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Cod as food
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Cod and other cod-like fish have been widely used as food through history. Other cod-like fish come from the same family (Gadidae) that cod belong to, such as haddock, pollock, and whiting.
Cod
[edit]
Cod is popular as a food with a mild flavour and a dense, flaky white flesh. Young Atlantic cod or haddock prepared in strips for cooking is called scrod. Cod's soft liver can be canned or fermented into cod liver oil, providing an excellent source of vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA).[citation needed] Cod flesh is moist and flaky when cooked and is white in colour. In the United Kingdom, Atlantic cod is one of the most common ingredients in fish and chips, along with haddock and plaice. Cod can be easily turned into various other products, such as cod liver oil, omega pills, etc.[citation needed]
According to the laws of kashrut, cod is considered kosher because it is a fish with both fins and scales.[1]
Other cod-like fish
[edit]This section needs additional citations for verification. (January 2021) |
Haddock
[edit]| Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Energy | 469 kJ (112 kcal) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
0.0 g | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dietary fiber | 0.0 g | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
0.93 g | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
24.24 g | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| †Percentages estimated using US recommendations for adults,[2] except for potassium, which is estimated based on expert recommendation from the National Academies.[3] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Haddock is a very popular food fish, sold fresh, smoked, frozen, dried, and, to a small extent, canned. Haddock, along with cod and plaice, is one of the most popular fish used in British fish and chips.
Fresh haddock has a clean white flesh and can be cooked in the same ways as cod. Freshness of a haddock fillet can be determined by how well it holds together, as a fresh one will be firm; also, fillets should be translucent, while older fillets turn a chalky hue. Young, fresh haddock and cod fillets are often sold as scrod in Boston, Massachusetts; this refers to the size of the fish which have a variety of sizes, i.e. scrod, markets, and cows. Haddock is the predominant fish of choice in Scotland in a fish supper. It is also the main ingredient of Norwegian fishballs (fiskeboller).
Unlike the related cod, haddock does not salt well and is often preserved by drying and smoking.
The smoking of haddock is something that was highly refined in Grimsby. Traditional Grimsby smoked fish (mainly haddock, but sometimes cod) is produced in the traditional smoke houses in Grimsby, which are mostly family-run businesses that have developed their skills over many generations.[4] Grimsby fish market sources its haddock from the North East Atlantic, principally Iceland, Norway and Faroe. These fishing grounds are sustainably managed[5] and have not seen the large scale depreciation in fish stocks seen in EU waters.[6]
One popular form of haddock is Finnan haddie, named for the fishing village of Finnan or Findon in Scotland, where it was originally cold-smoked over peat. Finnan haddie is often served poached in milk for breakfast.[7]
The town of Arbroath on the east coast of Scotland produces the Arbroath Smokie. This is a hot-smoked haddock which requires no further cooking before eating.
Smoked haddock naturally has an off-white color; it is very often dyed yellow, as are other smoked fish. Smoked haddock is the essential ingredient in the Anglo-Indian dish kedgeree.
In 2010, Greenpeace International has added the haddock to its seafood red list. "The Greenpeace International seafood red list is a list of fish that are commonly sold in supermarkets around the world, and which have a very high risk of being sourced from unsustainable fisheries."[8]
Pollock
[edit]Atlantic pollock is largely considered to be a whitefish, although it is a fairly strongly flavored one. Traditionally a popular source of food in some countries, such as Norway, in the United Kingdom it has previously been largely consumed as a cheaper and versatile alternative to cod and haddock. However, in recent years pollock has become more popular due to over-fishing of cod and haddock. It can now be found in most supermarkets as fresh fillets or prepared freezer items. For example, it is used minced in fish fingers or as an ingredient in imitation crab meat.
Because of its slightly gray color, pollock is often prepared, as in Norway, as fried fish balls, or if juvenile sized, breaded with oatmeal and fried, as in Shetland. Year-old fish are traditionally split, salted and dried over a peat hearth in Orkney, where their texture becomes wooden and somewhat phosphorescent. The fish can also be salted and smoked and achieve a salmon-like orange color (although it is not closely related to the salmon), as is the case in Germany where the fish is commonly sold as Seelachs or sea salmon. In Korea, pollock may be repeatedly frozen and melted to create hwangtae, half-dried to create ko-da-ri, or fully dried and eaten as book-o.
In 2009, U.K. supermarket Sainsbury's renamed pollock 'Colin' in a bid to boost ecofriendly sales of the fish as an alternative to cod.[9] The supermarket also suggested some shoppers may be too embarrassed to ask for the species under its proper title, due to its reputation as an inferior fish, and its similarity to a popular English swear word (bollocks). Sainsbury's, which said the new name was derived from the French for cooked pollock (colin), launched the product under the banner "Colin and chips can save British cod".
