The icy, clear waters of Alaska are home to some of the most trea- sured species of sole. Commonly referred to as flatfish because of their distinctive shape, Alaska Sole are an asymmetrical fish with both eyes on one side of their head. Synonymous with fish of great freshness and quality, the term "sole" is sometimes used interchangeably with "flounder".

Alaska Sole are highly valued for their delicate, mild flavor and tender texture. Naturally low in fat and high in protein, they are a very lean fish. Five of the most abundantly harvested species of Alaska Sole are listed below, and they are available year-round in a number of easy-to-use product forms.

From classic to exotic, this flavorful seafood item can be found on a wide range of foodservice menus - from non-commercial operations such as health-care and employee cafeterias to upscale, white tablecloth establishments.

Alaska Sole bring their delicate taste and fine texture to a wide variety of dishes and preparations - from elaborate sauces and stuffings to simple seasonings with lemon juice. The recipes that best complement Alaska Sole are those that enhance rather than overpower their flavor. And the best cooking methods for Alaska Sole require minimal handling of the fish to help preserve moisture, such as poaching, steaming, sauteing, and microwaving.

Alaska Sole's excellence and pre-portioned convenience, make it one of the best-valued flatfish you can purchase. Commonly mar- keted as skinless, boneless, frozen fillets, Alaska Sole are ready-to-use. Pre-cut portions offer no waste, easy preparation and low labor costs, and provide great plate coverage at a reasonable serving cost.

Serving size: 3 oz. (85 g) -- Cooked, Edible Portion

Source: USDA Handbook #8

Available regularly at reasonable prices, Alaska Sole are commer- cially harvested from February through November in the Gulf of Alaska and the Bering Sea. Frozen within hours of harvesting, Alaska has developed state-of-the-art Freezing and processing tech- nology to preserve the high-quality and fresh-caught flavor.

The Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute offers promotional and educational materials about Alaska Sole: 18"x 24" posters, table tents, recipes, information guides and a Suppliers Directory free of charge (maximum order: 200 each). Training videos are also available at a cost of $8.00 each.

The Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute
311 North Franklin Street, Suite 200, Juneau, Alaska 99801-1147
(907)465-5560; Fax (907) 465-5572

Or call  Bellevue, Washington  at (425) 451-7464 Fax (425) 451-9795.