Many recipes would not exist without salt fish. From Norway to Portugal, to Jamaica, many different cuisines use this fish as a key ingredient. And there is a reason. Salted fish is an amazing and healthy food with a great flavour and texture. The process of curing and drying the fish preserves its quality by quickly eliminating moisture and allowing the salt to enter the flesh of the fish. This process is called osmosis. This breaks down its nutrient to increase absorption of proteins and fats by its consumers. The texture then becomes firmer, and it creates a flavour described as mild but yet full.
Cod is generally the main fish used to make saltfish, but it can be made with other fishes with the same lean, mild, & flaky characteristics. In Europe, haddock and flounder are two common substitutes, and in western Africa, Tilapia is preferred. Furthermore, other fishes such as tuna can be cured to create more depth in the dish.
2 Different Methods
Saltfish can be made by either brining or the more conventional dry method. Both methods include alternating layers of fish and salt in a container. It is important to use high-quality salts to be able to produce a great flavour as well as pleasant colour.
Once it has been put in the chosen salt solution, the fish is cured for four weeks. Through this process, the saltfish gains its beautifully mild and full flavour. During the dry process, the moisture is drawn out of the fish, which then forms a brine. The fish would then be fairly dry, just needing to get fully dried either in the sun or through artificial means. However, brine remains in contact with the fish until it is fully cured when implementing the brining process.
How To Prepare Salted Fish
To cook saltfish, you have to rehydrate and desalinate the fish. The saltfish should be soaked in cold water for 8 to 48 hours and the water should be changed regularly. The longer it is soaked, the less salty it will be. This rehydration process leaves you with a softer yet firm delicious fish, ready to be cooked.
Whole Fish or Prepacked Fish?
Saltfish purists may be inclined to buy the whole fish, but nothing beats the convenience of prepacked fish as it makes it so much easier to use. Not only does the whole fish take longer to rehydrate, but you will also have to peel it and debone it.
Where Can I Get Salted Fish?
There are different places where you can get saltfish. Grocery stores and fish markets are great options, but the online world has provided new avenues that are more convenient for you. Here at Colombos, we have a range of salted fish products that can be purchased online, and brought to your door, all from the comfort of your home.
