Cod vs. Scrod — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 5, 2023
Cod is a specific type of fish, while scrod is a culinary term for young, white-fleshed fish, often including young cod or haddock.
Difference Between Cod and Scrod
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Cod is a common name for fish belonging to the genus Gadus, known for its white, flaky flesh and mild flavor, popular in many cuisines. Scrod, on the other hand, is not a species but a term used in the culinary world to describe young cod or haddock, and sometimes other whitefish, that are typically less than 2.5 pounds and are often served breaded and baked or fried.
The term cod generally refers to either Atlantic cod or Pacific cod, both prized for their commercial value and extensively fished throughout history. Scrod, derived from the Dutch "schrod," which means to cut or shred, often indicates a small, young version of these fish, but the term is more about the size and preparation of the dish rather than a specific type of fish.
In culinary contexts, cod is usually sold and served in fillets or as loins and can be cooked in various ways, including grilling, frying, and baking. Scrod is traditionally a New England term and reflects a regional culinary practice, indicating a dish that features young, tender fish fillets that are usually broiled or fried.
Conservation efforts have been critical for cod populations due to overfishing, which has not only ecological but also economic ramifications. The term scrod, conversely, does not carry the same conservation connotations, since it can refer to various species, but sustainable fishing practices are important for all seafood.
Cod liver oil, made from the liver of cod fish, is known for its health benefits, particularly high vitamin A and D content. While scrod doesn't refer to any specific part of the fish, it's notable for being a light and healthy seafood option, especially when prepared without heavy breading or rich sauces.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A species of fish.
Size/age category for whitefish.
Species
Gadus genus.
Young cod or haddock.
Size
Larger and older fish.
Smaller and younger fish.
Culinary Use
Versatile, used in many dishes.
Often broiled or baked.
Geographic Association
Common in Atlantic and Pacific.
Associated with New England.
Compare with Definitions
Cod
Cod is known for being rich in vitamins when consumed as cod liver oil.
My doctor recommended taking cod liver oil for my health.
Scrod
A term for young, white-fleshed fish often used in New England.
The menu features scrod as today's special.
Cod
Cod populations have been subject to overfishing.
Sustainable fisheries are crucial for maintaining cod stocks.
Scrod
Scrod is typically a small-sized cod or haddock.
I ordered scrod because I prefer lighter meals.
Cod
Cod has a mild flavor that pairs well with various seasonings.
I prefer my cod seasoned with lemon and herbs.
Scrod
Scrod is synonymous with freshness in seafood cuisine.
Scrod must be fresh to ensure the best flavor.
Cod
Cod is the common name for the demersal fish genus Gadus, belonging to the family Gadidae. Cod is also used as part of the common name for a number of other fish species, and one species that belongs to genus Gadus is commonly not called cod (Alaska pollock, Gadus chalcogrammus).
Scrod
Scrod reflects traditional culinary practices of the northeastern United States.
Scrod is a staple in many traditional New England restaurants.
Cod
See Atlantic cod.
Scrod
Scrod or schrod () is a small cod or haddock, and sometimes other whitefish, used as food. It is usually served as a fillet, though formerly it was often split instead.
Cod
Any of various marine fishes of the family Gadidae, which includes the Atlantic cod and the haddock.
Scrod
A small cod or similar fish, such as haddock or hake, especially one split and boned for cooking.
Cod
(Archaic) A husk or pod.
Scrod
Any cod, pollock, haddock, or other whitefish.
Cod
(Archaic) The scrotum.
Scrod
(transitive) To shred.
Cod
(Obsolete) A bag.
Scrod
Simple past tense and past participle of screw|t=have sex
Cod
(obsolete) A small bag or pouch.
Scrod
A young codfish, especially when cut open on the back and dressed.
Cod
A husk or integument; a pod.
Scrod
Flesh of young Atlantic cod weighing up to 2 pounds; also young haddock and pollock; often broiled
Cod
The cocoon of a silkworm.
