Cod: health benefits and harms

Cod or Labardan belongs to the cod family, has excellent taste characteristics and is considered one of the most useful fish. Dishes prepared on the basis of cod meat can not only diversify the daily diet, but also improve the physical health of households. Why is this fish so useful, and in what cases can it be called simply a necessary product?

What does cod look like and where?

Labardan is found in the Atlantic, Arctic and Pacific Oceans. Biologists distinguish several subspecies of this fish, the names of which are consonant with their habitats. So, for example, Atlantic cod lives in the temperate part of the Atlantic, and Baltic cod lives in the Baltic Sea. The remaining varieties of this fish are found in the waters of the Barents, Japanese, Okhotsk, Bering Sea.

This fish has a unique feature - it grows throughout its life. By 3 years, most varieties of cod grow to 50 cm in length, but this is far from the limit. Cod, which lives in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, can grow up to 2 m. Moreover, the weight of such a large fish will exceed 90 kg.

Cod is elongated, has a powerful head. The main distinguishing feature is the asymmetric jaw and the presence of a fleshy tendril on its lower part. There are 5 fins on the body, 3 on the back, 2 in the anus.

The body of the cod is covered with small dentate scales. The color is varied. There are individuals whose back is colored:

• in a pale yellow shade with green tints;
• olive color;
• brown interspersed with brown.

In this case, the lateral parts of the body of the fish have a lighter shade, and the abdominal part, as a rule, is painted yellow or white.

Views

Specialists distinguish several types of cod:

1. Atlantic cod. Representatives of this species, as a rule, have a brown or olive color of the dorsal part of the body, with light shades of green. The abdominal part of the fish can only be painted white. The life expectancy of Atlantic cod is 25 years. Large representatives of this species grow up to 2 m in length. At the same time, their weight can reach 96 kg.
2. Pacific cod. She has the same color as the Atlantic. These two species differ only in the shape of the head - in Pacific cod it is larger. The life expectancy of representatives of this species is no more than 18 years. During this time, the fish can grow up to 1.2 m in length and weigh 23 kg.
3. Greenland cod. Its appearance is similar to the Pacific. The main difference between these species is their small size. Representatives of this species are able to grow only up to 77 cm. In this case, the weight of the fish will be no more than 7 kg. Life expectancy is 10 years.
4. Pollock. The main difference between pollock from other varieties of cod is its narrow body. Representatives of this species weigh no more than 4 kg and grow up to 91 cm in length.The life expectancy of pollock is no more than 8 years.

What is the difference between cod and haddock

Many representatives of the cod family are large and have a similar appearance. So, for example, cod and haddock, if you do not know some features, may seem exactly the same. Distinguishing them from each other is extremely difficult. To understand what kind of fish is on your cutting board, pay attention to:

1. Side line. In cod, it is light in color, while in haddock it is dark.
2. Pectoral fin. In haddock, it is covered with small spots, which cannot be said for the cod fin.
3. Dorsal. Haddock, unlike cod, is large and long.
4. Tail. In haddock, it differs in shape, more concave in the center, which is very easy to notice when inspecting the fish.
5. The color of the scales. Haddock cannot be yellowed. The body of this fish is covered with gray scales with a silver tint, which is one of the most noticeable differences from cod.

Taste characteristics of these two fish are almost identical. To distinguish cod from haddock, experienced chefs advise you to pay attention to the texture of the meat. Haddock is harder and drier, while cod is very soft and juicy.

What is healthier and tastier: hake or cod

Both hake and cod are very popular fish species. It is for this reason that many people have a question - which of them is most useful. If you pay attention to the composition of the meat of these fish, you can see that both hake and cod contain a large amount of easily digestible protein. In addition, the composition contains vitamins of group B, vitamin A, E, PP, C, polyunsaturated fatty acids, as well as many micro and macro elements, including:

• phosphorus;
• iodine;
• potassium;
• calcium.

