With a few exceptions, the seasons for fresh fish are less dramatic than those for fruit and vegetables. With the approach of spring, most white fish are plump and plentiful, and quantities of fresh roe appear on the market.
White fish in particular have a delicate flavour and they must be cooked carefully to preserve this. Cod, haddock and plaice are excellent all-purpose fish, whereas halibut and turbot are highly prized for their excellent flavour and texture, and for this reason are expensive. Dover and lemon sole are universally praised for their firm, white, delicate flesh. Skate is a firm-textured white fish with a delicious flavour, and is also excellent cold.