List of dishes
[edit]| Name | Image | Origin | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ackee and saltfish | Jamaica | Salt cod sautéed with boiled ackee, onions, Scotch Bonnet peppers (optional), tomatoes, and spices, such as black pepper and pimiento. It can be garnished with crisp bacon and fresh tomatoes, and is usually served as breakfast or dinner alongside breadfruit, hard dough bread, dumplings, fried plantain, or bogreen bananas. Jamaica's national dish. | |
| Bacalaíto | Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic | Salt cod fritters filled with minced cod fish and garnished with cilantro, tomatoes and onions. A traditional snack typically eaten with an entire meal. Bacalaítos are served at the beach, cuchifritos, and at festivals. They are crisp on the outside and dense and chewy in the inside. | |
| Baccalà mantecato | Italy | A Venetian appetizer of whipped salt cod.[10][11] | |
| Cabbie claw | Scotland and Orkney |
Made with speldings, young fish of the family Gadidae such as cod, haddock or whiting. The name is a derivative of cabillaud, the French name for cod. Other ingredients include parsley, horseradish and mashed potato. The sauce is made with butter, flour, milk, hard-boiled eggs, and nutmeg. Alternate versions outside the traditional version's only difference are usually an addition of more spices. | |
| Bacalhau à Brás | Portugal | Made with eggs, onions thinly sliced, potatoes in matchstick-size, salt codfish, soaked, minced garlic clove, extra virgin olive oil, bunch fresh parsley, chopped black Portuguese olives, salt and pepper.[12] | |
| Crappit heid | Scotland | (English: stuffed head). Can be traced to the fishing communities of the North, Hebrides and North-Eastern Scotland in the eighteenth century. In a time when money was scarce, the more expensive fillets of fish, such as cod or haddock would be sold to market but the offal and less attractive parts were retained by the fisherfolk for the pot. | |
| Cullen skink | Scotland | Thick soup made of smoked haddock, potatoes and onions. An authentic cullen skink will use finnan haddie, but it may be prepared with any other undyed smoked haddock. The soup is often served as a starter at formal Scottish dinners. It has been described as "smokier and more assertive than American chowder and heartier than classical French bisque".[13] | |
| Fish and brewis | Newfoundland | Consists of cod and hard bread or hard tack. With the abundance of cod around the coasts of Newfoundland and Labrador it became synonymous with many Newfoundland households as a delicacy to be served as a main meal. Salt fish is soaked in water overnight to reduce the salt content. The hard bread is broken into bite-size pieces, and is also soaked in water overnight. The next day, the fish and hard bread are boiled separately until tender, and then both are served together. The traditional meal is served with scrunchions,[14] salted pork fat which has been cut into small pieces and fried. Both the rendered fat and the liquid fat are then drizzled over the fish and hard bread. | |
| Fish ball | Widespread | Usually made from a white fish, such as cod or haddock | |
| Fishcake | British | Similar to a croquette, consisting of a filleted fish and potato patty sometimes coated in breadcrumbs or batter, and fried. Salted cod is traditionally used as a filling, though since cod stocks have become depleted other varieties of white fish are used, such as haddock or whiting.[15] The fishcake has been seen as a way of using up leftovers that might otherwise be thrown away. In Mrs Beeton's 19th century publication Book of Household Management, her recipe for fishcakes calls for "leftover fish" and "cold potatoes".[16] | |
| Fish finger | United Kingdom | ||
| Esqueixada | Catalonia | A salad of shredded salt cod, tomatoes, onions, olive oil and vinegar, salt, and sometimes a garnish of olives or hard-boiled eggs. | |
| Fish fry | Widespread | ||
| Fish pie | |||
| Fried fish | Widespread | ||
| Lutefisk | Nordic countries | ||
| Pescado frito | Spain | ||
| Scrod | New England and Atlantic Canada | ||
| Shirako (milt) | Widespread | ||
| Taramosalata | Greece | ||
| Traditional Grimsby smoked fish | Grimsby, England |
See also
[edit]Notes
[edit]- ^ "Is Cod Kosher?". Chabad.org. Retrieved 2023-04-08.
- ^ United States Food and Drug Administration (2024). "Daily Value on the Nutrition and Supplement Facts Labels". FDA. Archived from the original on 2024-03-27. Retrieved 2024-03-28.
- ^ "TABLE 4-7 Comparison of Potassium Adequate Intakes Established in This Report to Potassium Adequate Intakes Established in the 2005 DRI Report". p. 120. In: Stallings, Virginia A.; Harrison, Meghan; Oria, Maria, eds. (2019). "Potassium: Dietary Reference Intakes for Adequacy". Dietary Reference Intakes for Sodium and Potassium. pp. 101–124. doi:10.17226/25353. ISBN 978-0-309-48834-1. PMID 30844154. NCBI NBK545428.
