Cod is the staple fish of the North Atlantic. It has a long history as the fish that fed entire
medieval populations, allowed the Vikings and other Europeans to become world explorers, and
continues to be a source of nutritious, healthy food to a wide variety of people.
Cod are cold-water fish, in the family Gadidae. They generally remain near the ocean
floor, ranging between inshore and deep water. Cod are green, grey, or brown in color with a
white under belly, with dark spots covering the top portion of their bodies. They also are easily
identified by their chin barbel, a thin, whisker-like organ that allows the cod to taste potential
food in murky waters. They can grow as large as 200 pounds and 6 feet long! They are a
migratory fish, feeding on other fish and invertebrates.
Climate change and lack of management can play a part on the sustainability of a species,
and these factors have certainly affected cod fishing in the past. Specifically, some years ago,
Norway and Iceland experienced a near-total loss of their cod fisheries. After a massive overhaul
of regulations, their cod has made a huge comeback! Tighter industry control has allowed the
population to rebound. There is also discussion that climate change has helped this shift, as
warmer waters in the Gulf of Maine may have driven some cod to cooler Icelandic waters.
Unfortunately, in the past the Gulf of Maine cod population was overfished as well. Strict
management has helped our cod numbers increase. Harbor Fish is careful to monitor our sources,
and we’re proud to purchase Gulf of Maine cod as long as it’s caught within the strict guidelines
set forth.
Cod fish are valued for their meat and liver oil. Cod liver oil is extracted from the liver of
Atlantic cod. It has been used for centuries to treat several different ailments. It contains high
amounts of vitamin A, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids. It is known for reducing
inflammation, improving bone health, reducing joint pain, reducing heart disease (by lowering
blood pressure), improving the symptoms of both anxiety and depression and helping to heal
stomach ulcers.
Cod fish meat also contains great health benefits. It is an excellent source of
B12, selenium, phosphorus and protein. Per 3-ounce portion, cod fish contains 16 grams of
protein!
Cod is very mild and slightly sweet. It is versatile to prepare and can be paired with just
about any flavor. It can be baked, broiled, fried, sautéed, and steamed. It’s also commonly salt-
dried and sold as the famous Baccala.
Our preferred cut of fresh cod is the loin. We consider cod loins to be the filet mignon of
cod fish. Cod Loins are cut from the middle section of the fillet, making it the thickest cut. They
are pearly white in color, moist, and become perfectly flakey when cooked.
This week we will show you how to prepare cod loin effortlessly on the grill! Stay tuned!