The rich composition of these fish suggests that each of them is a unique food product. Their inclusion in the daily diet will help saturate the body with a large amount of nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Given this fact, talking about which of these two fish is healthier is extremely difficult. Hake meat, like cod meat, has a rich composition, and the substances that enter it are simply necessary for the normal functioning of the human body.

If we consider the taste of hake and cod, giving an unambiguous answer to the question - which fish is tastier - is no less difficult than answering - which is more useful. Chefs claim that each has its own taste characteristics and, with the right approach to their preparation, the taste will be excellent for both the first and second. So every person will have to make this difficult choice, relying on their own taste preferences.

Composition and calorie content

Cod is a fish that must be present in the diet of every person. The composition includes a large amount of nutrients, which makes it an indispensable food product. 100 g of cod meat contains 82.1 g of water, only 0.6 g of fat, 16 g of protein and 40 mg of cholesterol. Fish refers to low-calorie foods. 100 g of cod contains only 69 calories, which is 3% of the daily intake.

If you consider the composition of cod meat, you can notice a small amount of fatty acids in it. 100 g of meat contains:

• 0.01 g of myristic acid;
• 0.08 g of palmitic;
• 0.01 g stearic;
• 0.01 g palmitoleic;
• 0.05 g of oleic;
• 0.01 g gadoleic;
• 0.01 g of eruca;
• 0.01 g of arachidonic.

In addition, the composition contains omega-3, omega-6 and essential amino acids that the human body can only get through food.

Cod is considered one of the most useful fish due to the presence of many vitamins in its composition. 100 g of meat contains:

• 10 μg retinol;
• 0.9 mg alpha tocopherol;
• 1 mg ascorbic acid;
• 0.09 mg of thiamine;
• 0.07 mg riboflavin;
• 0.17 mg pyridoxine;
• 11.3 μg folate;
• 1.6 mcg cobalamin;
• 10 mcg biotin;
• 2.3 mg of niacin;
• 5.8 mg of vitamin PP.

The mineral composition is no less rich. Eating this fish, a person receives:

• potassium;
• calcium;
• magnesium;
• sodium;
• sulfur;
• phosphorus;
• chlorine;
• iron;
• iodine;
• manganese;
• copper;
• molybdenum;
• nickel;
• chromium;
• zinc.

It is worth noting that the cod contains no sugar. This fact makes her meat an ideal product for people suffering from diseases in which the consumption of sugar-containing foods is recommended to limit.

What is useful cod

The presence of vitamins, a large number of minerals, proteins, amino acids and fatty acids in the composition of cod makes this product very useful. Regular consumption of this fish will help normalize the functioning of the entire human body and prevent the development of a number of dangerous diseases.

For women

Cod refers to those foods that should be present in every woman’s daily diet. Zinc, selenium, sulfur and other substances that make up its composition will help preserve female beauty. With regular use of cod, an improvement in the condition of hair, nails and acceleration of their growth is noted. In addition, women who consume the meat of this fish notice its beneficial effect on the skin, namely the equalization of skin color and a significant reduction in the number of rashes.

An important argument in favor of the systematic use of cod meat is the presence of potassium and magnesium in it. These substances have a beneficial effect on the central nervous system and help to cope with stress, which is very important for every modern woman.

For men

According to doctors, diseases of the cardiovascular system more often develop in the male body. And this is the first cod to help with. With regular use of this fish, the likelihood of developing heart and vascular diseases is significantly reduced. But this is far from all. Omega-3, present in cod meat, prevents the development of prostate cancer, and the rest of the substances help:

• increase sexual activity;
• improve metabolism and central nervous system function;
• prevent deterioration in the quality of vision;
• strengthen bones;
• boost immunity.