- ^ Grimsby Traditional Fish Smokers Group Archived 2010-09-03 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Icelandic Request on the Evaluation of Icelandic Cod and Haddock Management Plan Archived 2010-12-06 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ European Commission, Communication on Fishing Opportunities for 2009. May 2008
- ^ "Full recipe for Finnan Haddie from Scottish chef John Quigley". Archived from the original on 2007-10-24. Retrieved 2012-04-26.
- ^ Greenpeace International Seafood Red list Archived July 2, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Smithers, Rebecca (2009-04-06). "A colin and chips? Sainsbury's gives unfashionable pollack a makeover". The Guardian. London.
- ^ "Baccalà mantecato, a Venetian delicacy". Visit Venezia. Retrieved 13 May 2021.
- ^ Scavo, Rosemarie (4 April 2017). "Baccalà Mantecato". ITALY Magazine. Retrieved 13 May 2021.
- ^ http://cookinglisbon.com/recipes/fish/bras-style-codfish/ Cooking Lisbon Recipe
- ^ Cloake, Felicity (5 January 2012). "How to cook perfect cullen skink". The Guardian.
- ^ Newfoundland Dictionary Archived 2013-06-03 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ ""Has cod had its chips?", BBC News". 2000-07-20. Retrieved 2010-01-04.
- ^ "Mrs. Beeton's Fish Recipes Revisited, TheFoody.com".
References
[edit]- Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.). "Species in genus Clupea". FishBase. January 2006 version.
- O'Clair, Rita M. and O'Clair, Charles E., "Pacific herring", Southeast Alaska's Rocky Shores: Animals. p. 343–346. Plant Press: Auke Bay, Alaska (1998). ISBN 0-9664245-0-6.
External links
[edit]Cod as food
View on GrokipediaSpecies and Characteristics
Primary Species
The primary species of cod consumed as food is the Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua), a gadoid fish inhabiting the cold, temperate waters of the North Atlantic Ocean from Greenland to the Barents Sea and south to the English Channel.[3] This species is distinguished by its heavy-bodied form, large head, blunt snout, and chin barbel, with adults reaching lengths up to 1.3 meters (51 inches) and weights exceeding 35 kilograms (77 pounds), though typical market sizes are smaller.[3] Atlantic cod is prized for its firm, white flesh with a mild, slightly sweet flavor and large flakes, making it highly versatile for various culinary preparations including fresh, frozen, salted, and smoked forms.[5] Atlantic cod has been one of the most commercially significant fish species historically, supporting major fisheries in regions like Newfoundland, Iceland, and Norway, with global catches peaking at over 1.4 million metric tons in the early 1980s before declining due to overfishing.[1] Its nutritional profile, including high protein content and low fat, contributes to its popularity as a lean seafood option, though populations have faced depletion leading to management measures like quotas and seasonal closures.[3] While Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus) serves as a substitute in some markets, particularly in the United States where it constitutes the second-largest groundfish harvest off Alaska with over 200,000 metric tons annually in recent years, Atlantic cod remains the archetypal species associated with traditional cod dishes worldwide.[6][7]Related and Substitute Fish
Cod (Gadus morhua) belongs to the family Gadidae, which encompasses approximately 22 species across 11 genera, primarily cold-water marine fishes characterized by elongate bodies, small mouths, and the absence of fin spines.[8] Key related species include haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus), a bottom-dwelling gadid similar in size and habitat to Atlantic cod, often co-occurring in the North Atlantic; Alaska pollock (Gadus chalcogrammus), valued for its abundance and use in processed products; and Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus), a congener found in the North Pacific with comparable morphology and commercial significance.[3][1] These gadids share ecological roles as demersal predators and have driven historical fisheries in temperate to subarctic waters.[9] In culinary applications, substitutes for cod prioritize mild flavor, firm white flesh, and flakiness to replicate textures in preparations like frying or baking. Haddock serves as a primary alternative due to its analogous taste profile and leanness, commonly employed in British fish and chips where cod stocks have declined.[10] Alaska pollock frequently replaces cod in frozen fillets and surimi, leveraging its high yield and lower cost amid Atlantic cod overfishing pressures documented since the 1990s.[11] Hake (Merluccius spp., sometimes associated with gadiforms) and Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis) offer viable options for denser fillets, though they differ in fat content and sourcing regions.[12] Tilapia and other farmed whitefish like swai are used in budget recipes but diverge in wild-caught authenticity and omega-3 profiles compared to gadids.[13] Selection often balances sustainability, with Marine Stewardship Council-certified pollock promoted as an eco-friendly swap since 2010.[11]Nutritional Profile
Macronutrients and Micronutrients
