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If you’re a regular consumer of fish, this is a question you’ve probably asked yourself before. Cod is an incredibly versatile fish that tastes great when prepared well.
However, if you’ve never eaten it before and wonder how tasty cod really is, how can you know what to expect? This post provides the answer! But exactly what does cod taste like?
Cod has a light, flaky texture and a mild, milky flavor. It doesn’t taste so fishy, but tastes almost like chicken. Some people claim that Atlantic cod is sweeter and milder than Pacific cod, which is more savory and firmer. Cod is so versatile, making it an excellent choice.
Let’s quickly learn more about cod fish and what it tastes like!
What Is Cod?
Cod is a mild-tasting fish that doesn’t have a lot of flavor, but it has many health benefits. It’s full of vitamin B12, which helps your body make red blood cells and DNA, and it helps you metabolize fat and protein more efficiently.
Cod also has a lot of potassium, which helps with muscle contractions and nerve signal transmissions. Codfish are usually light grey or brown on their backs and white on their bellies.
The biggest codfish can get up to 6 feet long — that’s about the size of 3 full-grown Great Danes! Most cod caught for food don’t get that big, though — usually, they’re between 12–24 inches long (about 2–3 Great Danes).
When raw, cod meat is soft, smooth, and opaque with white flesh. When cooked, cod meat turns from translucent to opaque white. Lastly, cod are great because they’re not endangered, so you don’t need to feel guilty about eating them!
See Also: Codfish Vs Halibut
How Do I Clean My Cod Properly?
The first step to cleaning your cod is to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Next, begin rinsing the fish under running water and using your fingers to rub off any dirt or film that may be present on the skin.
To remove the fish’s innards, turn the cod over so that it is belly-up on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut along the belly from head to tail, then peel back the skin and guts and discard them in a trash bag.
You can now cut up your fish into fillets!
Are Cod Fish High In Mercury?
No, codfish are not high in mercury! Codfish are relatively low on the environmental mercury scale — the average mercury content is 0.014 ppm (parts per million), which is well below the federal threshold of 1.0 ppm.
So if you’re looking to find a fish that’s delicious and safe to eat, cod might be a good option!
How Long Can You Keep Cooked Cod Fish In The Fridge?
Cooked codfish can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for 2-3 months. As with any food that has been cooked and then refrigerated or frozen, it is still essential to check for signs of spoilage before eating the cod.
How Do I Cook Cod?
There are many ways to cook cod, from baking to frying or grilling. My favorite method is steaming! Place the fillet on a steamer basket over boiling water for about 10 minutes until cooked through.
Once cooked, remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving with lemon juice and parsley (optional).
See Also: How To Cook Halibut Without Drying It Out
Why Should I Eat Cod?
Because cod is a nutritional powerhouse, it’s high in vitamin A and B-12 and protein and selenium. Cod is low in fat and has only 78 calories per 3-ounce serving.
It also has the highest amount of omega-3 fatty acids of any white fish — it’s been shown to reduce inflammation and help prevent cardiovascular disease. It’s even helpful for promoting eye health.
Conclusion: What Does Cod Taste Like?
As it turns out, codfish doesn’t taste much different from other fish. If you want it to taste better, you’ll need to pair it with a more flavorful component.
Cod and spinach, for example, will tend to clash in flavor. Instead, try pairing cod with more decadent flavors that can stand up to the fish.
Most expert suggest you avoid eating cod fried, baked, or steamed because the fish has a considerable amount of oil that can harm your body.