During pregnancy

Cod should also be present in the diet of a pregnant woman. At the same time, doctors are allowed to eat this fish even if the woman is overweight, which is easily explained by its low calorie content and easily digestible. It is worth noting the fact that cod meat can beneficially affect the body of a pregnant woman:

1. Saturate it with iodine. Iodine is a substance whose deficiency leads to the development of a number of serious diseases, including deviations in intellectual development. If a pregnant woman receives it in the right quantities, the risk of developing such diseases in the future baby is minimized.
2. Improve the digestive system. Niacin, which is present in cod, can prevent the development of certain diseases of the digestive tract and normalize their work.
3. Strengthen nails and hair. Vitamins, macro-, microelements and antioxidants that make up cod will help a pregnant woman maintain her health and attractive appearance of nails and hair.
4. Improve the immune system. Ascorbic acid will strengthen the immunity of the pregnant woman, preventing the development of acute respiratory and other diseases.
5. Normalize the central nervous system. The substances that make up cod are able to support the nervous system and normalize its work, which is especially important for a woman who has a baby.

When breastfeeding

Cod is included in the list of foods that are allowed to be consumed during a strict, “nursing” diet. It improves the quality of breast milk and saturates it with a large number of useful substances, which have a beneficial effect not only on the young mother, but also on the newborn. Regular consumption of cod meat will help:

• improve blood circulation, condition and appearance of the skin;
• normalize the work of the digestive tract and blood coagulation;
• strengthen nails and hair;
• prevent the development of cancer.

Children whose mothers included cod on the menu during lactation are distinguished by strong immunity. They are much less likely to be diagnosed with diseases such as rickets, disorders of the digestive system, vitamin deficiency, and cancer.

For children

Pediatricians recommend introducing cod into the children's diet. It is easily absorbed, contains a lot of vitamins, minerals and other useful substances that will help not only strengthen the children's body, but also:

• increase resistance to viruses;
• prevent deterioration of visual acuity, the development of allergic dermatitis;
• strengthen bone tissue;
• normalize metabolic processes;
• increase the activity of the child;
• prevent the development of rickets, disorders of the cardiovascular system.

Cod practically does not cause allergic reactions and is easily digested. Despite this, before introducing this product into the children's diet, you should consult with your local pediatrician.

When losing weight

Cod is a fish that will be an ideal food for people seeking to get rid of extra pounds. The low calorie content of its meat, the minimum fat content and the complete absence of carbohydrates allows cod to be introduced into the diet. It will help normalize metabolism, saturate the body with the substances it needs and accelerate the process of weight loss.

The benefits and harms of cod liver

Many people mistakenly believe that a large amount of nutrients is found only in cod meat, and are convinced that eating this fish’s liver is extremely undesirable. This opinion is fundamentally wrong. Cod liver is considered a delicacy. This product has many useful properties and has an equally rich composition.

The composition of the cod liver includes such beneficial substances:

1. Vitamin A. This vitamin will help prevent a decrease in visual acuity, damage to tooth enamel, deterioration of the skin and hair, and improve the functioning of the brain and kidneys.
2. Essential amino acids. These substances are necessary for the normal functioning of the whole organism and come into it only from food.
3. Vitamin C. Vitamin C is necessary for the normal functioning of the immune system and increase the body's resistance to attacking bacteria and viruses, which is especially true in the winter.
4. Iron. Due to its iron content, cod liver is recommended to be included in the diet of people suffering from anemia.
5. Copper. It has anti-inflammatory properties and helps the body suppress sluggish inflammatory processes.
6. Calcium, Vitamin D. These substances will not only help strengthen bone tissue, but also play an important role in the treatment of diseases such as osteoporosis.
7. Heparin. Due to the content of this substance, cod liver is recommended for the prevention of thrombosis and normalization of blood coagulation.

Doctors advise including cod liver in the daily diet of people suffering from cardiovascular diseases, disorders of the musculoskeletal system, overweight, as well as pathologies such as arteriosclerosis and diabetes.

The beneficial properties of cod liver can hardly be underestimated. The substances that make up its composition have a unique, beneficial effect on the human body, improving the functioning of all internal organs and systems. However, this does not always happen. In some cases, this product may be harmful.

Cod liver is forbidden to use as an independent product. Otherwise, this delicacy can cause the development of disorders in the liver and stomach.

Doctors strongly recommend abandoning the use of cod liver to people who have an allergic reaction to fish or fish oil. In addition, it is strictly forbidden to introduce the product into the daily menu of people whose body contains excessive amounts of calcium and vitamin D, as well as when diagnosing serious diseases of the kidneys and gall bladder.