Cod flesh, particularly from Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua), is a lean source of animal protein with negligible carbohydrate content. Per 100 grams of raw Atlantic cod, it provides approximately 82 kilocalories, 17.8 grams of protein, 0.7 grams of total fat (of which about 0.15 grams are omega-3 fatty acids including EPA and DHA), and 0 grams of carbohydrates. The protein is complete, containing all essential amino acids in proportions suitable for human nutrition, while the low fat profile makes it suitable for low-calorie diets.[14] Key micronutrients in raw Atlantic cod per 100 grams include vitamin B12 at 1.05 micrograms (44% of the Daily Value, DV), selenium at 33 micrograms (60% DV), phosphorus at 203 milligrams (16% DV), niacin (vitamin B3) at 2.5 milligrams (16% DV), and potassium at 413 milligrams (9% DV).[15] These levels can vary slightly with cooking method, as dry heat may concentrate nutrients by reducing water content, potentially increasing protein to 22.8 grams and calories to 105 per 100 grams in cooked portions.[16] Cod also supplies smaller amounts of vitamin D (0.8 micrograms, 4% DV), iodine (around 100 micrograms in some analyses), and choline, contributing to its role as a nutrient-dense food despite modest overall micronutrient diversity compared to fattier fish.[17][18]| Nutrient Category | Examples per 100g Raw Atlantic Cod | Approximate % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamins | Vitamin B12: 1.05 µg; Niacin: 2.5 mg | B12: 44%; Niacin: 16% |
| Minerals | Selenium: 33 µg; Phosphorus: 203 mg; Potassium: 413 mg | Selenium: 60%; Phosphorus: 16%; Potassium: 9% |
| Fatty Acids | Total omega-3: 0.15 g (EPA + DHA) | Varies; supports heart health guidelines |
Health Benefits
Cod provides a lean source of high-quality protein, supplying approximately 20 grams per 4-ounce serving, which supports muscle maintenance and repair without contributing significant calories or saturated fats.[14] This protein profile, combined with low caloric density around 90 calories per serving, aids in weight management and satiety, as fish consumption has been associated with improved appetite control and smaller post-meal glycemic responses compared to other animal proteins.[20] Additionally, cod is rich in essential micronutrients such as vitamin B12, selenium, and phosphorus; for instance, a serving delivers substantial portions of the daily recommended intake for B12, which is crucial for red blood cell formation and neurological function, and selenium, an antioxidant that supports thyroid health and immune response.[14] Consumption of baked cod fillet has been shown in clinical trials to lower serum total cholesterol levels, likely due to reduced endogenous cholesterol synthesis and improved lipid metabolism, independent of its modest omega-3 content.[21] While cod contains lower amounts of omega-3 fatty acids (about 0.14 grams per serving) compared to fatty fish like salmon, regular intake of lean fish such as cod still contributes to cardiovascular health by potentially reducing triglycerides and inflammation markers, aligning with broader evidence that fish consumption supports heart function through nutrient synergies rather than high-dose omega-3 alone.[14][22] Studies indicate that incorporating lean fish into diets may lower risks of coronary heart disease and improve overall metabolic outcomes, including blood pressure regulation.[20] In animal models, cod protein intake has demonstrated benefits for kidney function, reducing urinary markers of damage and amino acid loss, suggesting potential protective effects against renal stress in high-protein diets, though human trials are needed for confirmation.[23] Overall, cod's nutrient density positions it as a valuable component of balanced diets aimed at preventing nutrient deficiencies, particularly in populations reliant on affordable seafood for protein and minerals.[24]Potential Risks
Cod contains parvalbumin, a heat-stable protein that serves as a major allergen, potentially eliciting IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reactions in susceptible individuals. Symptoms may include hives, gastrointestinal distress, respiratory issues, or anaphylaxis, with as little as 5 mg of cod sufficient to provoke a response in allergic persons. Cod allergy often cross-reacts with other gadoid fish species due to shared epitopes, though tolerance to certain non-gadoid fish like tuna may occur. Fish allergies account for a notable portion of severe food-induced anaphylactic events, necessitating avoidance in diagnosed cases.[25][26][27] Raw or undercooked cod harbors risk of anisakiasis from third-stage larvae of Anisakis simplex, a nematode parasite prevalent in marine fish including Atlantic cod. Infection occurs via ingestion of viable larvae, leading to acute abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and eosinophilic granuloma formation in the gastrointestinal tract; larvae may penetrate the stomach or intestinal wall, mimicking appendicitis or requiring endoscopic removal. While cooking above 60°C or freezing at -20°C for 24-48 hours inactivates larvae, traditional preparations like lightly marinated or ceviche-style cod increase exposure if sourced from endemic waters. Incidence remains low in regions with proper handling, but underreporting may underestimate prevalence.