Cod has both flexible and resilient scales. You may mistake the fish as scaleless at first glance because of their smooth skin. But they have overlapping cycloid scales that are very smooth and transparent.
Cod scales cover and protect the fish’s skin. It helps in buoyancy and helps the fish stay afloat. The cycloid scales also contribute to the streamlined structure of the fish and enable efficient movement. The scales serve as a defense against parasites and predators as well.
It is quite easy to remove cod scales with a sharp knife or scalar. You need to make a shallow cut near the tail and scrape the knife from the tail towards the head.
Features of Scales of Cod
Codfish have cycloid scales, like tuna, salmon, and many other common fish. These scales develop a firm barrier around their delicate skin by overlapping one after another. Here are some of the common features of cod scales.
- The scales of cods are not completely transparent. They give the fish an opaque appearance
- The overlapping cycloid scales are flexible and create a resilient armor
- By offering buoyancy, scales support the optimal position of the fish in the water
- Cod faces less drag of water while swimming because of the scales
- The overlapping structures of the scales defend the fish from parasite infection
- Cod scales are resilient and do not get damaged easily. Unless the scales are severely damaged, cod can regenerate damaged scales
- Though you can easily remove the scales from the fish, they remain securely attached to the fish in the water. They do not fall off without the intervention of external force
- All the scales are not of the same size. Some scales are bigger, while some scales are small.
Is Cod Fish Kosher?
Yes, cod is kosher, as the fish has both fins and scales. A fish needs to have both removable scales and fins to be kosher, and cod meets these requirements. The term “kosher” is a religious term and contains much value in the Jewish community.
Jewish people religiously tend to eat kosher foods. The belief is that nonkosher foods are impure. Avoiding them is a way of showing faith in the divinity. They believe eating nonkosher foods is more harmful to the soul than to physical health. You may have noticed many edible fish, like swordfish or sturgeon, are often listed as non-kosher. As the cod fish have scales, it is a kosher fish, and Jewish people popularly eat them.
Can You Eat Cod?
Yes, you can eat cod without much worry. The fish is quite popular as a food in different parts of the world. Whether you want to eat Atlantic cod, Pacific cod, or Greenland cod, you can eat them. These fish are not only edible but also are healthy.
The mixture of sweet, delicate, and mild taste of cod makes it a popular choice. You can eat the fresh filet, salted, or stockfish. Cods can be captured from the wild or can be bought from farms. Both are edible and considered safe.
Being kosher, the scales of the fish prevent the infection of scales into the main body. As a result, it remains mostly safe to eat. Some common cod fish dishes are:
- Easy fish tacos
- Baked cod fish
- Beer-battered fish
- Air fryer fish
- Miso butter cod
- Soba cod and mushroom soup
- Roasted cod with soy ginger plum salsa and jasmine rice
- Sriracha butter cod with garlicky kale
- Cod with garlicky tomatoes and potatoes, etc.
You should like these dishes if you take pride as a food enthusiast. These foods provide the best taste of cod.
Health Benefits of Cods
Cod is a healthy food choice containing a wide variety of nutrients. It offers you energy, minerals, vitamins, and more.
| Nutrient | Amount per 100 g |
| Energy | 82 kcal |
| Water | 81.2 g |
| Protein | 17.8 g |
| Calcium | 16 mg |
| Phosphorus | 203 mg |
| 203 mg | 32 mg |
| Potassium | K: 413 mg |
| Sodium | 54 mg |
| Selenium | 33.1 µg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.91 µg |
| Vitamin A | 12 µg |
| Niacin | 2.06 mg |
1. Offers Different Minerals
Your body needs minerals for healthy bones, teeth, and other functionalities. Cod fish has different minerals like potassium, selenium, calcium, etc., which are vital for your health. Additionally, there is sodium in cod fish, which plays a role in maintaining the correct pH level. Calcium makes your bones stronger and saves you from bone density loss.
2. You Get Different Vitamins
Along with vitamin A, cod fish has vitamins B6 and B12 in it. These vitamins contribute to the maintenance of different body functions. Both your heart and brain need these vitamins to stay healthy and active. Vitamin A helps your skin and improves your eyesight.
3. Other Nutrient Facts
Cod fish provides you with lean protein, water, and energy. The amount of fat in cod is very low, which makes the food a better option for you. All of your organs require water to stay hydrated and keep you in optimal health condition.
Protein is another important nutrient your body needs. It improves your muscles and quickens your cell growth. This is the building block of your cells, so its deficiency can lead to severe consequences.
4. A Healthy Alternative
Being a fish, cod contains mercury. Every fish contains mercury, including mackerel, tilapia, sturgeon, etc. However, the amount of this compound is not very high in cod fish. Therefore, your body will not be harmed or affected after eating a balanced amount of cod. It adds flavor to your diet and saves you from the monotonous or boredom of the same food or fish.
FAQ
Is there a fish with scales but no fins?
No, there are no such fish that have scales but no fins. You will find plenty of examples where fish have fins but no scales. All scaled fish have fins. Fins are a common feature of fish.
Do you need to scale cod?
Yes, you should descale the scales before cooking. The scales can be eaten if grilled or hard-boiled/ However, there is a big risk of getting choked by the scales. Besides, the scales are not very tasty. You had better scale the fish for a better taste.
Is fish without scales harmful?
No, fish without scales are not necessarily harmful. The absence of scales can cause some difficulties for the fish. However, the absence of the scales does not harm your health. Catfish, for example, is healthy for you.
Is cod high in mercury?
No, cod is not high in mercury. The mercury level can vary depending on the place the fish are from. You should try to eat cod fish from places where mercury levels are low.
Conclusion
Con fish have scales along with different types of fins. The scales might not be visible sometimes, but they are there. These scales protect fish from different injuries and threats. Cod is safe to eat and you should descale the fish before cooking for safety and better taste.
