snapper

[English] plural snappers

Young bluefish are called snappers. They are firm, round, oily fish found in the Mediterranean and in the North Atlantic, related to the pompano. It is particularly prized in Turkey and the United States where it is known as the bulldog of the sea. Most likely to be 1-1.4 kg (2½-3 lb) in size. It has a silver belly and bluish colour on its back. The body is rounded at the shoulders and tapers at the tail. The head is neatly proportioned. The flesh is white, firm and has a delicate flavour but is quite bony. It can be treated as salmon, but subtly flavoured accompaniments are best. We used to fish for these off Oyster Bay in Long Island and caught so many we had them grilled for supper, steamed for lunch and in kedgeree for breakfast. The dark strip which runs down its centre should be removed as it imparts a strong fishy flavour.

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