[28][29][30] Atlantic cod exhibits low methylmercury concentrations, averaging 0.111 ppm, classifying it among "best choices" for consumption even by pregnant women and children per federal guidelines, with minimal risk from chronic exposure at recommended intakes of 8-12 ounces weekly. Other contaminants like PCBs are sporadically detected but generally below action levels in monitored commercial supplies. However, locally sourced or bottom-feeding cod from polluted areas may accumulate higher residues, warranting adherence to regional advisories.[31][32][33] Salted or preserved cod, such as bacalhau, contains elevated sodium levels—often exceeding 1,000 mg per 100 g after desalting—posing risks of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and fluid retention in individuals with salt sensitivity or renal impairment. Excessive salted fish intake correlates with increased gastric cancer risk via nitrosamine formation from salt-cured proteins, though evidence is stronger for heavily processed Asian varieties than European salted cod. Desalting reduces but does not eliminate sodium, and overconsumption may surpass WHO limits of 2,000 mg daily.[34][35][36]Culinary Preparation
Traditional Preservation and Cooking Methods
Cod has been preserved traditionally through air-drying and salting, methods developed in Northern Europe to enable long-term storage without refrigeration. Air-drying produces stockfish, where fresh cod is headed, gutted, split open, and hung in pairs on wooden racks known as hjell, exposed to cold winter winds and air for 2-3 months, reducing water content to about 10-15% and concentrating proteins through enzymatic fermentation.[37][38] This unsalted process, practiced since Viking times in regions like Lofoten, Norway, yields a lightweight, rigid product that retains nutritional value but requires mechanical breaking and soaking before use.[39] Salting creates salt cod (bacalhau or bacalao), involving layering fresh cod fillets with dry salt in barrels or containers at a ratio of approximately 1:3 salt to fish by weight, which draws out moisture via osmosis and inhibits bacterial growth through high salinity.[40][41] The dry salting method, refined by Basque fishermen by the 15th century, allows storage for up to two years; alternatively, brine salting submerges fish in a salt-water solution before optional light drying into clipfish.[42][43] These techniques, documented in Icelandic and North American fisheries from the medieval period, preserved cod for transatlantic trade and inland consumption where fresh fish spoiled quickly.[44][45] To cook preserved cod, rehydration and desalting precede thermal preparation to restore texture and reduce salt content. Stockfish or salt cod is soaked in cold water for 24-48 hours, with water changes every 6-8 hours to leach excess salt, followed by gentle boiling for 5-20 minutes to further tenderize and flavor with aromatics like bay leaves.[46][47] Traditional cooking then involves poaching in milk or broth for flakiness, pan-frying in oil for crisp exteriors, or simmering in stews with potatoes and onions to integrate the fish's concentrated umami.[48] These methods, rooted in 19th-century practices from Portugal to New England, minimize moisture loss during reheating to preserve the firm, fibrous quality imparted by preservation.[49]Global Dishes and Regional Variations
In Portugal, salted and dried cod, known as bacalhau, forms the basis of over 365 traditional recipes, underscoring its status as a culinary cornerstone tied to the nation's Age of Exploration when preservation methods enabled long voyages.[50] One emblematic dish, Bacalhau à Brás, combines shredded soaked cod with fried matchstick potatoes, scrambled eggs, onions, and black olives, often garnished with parsley.[51] Another variant, Bacalhau com natas, layers boiled cod with fried onions, potatoes, and a creamy béchamel sauce, baked until golden.[52] These preparations highlight cod's versatility in absorbing flavors after desalting, with annual consumption exceeding 100,000 tons in Portugal as of recent trade data.[53] Across Scandinavia, particularly Norway and Sweden, lutefisk represents a distinctive treatment of dried cod soaked in lye solution to gelatinize its texture, a method documented since the 16th century for Lenten fasting before refrigeration.[54] The fish is then rinsed, boiled or steamed, and served simply with melted butter in Norway or white sauce in Sweden, accompanied by boiled potatoes, peas, and bacon.[55] This holiday staple, especially for Christmas julebord in Norway, preserves the fish's mild flavor while creating a jelly-like consistency that divides palates but endures as cultural tradition.[56] In the United Kingdom, batter-fried cod fillets paired with thick-cut chips constitute fish and chips, a dish popularized in the 1860s by Jewish immigrants adapting Sephardic frying techniques to abundant North Sea cod.[57] Served wrapped in newspaper historically, it remains a street food icon, with cod preferred for its firm white flesh that holds batter without disintegrating during frying at 180°C.[58] Variations include mushy peas and tartare sauce, reflecting working-class origins amid 19th-century industrialization.[59] In Jamaica, ackee and saltfish—the national dish—pairs desalted salted cod with the creamy, nutty pods of the ackee fruit, sautéed with onions, tomatoes, scotch bonnet peppers, and scallions for a breakfast staple rich in umami.