Doctors say that cod liver can harm an absolutely healthy person.This can happen if you consume this product in excessive quantities. In the case of cod liver, one should be guided by the rule - everything is good, that in moderation, and then from its use one can expect only benefit and, of course, getting gastronomic pleasure.

Is cod roe useful

Cod roe, like the meat of this fish, is a real storehouse of vitamins, minerals and other beneficial substances. Despite the availability, this product has excellent taste characteristics, which allows you to use it for the preparation of salads, a variety of sauces, snacks and sandwiches.

Cod roe contains a large amount of vitamin C, PP, A, D and group B. In its composition, you can see many macro- and microelements, including iron, calcium, iodine, potassium, phosphorus, zinc. This product is also saturated with fatty acids (omega-3), antioxidants, proteins and contains a very low amount of carbohydrates.

The rich composition of this product makes it very useful. With regular use, cod caviar will help:

• improve the functioning of the immune system and thyroid gland;
• recover after suffering a serious illness;
• improve the condition of the skin;
• maintain healthy teeth;
• normalize metabolism;
• prevent the development of heart disease;
• strengthen blood vessels;
• reduce the level of bad cholesterol.

One of the main features of this product can be called the preservation of its beneficial properties after preservation. Therefore, even if you bought canned cod caviar - do not worry. It will be no less useful than the one that was purchased fresh and cooked independently.

How to pickle

Modern manufacturers offer a huge selection of products. Today, on the shelves of shops you can find cod caviar, cooked in a variety of ways. But how can it compare with the one that was cooked at home? Of course not!

For salting you will need:

• 500 g of fresh cod roe;
• 20 g of salt;
• 15 ml of sunflower refined oil;
• 0.5 teaspoon of vinegar.

Cooking takes a little time and is divided into several stages:

1. Remove the eggs from the cod, carefully tearing her belly open, and separate the eggs from the shell, doing this with extreme caution. At the extraction stage, it is important to maintain the integrity of the bags.
2. Transfer the eggs to a deep plate and fill with so much boiled water that will cover all the eggs.
3. Mix gently with a fork and remove any transparencies that have surfaced.
4. Take a fine sieve, transfer caviar there and wash it at least 3 times with purified, cold water. Rinsing can only be stopped after the draining water becomes clear.
5. Put caviar in a plate, cover with salt and leave for 15-20 minutes.
6. During this time, a white film should appear on the surface of the caviar. When this happens, add the rest of the ingredients to it.
7. Put the eggs in a jar, cover with a tight lid and leave in the refrigerator for 24 hours. After a day, you can enjoy cod caviar of your own preparation.

Salted cod roe should be stored in the refrigerator for no more than 7 days.

Is it possible to eat cod for various diseases

As you know, for the treatment of many diseases, doctors recommend, in combination with medications, to follow therapeutic diets, implying the exclusion of certain foods from the daily diet. In what cases can cod be included in the diet, and when is it better to refuse it?

With diabetes

Today, diabetes is increasingly common. Unfortunately, modern medicine cannot offer patients a medicine that could completely heal, but this is not a reason to refuse medical therapy. There are drugs to help control your blood sugar. However, they are not able to neutralize all glucose that enters the body with food.For this reason, doctors recommend patients suffering from diabetes to follow a diet.

Cod is a fish that therapists strongly recommend to include in the daily diet of people suffering from any type of diabetes. There is absolutely no sugar in it, but there are substances that will help prevent the development of cardiovascular diseases, remove harmful cholesterol from the body, improve the functioning of the immune system, prevent a decrease in visual acuity and normalize the central nervous system.

With pancreatitis

Due to its low calorie content and rich composition, cod is allowed for use by people suffering from pancreatitis. At the same time, doctors allow the use of cod meat in both chronic and acute pancreatitis. In the acute form, gastroenterologists are allowed to eat cod from the 8th day from the attack of the disease. Doctors are allowed to use this fish in a boiled form, to cook cutlets or meatballs from it. In chronic pancreatitis, during remission, the use of cod for the preparation of second courses is allowed, which allows you to diversify the patient's diet.

