Halibut Steaks with Arugula (rocket) Pesto

Method

Tips

• Halibut is the largest member of the flatfish family, found in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, with lean, white, firm, mild-flavoured flesh. Halibut can weigh up to half a ton, but at market, its weight averages between 10 pounds and 60 pounds. Fresh and frozen halibut is usually sold in fillets and steaks. Available fresh throughout the year, but usually most abundant from March to September. Select halibut with glistening, bright-white flesh with no browning or gaping. This versatile fish can be prepared in almost any manner.
  Halibut belong to a large family (Pleuronectidae) of flatfishes which all have both eyes on the right side of the body. The family is distributed in cool, temperate waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The Atlantic halibut is the largest of the 3 species. Atlantic halibut mature at a higher age than either Greenland or Pacific halibut, and are therefore more vulnerable to over fishing.
  Choose Pacific halibut as an alternative to Atlantic or Greenland halibut as it is less vulnerable to over fishing and fisheries are generally much better managed.
  Atlantic halibut, the largest of all flat fishes, is a thick-set, right-eyed (both eyes on the right-hand side of the body) flat fish. It lives in deep, cold waters and is slow-growing. It can attain a length of 2.5 m and 300 kg. Spawning occurs during winter and early spring. Atlantic halibut become sexually mature at 10-14 years and can live over 50 years.
  Greenland Halibut, This is an Arctic species which feeds in mid-water. Unlike most other flatfish, its 'blind side' is dark grey rather than white. Greenland halibut spawns in summer (April to June). Males become sexually mature when 7-8 years old and 55-65 cm long and females when 9-11 years old and 65-80 cm. They move into deeper water as they grow and can reach lengths of 120cm. Maximum reported age 30 years.
  Pacific Halibut, Distributed throughout the North Pacific, Pacific halibut are found at a range of depths. Older fish are found in deeper waters in the winter and only move into shallower waters in the summer. Younger fish are found in shallower waters. Males can reach sizes of about 260cm and females of about 270cm, the maximum reported age is 42 years. Maturity is at about 5 years for males and 7 years for females. Pacific halibut spawn between November and January.