[60] Introduced via colonial trade, the cod's saltiness balances ackee's delicacy, often served with fried dumplings or breadfruit, embodying fusion of African, European, and indigenous elements since the 18th century.[61] Iberian influences extend to Spain's bacalao al pil pil, where poached salted cod emulsifies olive oil and garlic into a sauce, and France's brandade de morue, mashed cod with olive oil, milk, and garlic spread on bread.[62] In the Caribbean beyond Jamaica, saltfish appears in Antiguan ducana wraps or Trinidadian pelau, while Newfoundland's fish and brewis soaks hardtack with boiled salt cod and pork fat scraps, a fisherman's meal from 18th-century settlements.[63] These variations demonstrate cod's adaptability through salting and drying, enabling global dissemination via trade routes.Historical Consumption
Ancient and Medieval Periods
Archaeological evidence from northern Europe indicates early human consumption of cod by coastal hunter-gatherers, with cod bones identified in Mesolithic sites in Ireland dating to approximately 10,000 years before present, reflecting opportunistic exploitation near fishing grounds.[64] Similar findings from Neolithic contexts in Scandinavia, such as Denmark and Sweden, suggest sporadic use in prehistoric diets, though cod remained secondary to local freshwater and nearer-shore species until preservation methods advanced.[65] In classical antiquity, cod played a minimal role in Mediterranean societies like Rome and Greece, where warmer-water fish dominated; northern European evidence points to limited, localized fresh consumption without widespread trade. The medieval period marked cod's emergence as a preserved staple, enabled by air-drying into stockfish, which allowed inland transport and storage without salting. The earliest documented reference to stockfish appears in Egil's Saga, describing its use around 875 AD during Viking expeditions.[66] Genetic analysis of Viking Age cod bones from Haithabu, Germany (circa 800–1066 AD), traces their origin to Northeast Arctic stocks in Lofoten, Norway, providing the first direct evidence of long-distance trade from northern fisheries to continental markets.[67] This trade coincided with Christian fasting practices, which mandated meat abstinence on roughly 40% of days annually, boosting demand for durable fish like cod over perishable alternatives.[68] By the 10th–11th centuries, zooarchaeological records show a marked increase in marine gadoid consumption, including cod, across Northern and Western Europe, linked to technological improvements in drying and netting that expanded offshore harvests.[69] Basque whalers adapted these techniques around 1000 AD to supply salted and dried cod to international ports, predating the Hanseatic League's later dominance in North Sea trade routes.[70] These developments transformed cod from a regional resource into a caloric mainstay, often decapitated and processed for efficiency in bulk shipment to urban centers.[71]Age of Exploration and Colonial Trade
During the early 16th century, Basque whalers and fishermen from northern Spain established a secretive cod fishery off the Grand Banks of Newfoundland, exploiting the region's abundant Gadus morhua stocks as early as the 1510s, predating widespread European knowledge of the area.[72] These operations involved salting and drying cod on shore to produce bacalao, a lightweight, durable protein source essential for long sea voyages, which sustained crews during the Age of Exploration by providing non-perishable nutrition superior to alternatives like fresh meat.[73] Portuguese vessels arrived by 1501, followed by French and English fleets, transforming the migratory fishery into an international enterprise that drew on the Grand Banks' estimated millions of tons of cod biomass, far exceeding depleted European stocks like those off Iceland.[74] This abundance incentivized further exploration, as reports of vast shoals—documented by figures like Anthony Parkhurst in 1578—encouraged settlement and mapping efforts, with cod processing sites emerging along Newfoundland's coasts by the 1540s.[72] Cod's preservability via salting and drying made it a staple for provisioning transatlantic expeditions and early colonies, enabling sustained human presence in North America where fresh food supplies were unreliable.[75] In New England, cod fisheries underpinned colonial economies from the 1620s onward, with Massachusetts Bay Colony exports reaching thousands of tons annually by the mid-17th century, funding infrastructure and trade imbalances with Europe.[76] Lower-grade salted cod was exchanged in the Atlantic triangle trade for West Indian molasses and rum, serving as a primary ration for enslaved laborers on sugar plantations, where it provided caloric density—approximately 300-400 kcal per 100g dried—critical for labor-intensive operations.[75] This trade linked North American fisheries to Mediterranean markets via Iberian ports, where demand from Catholic fasting rituals drove imports exceeding local Iberian production shortfalls post-1500.[72] By the late 17th century, cod had become a cornerstone of colonial commerce, with New England ports like Gloucester and Boston shipping over 100,000 quintals (about 4,500 metric tons) yearly to Europe and the Caribbean, generating wealth that rivaled fur or timber trades and influencing geopolitical tensions, such as Anglo-French naval skirmishes over fishing rights.[77] The fishery's scale—peaking at hundreds of European vessels annually on the Grand Banks—relied on empirical adaptations like staged drying stages to achieve 60-70% weight loss for transport, ensuring cod's role as a reliable, verifiable commodity in an era of uncertain colonial logistics.[72]Modern Industrial Era