With gastritis

Successful treatment of gastritis is possible only if the patient adheres to all the recommendations of the attending physician. In the case of this disease, we are talking not only about the systematic intake of drugs, but also about dieting. The list of allowed products is extremely small, and many familiar dishes with this disease are contraindicated.

As for cod, this fish is allowed for gastritis of any type. It is low-calorie, easy to digest and does not create an additional burden on the digestive organs. The only thing that doctors pay the attention of their patients to is the way to prepare cod. During exacerbation of gastritis, it is allowed to eat stewed, baked or boiled fish.

With gout

But for patients suffering from gout, doctors advise to completely exclude fish from the diet, including cod. The fact is that it contains a large number of purines, which can provoke a deterioration in the patient's condition and cause the development of concomitant diseases.

With hemorrhoids

When treating hemorrhoids, it is very important to follow a diet. It allows you to normalize stool and reduces the flow of blood to the hemorrhoid. Cod is included in the list of products that are not just allowed, but even recommended for this disease. It does not create a large burden on the intestines and is easily absorbed.

With cholecystitis

Doctors allow cod to be included in the daily diet of patients suffering from cholecystitis. This is possible due to its low calorie content, a small amount of fat and the presence of many vitamins. The meat of this fish will help not only to alleviate the condition of the patient, but also strengthen his entire body.

Harm and contraindications

Cod is a fish with a unique composition. Each component that is contained in its meat is necessary for the normal functioning of the human body, but there are exceptions to this rule.

Doctors advise to exclude this fish from the daily diet when detecting cholelithiasis or urolithiasis.

Doctors also pay attention to the fact that there are cases in which the inclusion of cod in the daily diet of the liver and caviar is unacceptable. Caviar should be discarded with individual intolerance, kidney disease, hypertension.

As for the cod liver - it is forbidden to use for people suffering from:

• from hypotension;
• hyperthyroidism;
• hyperkalemia
• overabundance of vitamin D.

Doctors draw the attention of parents to the fact that cod is allowed to be introduced into the daily diet of a child only after he reaches the age of three. It is recommended that you consult with your doctor and make sure that the baby has no contraindications, implying a refusal to use this fish, because ignoring them can lead to disastrous consequences.

In all other cases, cod is not able to harm the human body and is allowed to be consumed, but only in moderation.

How to choose and store

It is important to understand that only a quality product can be useful. This also applies to fish. In order to get only benefit and pleasure from its use, it is important to know what to look for when buying:

1. The presence of damage. Even minor damage to the skin and scales indicate that the purchase should be abandoned.
2. Eyes. In fresh cod they are transparent and clean.
3. Appearance of scales. It should be very small and shiny.
4. Gills. In fresh cod, they are painted in bright shades of red.
5. Filet color. The meat should be colored evenly.
6. Smell. The presence of an unpleasant odor is the reason for the refusal to purchase. It indicates that the fish is stale.
7. Plaque. Plaque coated fish is not fresh.

Well, of course, to buy real cod, you need to know how it looks. Therefore, before buying, it is better to get acquainted with the features of the color, size and appearance of this fish.

If cod was not cooked immediately after purchase, it is important to understand how to keep the fish fresh. It cannot be stored at room temperature. Immediately after purchase, you need to freeze it or place it in the refrigerator.

Cod freezing

In order for cod to retain all its taste, it should be frozen in plastic bags or cling film. An important condition for proper freezing is the complete absence of air in the bag.

In the freezer, cod can be stored for a long time. Fish will retain all its taste and healthy properties for 7–10 months. After this time, it is considered unusable.

Important! When freezing large cod, it is better to divide it into several parts. This fish should not be re-frozen.

Cod storage in the refrigerator

If you do not need to store cod for too long, then it may well spend about 72 hours in the refrigerator. In order for the fish to retain all its properties, it is better to place it in a bowl filled with ice and leave it on the top shelf.