Scrod
Young Atlantic cod or haddock especially one split and boned for cooking
Cod
The scrotum (also in plural).
Scrod
Scrod is often prepared broiled with breadcrumbs.
She makes delicious scrod with a buttery breadcrumb topping.
Cod
A pillow or cushion.
Cod
The Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua.
Cod
The sea fish of the genus Gadus generally, as inclusive of the Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus) and Greenland cod (Gadus ogac or Gadus macrocephalus ogac).
Cod
The sea fish of the family Gadidae which are sold as "cod", as haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) and whiting (usually Merlangius merlangus).
Cod
Other unrelated fish which are similarly important to regional fisheries, as the hapuku and cultus cod.
Cod
Other unrelated fish which resemble the Atlantic cod, as the rock cod (Lotella rhacina) and blue cod (Parapercis colias).
Cod
A joke or an imitation.
I assume it all could just be a cod.
Cod
A stupid or foolish person.
He's making a right cod of himself.
Cod
Having the character of imitation; jocular. (now usually attributive, forming mostly compound adjectives).
“Illegitimi non carborundum” is a well-known example of cod Latin.
Dalton categorises Muse's latest composition as “cod-classical bombast”.
Cod
(Polari) Bad.
Cod
To attempt to deceive or confuse; To joke; To kid.
Cod
A husk; a pod; as, a peascod.
Cod
A small bag or pouch.
Cod
The scrotum.
Cod
A pillow or cushion.
Cod
An important edible fish (Gadus morrhua), taken in immense numbers on the northern coasts of Europe and America. It is especially abundant and large on the Grand Bank of Newfoundland. It is salted and dried in large quantities.
Cod
The vessel that contains the seeds of a plant (not the seeds themselves)
Cod
Lean white flesh of important North Atlantic food fish; usually baked or poached
Cod
Major food fish of arctic and cold-temperate waters
Cod
Fool or hoax;
The immigrant was duped because he trusted everyone
You can't fool me!
Cod
Harass with persistent criticism or carping;
The children teased the new teacher
Don't ride me so hard over my failure
His fellow workers razzed him when he wore a jacket and tie
Cod
Payment due by the recipient on delivery;
A collect call
The letter came collect
A COD parcel
Cod
Collecting the charges upon delivery;
Mail a package C.O.D.
Cod
A marine fish with white flesh.
We had fresh cod for dinner last night.
Cod
Cod is commonly used in fish and chips.
The restaurant down the road serves the best cod with chips.
Common Curiosities
What is cod fish commonly used for?
Cod is used for various dishes, including fish and chips.
Is cod endangered?
Some cod populations have declined, but not all are considered endangered.
Can I substitute other fish for cod in recipes?
Yes, similar white fish can be used as substitutes.
What is the best way to cook cod?
Cod can be baked, fried, or grilled; the best method depends on personal preference.
What exactly qualifies as scrod?
Scrod is young, typically under 2.5 pounds, cod or haddock.
Is scrod a specific species of fish?
No, scrod refers to the size and age of the fish, not the species.
How do I know if I'm buying scrod?
Scrod is often labeled in markets, but you can ask the fishmonger to be sure.
Is scrod available all year round?
Availability can vary, but it is generally more abundant during certain seasons.
Is cod healthy to eat?
Cod is a lean source of protein and rich in vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids.
What is the best way to prepare scrod?
Scrod is often broiled or baked with light seasoning.
Are cod and scrod the same in taste and texture?
They are similar, but scrod, being younger, may be more tender.
Can scrod be from a fish other than cod or haddock?
Traditionally, scrod refers to young cod or haddock, but some use it for other whitefish.
Why is cod more recognized than scrod?
Cod is a specific species known worldwide, while scrod is a regional culinary term.
Does scrod have the same health benefits as cod?
Yes, since scrod can be young cod, it shares similar nutritional benefits.
How can I ensure sustainable consumption of cod and scrod?
Look for certifications from sustainable fisheries or ask about the source at seafood markets.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
