As part of its ongoing campaign to encourage chefs to select from sustainable sources, Direct Seafoods, the national network of local fishmongers, is now promoting the Mediterranean meagre, or stone bass.
The meagre used to be caught in the Gulf of Gascogne until it nearly disappeared because of overfishing. It is now being farmed in 40m-deep cages off the L‚rins Islands near Cannes, an area chosen for the pureness of its water. Stringent farming controls are adhered to and the fish density reaches only 20kg per square metre.
The meagre's flesh is white and firm and its taste is delicate yet distinctive. It is well suited for all fish recipes and can be eaten raw or smoked. The meagre is available from Direct Seafoods from £7.95 per kg.
The Direct Seafoods range includes a wide variety of species, including line-caught tuna, cod and bass, rope-grown mussels and dived scallops as well as great catches from day boats delivering to their regional depots.
To buy it, call 0870 770 6921
Direct Seafoods