Is it possible to freeze the cod liver

Many housewives wonder how to store cod liver. Unfortunately, its fresh shelf life is very short, and it is not recommended to freeze the liver. After defrosting, it loses its taste and texture. Therefore, cod liver can only be stored in prepared or canned form.

How to cut cod fillet

Having bought a whole cod in the store, many housewives face the same problem - the separation of meat from bones. In fact, it is not as difficult as it might seem at first glance. To succeed in this matter, you just need to know the correct sequence of cutting fish:

1. Cut the cod into medium sized pieces.
2. Take a piece of fish, run the knife along the spine so that the point is directed to the back.
3. Cut the meat along the ridge and cut the skin, bypassing the fin.
4. Turn the fillet out, take it in the left hand, and then remove the leftover meat with the right hand.

It is enough to adhere to this sequence, and cutting the cod on the fillet will no longer be a problem.

How to make delicious cod: recipes

Cod is a fish that has excellent taste characteristics. However, like any other product, it has cooking features. In order for a dish to please all households, you should know how to cook it correctly.

In the oven

Baked fish in the oven can be a real decoration of the festive table or one of the most beloved daily dishes.

To cook cod in the oven, you will need:

• 1 kg of fresh cod;
• 1 medium onion;
• 80 g mayonnaise;
• sunflower oil;
• salt and spices.

Cooking cod in the oven consists of the following steps:

1. Rinse the cod under cool, running water and cut into small pieces.
2. Put the prepared fish in a bowl, add salt, spices to it and mix.
3. Prepare the pan, pour the indicated amount of oil on it and put it on the chopped fish.
4. Leave the fish on low heat and prepare the onions. After peeling the onion, cut it into half rings.
5. Pour the chopped onion into a pan, pour the mayonnaise on top and refrigerate.
6. After 30 minutes, remove the pan from the refrigerator, put in the oven, preheated to 200 degrees, and bake for half an hour.

Serve hot baked cod with a side dish of potatoes or vegetables.

In the pan

Fried cod in a pan can diversify your family’s daily diet. To prepare this dish, take:

• 0.5 kg of cod;
• 20 g of flour;
• a mixture of sunflower and butter (for frying);
• salt and spices.

To prepare a delicious fried cod, follow these steps:

1. Clean the fish from the scales and remove all the entrails from it, then rinse under cool water and leave it on the cutting board for 7-10 minutes.
2. When the peeled cod dries, cut it into pieces, the width of which should be equal (no more than 3 cm).
3. Place chopped fish in a bowl, salt and pepper.
4. Put the pan on the fire, pour the oil mixture on it and heat it well.
5. When the frying pan is heated, put the pieces of fish on it, having previously rolled them in flour.
6. Fry the fish for 5-6 minutes on each side.

That's all - fried cod is ready to delight with its excellent taste.

In a slow cooker

A slow cooker is an assistant to every second modern housewife. Therefore, you can’t do without a good recipe for cooking cod.

To cook this delicious fish using a slow cooker, take:

• 250 g of cod (filet);
• 200 g of tomatoes;
• 10 g of natural sour cream;
• 50 g of quality cheese;
• 5 g of mustard;
• salt and spices.

Having prepared all the necessary products, proceed to cooking:

1. Cut the fillet into small pieces.
2. Salt and pepper the fish.
3. Add a little sunflower oil to the bowl and put the fillet on the bottom.
4. Pour the fish with a mixture of sour cream and mustard, put the chopped tomatoes on top and cover with grated cheese.
5. Turn on the “Baking” mode.

The fish will be ready in 20 minutes. Serve with any garnish.

In the microwave

If you don’t have a slow cooker or a good oven, and fried fish is already tired of it, try cooking the cod in the microwave.

For cooking you will need:

• 500 g of fish fillet;
• 1 onion;
• 100 ml of purified water;
• 10 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice;
• salt;
• spices.

