in seasoned flour and/or breadcrumbed for frying, but they are best cooked simply. Eithher grilled, fried or baked and served with a light sauce. They taste delicious with lemon zest mashed potato.
