Plaice

It is difficult to spot the difference between the various flat fish in the shops. Sole, of course, stands out immediately, but plaice, lemon sole, megrims, dabs, witches and flounders are often all lumped together. Plaice is the best of this category of flat fish and can be recognised by the yellow to reddish-brown spots on its dark side, the underside being white. When these spots turn dark in colour, it is a sign that the fish is no longer fresh.

At its best from June to December, plaice is apt to be tasteless at other times, because it is the spawning season.