The industrialization of cod fisheries in the 19th century expanded production through larger vessels and bank fisheries off Newfoundland, where annual catches averaged around 398,000 tonnes as part of a cumulative harvest exceeding 200 million tonnes from 1508 to 2023, primarily processed into salted and dried forms for export to southern Europe and the Caribbean.[78] This era saw the persistence of traditional curing methods alongside emerging mechanization, such as steam-powered schooners, which facilitated offshore operations and increased supply to markets like Portugal and Spain, where salted cod (bacalhau) remained a dietary staple for religious observances and daily meals.[79] Concurrently, cod liver oil production industrialized in Norway starting in 1854, with Peter Möller's factories yielding 20 tons in the first year using steam extraction, transforming livers—a former waste product—into a medicinal commodity valued for treating conditions like rickets due to its vitamin content.[80][81] In the 20th century, diesel-powered trawlers and draggers from the 1920s onward dramatically boosted Atlantic cod harvests, enabling distant-water fleets from Europe, the United States, and the Soviet Union to target stocks like those on Georges Bank and the Grand Banks, shifting consumption patterns toward fresher products via rail transport and early icing techniques.[82] Refrigeration advancements post-World War II facilitated frozen processing, culminating in the invention of fish sticks in 1953 by General Foods under the Birds Eye brand, which used cod fillets breaded and quick-frozen for convenience, rapidly gaining popularity in the United States and United Kingdom as an affordable, child-friendly protein source amid rising household freezer ownership.[83][84] This era also saw cod integrated into everyday dishes like British fish and chips, supported by abundant North Sea and Atlantic supplies until overexploitation signals emerged in the mid-20th century, though per capita seafood intake in Atlantic Europe, including cod, rose with population growth and technological access to preserved forms.[85] By the late 20th century, industrial overcapacity contributed to stock collapses, such as the 1992 moratorium on Newfoundland cod fishing after decades of intensified trawling that depleted populations from billions in the 1850s to critically low levels, prompting a pivot in consumption toward farmed or alternative whitefish and reduced reliance on wild cod in many markets.[86] Despite this, processed cod products like fish sticks persisted in global trade, with salted variants sustaining cultural roles in Iberian and Latin American cuisines, reflecting a transition from abundance-driven mass consumption to regulated, sustainability-constrained use.[87]Production Methods
Wild Fisheries and Harvesting Techniques
Wild cod fisheries target primarily Gadus morhua (Atlantic cod) in the North Atlantic Ocean and Gadus macrocephalus (Pacific cod) in the North Pacific Ocean, with major stocks in regions such as the Barents Sea, Iceland, Newfoundland, Georges Bank, and the Bering Sea off Alaska.[88] These fisheries rely on demersal species inhabiting continental shelves at depths typically between 50 and 400 meters. Global wild cod landings reached approximately 1.3 million metric tons in 2023 but declined to 1.1 million metric tons in 2024, reflecting quota adjustments amid stock assessments.[89] In the U.S., Pacific cod harvest alone totaled 375 million pounds (about 170,000 metric tons) in 2023, valued at $152 million ex-vessel.[6] The predominant harvesting technique is bottom trawling, where vessels tow large cone-shaped nets with weighted doors and otter boards to keep the mouth open, herding cod into a codend mesh bag along the seabed. This method captures schooling fish efficiently in open waters but often results in higher bycatch and physical stress to landed cod compared to alternatives.[88] Trawl nets vary in mesh size to meet selectivity regulations, with smaller codends retaining legal-sized fish while allowing juveniles to escape. In Atlantic fisheries, trawling has historically dominated due to scalability for industrial fleets, though modifications like rockhopper gear reduce seabed contact in rugged terrains.[90] Longlining represents a key selective method, deploying a weighted mainline up to several kilometers long with baited hooks on branch lines spaced at intervals, anchored or buoyed to target bottom-dwelling cod. This gear minimizes unintended capture of non-target species and preserves flesh quality by enabling rapid post-capture handling, as evidenced by studies showing superior rigor and reduced gaping in longline-caught Atlantic cod versus trawl-caught specimens.[90] In Pacific cod fisheries, longlines are deployed from midwater or pot vessels, often in combination with quota systems to control effort.[6] Supplementary techniques include gillnetting, where vertical nets with monofilament mesh entangle cod by their gills, and trapping via baited pots or handlines for smaller-scale operations. Gillnets are common in inshore Atlantic areas, offering lower fuel use but risking ghost fishing from lost gear.[91] These methods collectively support directed fisheries under total allowable catch (TAC) regimes, with vessels ranging from small inshore boats to large factory trawlers processing catches at sea for efficiency.[92]Aquaculture and Farming Innovations