Cooking cod in the microwave consists of several stages:

1. Put the peeled and chopped fish in a dish suitable for microwave.
2. Sprinkle the fillet with lemon juice, put onion on top, sliced ​​in thin rings, put in the microwave, after setting the maximum power on it, and leave for 8 minutes.
3. Mix sour cream with salt and spices at this time.
4. Remove the dish from the microwave, fill with dressing and put in the microwave for another 10 minutes.

Serve the fish hot with a salad of fresh vegetables.

Grilled

Anyone who once tasted grilled cod will fall in love with the taste of this amazing fish forever. If you have not had time to try this dish, now is the time to fix this mistake.

To prepare cod on the grill you will need:

• 2 steaks;
• 20 ml of olive oil;
• lemon juice;
• salt and spices.

Cooking fish according to this recipe is very simple:

1. Marinate steaks for 7-10 minutes, using oil, spices and salt as a marinade.
2. After the specified time, place the fish on the grill.
3. Fry for 2 minutes on each side, remembering to sprinkle it with juice.

Serve steaks with grilled vegetables and sour cream sauce.

On the grill

Cod on the grill - a dish no less tasty. To prepare it you need:

• several cod steaks;
• favorite spices;
• 20 ml of soy sauce;
• 20 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice;
• some olive oil;
• 1 bell pepper;
• 1 onion;
• greenery;
• salt.

Cooking method:

1. Sprinkle cod steaks with salt, spices and sprinkle with a little lemon juice.
2. Put on a small piece of foil, having previously folded it 2 times.
3. Cut vegetables, greens and put to the fish.
4. Pour steaks with soy sauce, then wrap them in foil and put on a heated grill.
5. Bake fish on the grill for 30 minutes (15 minutes on each side).

Cod on the grill is ready. It can be served as an independent dish or with a side dish.

What can be cooked from cod: recipes

Chefs use cod to cook many dishes. So, for example, the most popular are:

• fresh cod cutlets;
• fish soup;
• liver salad;
• sandwiches with fish;
• fish paste.

If you have not tried these dishes, do not waste time and start cooking right now!

Cod liver salad

Cod liver is considered a delicacy and has excellent taste characteristics. Its delicate texture and light, pleasant taste allow you to use it for the preparation of many delicious dishes. Today we offer you to cook one of them.

To prepare a salad from cod liver, you will need:

• small onion;
• 2 chicken eggs;
• several branches of parsley;
• homemade mayonnaise;
• 1 can of cod liver;
• 1 fresh cucumber;
• 2 stalks of celery;
• salt and spices.

Cooking:

1. Put the cod liver on a paper towel and prepare other ingredients. During this time, excess oil drains from the liver.
2. Cut the cucumber, celery, boiled egg, onion, herbs and put in a deep salad bowl.
3. Cut the cod liver, add it to the rest of the ingredients and mix thoroughly.
4. Add salt, spices to the salad, fill with mayonnaise, mix gently and enjoy its unique taste.

Cutlets

Cod cutlets are one of the most delicious dishes and will be a real salvation if you urgently need to add a little variety to the daily menu.

To prepare the cutlets, take:

• 1 kg cod fillet;
• 1 clove of garlic;
• a little dill;
• 50 ml of milk with a low percentage of fat content;
• 2 slices of white bread;
• 1 egg
• 1 onion;
• salt;
• spice;
• cooking oil.

Cooking:

1. Soak the bread in the indicated amount of milk. When it gets wet, skip it, fish, garlic, onions, dill through a meat grinder and add the egg, salt, spices to the minced meat.
2. Mix thoroughly and beat the minced meat. This will help achieve the desired consistency.
3. When the stuffing is ready, form cutlets from it and fry in a hot pan for 5 minutes on each side.

Serve cutlets with any side dish.

Soup

Fish soup is a very popular first course, and if it is made from cod, it is also unbelievably delicious.

To make soup, take:

• 300 g of cod;
• 1 medium carrot;
• 1 medium onion;
• 2 rings of chili;
• 0.5 kg of potatoes;
• 40 g butter;
• 40 ml of sunflower oil;
• greenery;
• salt and spices.

