Cod

Name: Cod (Gadus morhua, Atlantic cod, and Pacific cod, Gadus macrocephalus) — a large, cold-water, lean fish with thick, white, flaky flesh and a mild, slightly sweet flavour, a staple of fish and chips.

Description

Atlantic cod built the economy of north-eastern North America and northern Europe: Basque and Viking fishermen traded it for centuries, and salted and dried cod (bacalhau in Portuguese, bacalao in Spanish, stockfish in Norway) was a key food for sailors and Catholic fast days. Cod stocks collapsed off Newfoundland in 1992, after decades of overfishing, and have recovered slowly, and Iceland and Britain fought the “Cod Wars” over fishing rights.

Fresh cod has large, moist flakes, and is a popular fish for baking, poaching and frying. Salt cod needs soaking for a day or two before cooking. Cod liver oil, rich in vitamins A and D, was long used as a children's supplement.

Main nutrition value

Cod is a lean, white fish, low in fat and calories, and a good source of high-quality protein, selenium, vitamin B12, phosphorus and iodine. It is very low in fat, with iodine and low mercury, but also lower in omega-3 than oily fish.

How best to be consumed

Cod is mild, and works in many cooking methods.

1. Bake, steam or poach fillets for 8 to 12 minutes, with lemon, herbs and olive oil.
2. Coat in batter or breadcrumbs and fry for fish and chips, or oven-bake for a lighter version.
3. Use salt cod, soaked for 24 to 48 hours, in bacalhau dishes, brandade and fritters.
4. Add to chowders, curries, fish pie and stews, since it holds its shape.
5. Choose MSC-certified cod, and check the stock source.

Overconsumption could cause…

Cod is healthy in food amounts.

1. Fish allergy, which can be severe and is usually lifelong, so anyone allergic must avoid fish and check labels, including fish in sauces and dressings.
2. A lot of fat, salt and calories if battered and deep-fried, or served with rich sauces.
3. High salt (sodium), which can raise blood pressure over time, especially in cured, smoked, canned or heavily seasoned seafood. Salt cod is especially salty.
4. Overfishing and environmental concerns for some stocks, so look for MSC or ASC certification, or check a sustainable seafood guide.

GroupsWhite FishFinfishHigh proteinLow fatRich in seleniumRich in vitamin B12Fresh

Related foodsFlounderPlaiceSoleHaddockPollockMonkfish

Wikipedia — Atlantic cod, used for origin, naming and history: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlantic_cod