Aquaculture efforts for Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) emerged in the late 1980s, primarily in Norway, Iceland, Scotland, and Canada, driven by declining wild stocks and demand for consistent supply. Initial commercial production peaked at around 20,000 tonnes annually by the mid-2000s, but collapsed to under 5,000 tonnes by 2010 due to biological challenges including high larval mortality, skeletal deformities, cannibalism, and early sexual maturation, which reduced fillet yield and increased operational costs.[1][93] Recent progress has spurred a modest resurgence, with Norway— the leading producer—exporting about 10,000 tonnes of fresh farmed cod in 2023, projected to increase in 2024 amid wild harvest restrictions and rising whitefish demand.[94][95] Key innovations address maturation and growth bottlenecks. Selective breeding programs, initiated in Norway around 2010, prioritize strains with delayed puberty, achieving maturation rates as low as 5-10% in select cohorts compared to 50% or higher in wild-derived stock, thereby enhancing biomass accumulation and product quality.[96] Triploid induction—using pressure or temperature shocks on eggs to produce sterile fish—has shown promise in trials, with triploid cod exhibiting 20-30% faster growth and negligible maturation, though adoption remains experimental due to variable survival rates of 70-85% in hatcheries.[97] Improved larval nutrition, incorporating enriched Artemia and formulated microdiets, has reduced deformities from over 20% to under 10% in optimized systems, while vaccines against vibriosis and other bacterial pathogens have lowered post-smolt mortality from 40% to below 15% in commercial pens.[1] Technological advancements in containment and feeding enhance efficiency. Offshore cage designs with deeper nets (up to 50 meters) and advanced mooring mitigate escape risks and environmental impacts, while automated surface and submerged feeders optimize feed conversion ratios to 1.2-1.5:1, reducing waste and costs in high-energy-density environments.[98] Recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) trials in land-based facilities, such as those in Iceland, recycle 95-99% of water and enable year-round production, though high capital costs limit scaling beyond pilot levels of 500-1,000 tonnes.[99] Investments like the December 2024 partnership between Ocean 14 Capital and Norwegian firm KIME Akva aim to expand hatchery capacity and integrate digital monitoring for real-time health assessment.[100] Sustainability-focused developments include certification frameworks. The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) launched standards for farmed cod in Q4 2025 under its revised salmon and cod protocol, emphasizing low escapement, minimal antibiotic use, and biodiversity monitoring to verify environmental compliance.[101] Despite these innovations, cod aquaculture remains niche—comprising less than 1% of global cod supply—owing to persistent challenges like disease transmission risks to wild populations and economic viability thresholds requiring prices 20-30% above wild cod for profitability.[102] Ongoing research into genomic selection and climate-resilient feeds seeks to overcome these, potentially enabling broader commercialization by 2030.[1]Economic Role
Global Production and Trade Statistics
Global cod production is predominantly derived from wild capture fisheries, with negligible contributions from aquaculture as of 2023, where farmed output remained limited to around 12,000 metric tons primarily from Norway.[103] Total global cod landings in 2023 were estimated at approximately 1.12 million metric tons, comprising Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) at 791,000 metric tons and Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus) at 329,000 metric tons.[104] Atlantic cod accounted for roughly 70% of total cod production historically, though this share reflects capture data up to 2019; recent trends show slight declines due to quota reductions in key stocks like the Barents Sea.[105] Major producing countries for Atlantic cod include Russia, Norway, and Iceland, with Russia poised to lead output in 2023 amid Norway's production falling to around 1 million tons total for the species.[106] In European capture fisheries, Norway held 49% of Atlantic cod production value in 2023, followed by Iceland at 39%.[107] Pacific cod production is concentrated in the North Pacific, led by the United States (Alaska fisheries harvesting about 170,000 metric tons commercially in 2023) and Russia, with U.S. landings valued at $152 million.[6]| Cod Type | Estimated 2023 Production (metric tons) | Key Producers |
|---|---|---|
| Atlantic | 791,000 | Russia, Norway, Iceland |
| Pacific | 329,000 | United States, Russia |