Cooking:

1. Pour 3 liters of peeled water into a suitable pan, place the peeled, chopped potatoes in it and put it on a medium heat.
2. While potatoes are being cooked, chop onions, carrots, pour them into a pan and lightly fry.
3. 10 minutes after boiling the potatoes, put the fish in a pan.
4. After waiting another 10 minutes, add vegetables, butter, salt, spices and cook until cooked.

Serve soup sprinkled with herbs.

Sandwiches

Sandwiches can act as snacks and decorate the festive table or become a great, hearty breakfast and delight your family every morning.To make tasty and healthy cod sandwiches, you only need a few ingredients:

• 200 g of cod liver;
• 2 chicken eggs;
• 1 small onion;
• some mayonnaise;
• 100 g of processed cheese;
• some green onions;
• baguette.

Cooking:

1. Boil the eggs, cool them and grate on a fine grater.
2. Add the processed cheese to the eggs, chopped with a grater, and mix thoroughly.
3. Add finely chopped onion, mayonnaise to the mixture and mix again. After that, enter the last ingredient - cod liver. Mash it well enough with a fork.
4. When the sandwich mixture is ready, spread it on the baguette, after cutting it into thin slices.
5. Garnish the appetizer with green onions or other herbs and serve.

Pate

Cod paste is considered a delicacy. And this is not surprising! For this dish, a delicate, very pleasant taste is characteristic, which even the most capricious gourmets will appreciate.

To make cod paste, you need to:

• 300 g smoked cod;
• 60 g butter;
• 0.5 apples;
• 5 g of horseradish;
• 4 branches of dill;
• salt and spices to taste.

Cooking:

1. Cut the fish into small pieces, having previously separated it from the bone, and grate the apple on a coarse grater.
2. Pour the fish, grated apple, dill and horseradish into a blender bowl and chop.
3. After that, add oil, salt, spices to the mixture, grind again, put the paste on the tartlets and serve.

Is it possible for animals to cod

Is it worth introducing cod into the diet of cats and dogs? The question is quite complicated. Some veterinarians and breeders argue that fish in the diet of our smaller brothers is simply necessary, while others are confident that this product is not needed by human favorites. In any case, the owner must decide whether to introduce this product into the daily menu of his pet. However, making a positive decision, it should be understood that this product should not be present in the menu of a four-legged friend more than 2 times a week. Only in this case, cod can be useful. Giving the pet this fish more often, the owner risks provoking the development of such dangerous pathologies as:

• urolithiasis disease;
• oxidative stress;
• calcium deficiency;
• obesity;
• metabolic disease;
• hyperthyroidism;
• helminthic invasion.

It is worth noting the fact that cats and dogs, like humans, are prone to the development of allergic reactions to certain products. That is why, giving the pet cod for the first time, you should carefully monitor its condition. If the animal shows any signs of allergy, the fish should be excluded from the pet’s diet once and for all.

Interesting Facts

Cod is one of the most healthy fish. Many people know and speak about its properties, but only in isolated cases can you hear that:

1. About 440,000 tons of cod per year are produced in the Russian Federation.
2. This fish belongs to predators. She is even called the "fish cannibal." Such a nickname was received by cod because it is not averse to feasting on its own fry, capelin, small clams and even herring.
3. Cod can grow up to 2 m in length.
4. This fish contains virtually no fat. All cod fat accumulates in her liver.
5. When the migration period begins, the fish swims for about 1,500 km.
6. Jews call cod "sea donkey."
7. This fish was part of the diet of the ancient Romans.
8. Cod flaunts on the coat of arms of Murmansk.
9. The substances that make up this fish help prevent the development of cancer.

Of course, the main interesting fact is the ability of this fish to have an amazing, positive effect on the human body. And to argue with this is simply impossible!

Cod is a unique fish. Its composition includes a huge amount of substances that are vital for every person.Eating this fish will help improve health, prevent the development of many dangerous diseases and normalize the functioning of the whole organism. However, do not forget that this is possible only if there are no contraindications. Introduce cod into your diet correctly, enjoy its great taste and feel like a healthy person!

Photo of cod