Scrod vs Cod: Do You Know Their 4 Main Differences?

scrod vs cod
scrod vs cod

Scrod is popular, but much less so when compared to cod for a few reasons.

That’s why a lot of people might not be familiar with it. That’s also why we’ve prepared this article covering the most important differences between the two which can help anyone get a better idea of what they’re like.

Our detailed guide will provide users with more information regarding the matter. Read it if you’re unsure about what scrod is, or if you’re just wondering what the differences between both these fish in particular are.

Scrod vs Cod

Specifics Scrod Cod
Size Small Moderate
Taste Mild Mild
Texture  Tender Firm
Color Lighter Opaque

Now, after going through with these specifics, you will find that the Scrod and the Cod are more similar than different.

Well, you’re not wrong depending upon the type of scrod that you’re talking about. Most of the time, people refer to scrod as just a young cod.

If that is the case, then you will just struggle to find any differences between these fish. On the other hand, if you’re talking about scrod as in a younger haddock, then the texture and the flavor can be quite different. 

Will the difference be significant enough to impact your purchase decision? Probably not. Most of the time, scrod is cheaper and is served as a filet. You will find that one Scrod is not enough to feed a grown man and you can mostly rely on this fish as an appetizer. 

So, if you’re also planning on using this fish in your next meal, be sure to keep track of these pointers. Otherwise, you will just be creating issues where the food won’t be enough to feed the people invited to the table.

On the other hand, when you’re talking about cod, it is the most common fish that you’ll find on the market.

The budget spent on both of these options is pretty affordable. Yes, you don’t have to worry about going out of budget or spending a huge sum on these options. 

Going with either one will serve you well, and the Scrod fish is just as great when you compare it with cod. The only major difference is in size. All other differences are pretty minor and you can think of scrod as a smaller cod. 

Hopefully, these details will help you with a better understanding, and you won’t get confused the next time you visit the fishing market for the meat. 

Their Source

There is a very big difference between both of these when it comes to where cod and scrod meat comes from. In fact, this one difference alone is ultimately the deciding factor between all of their other differences.

That said, it goes without saying that all cod meat out there comes from codfish. In this case, it’s simple enough to remember. However, when it comes to scrod, things are much more different than that.

cod

The reason behind this is that there’s no such thing as a scrod fish. Those that hear scrod immediately think that it’s one of many types of fish out there, but that’s not the case.

You might be surprised to learn that the scrod fish that’s treated as such a delicacy in some seafood restaurants isn’t actually tied to one kind of fish at all. In fact, scrod can even be cod. This is a confusing subject for most, but it’s easy enough to get an idea of.

All you really have to know is that scrod isn’t any specific kind of fish. The meat used in your scrod meal is actually from any kind of whitefish. The ones used most commonly for scrod are cod and haddock, specifically the ones that are young.

A good sum of all scrod comes from these two kinds of whitefish.

Differences in Taste

Because of scrod sometimes being cod itself or being an entirely different fish, there can be no differences at all between their taste or there can be very noticeable differences.

This is another confusing matter, but something that most should be able to understand with ease if they know what the exact distinction between their sources is.

Cod itself tastes quite plain but naturally sweet and a little mild. It has a nice flavor that goes with just about all kinds of foods. This taste is also greatly improbable with the help of seasonings as well as spices.

cod

Scrod can be exactly like this if the type of fish used for it was a young cod. However, in some cases, it might be completely different too. This is the case when you use a haddock or other type of whitefish.

Haddock also has a mild and sweet taste, as do all other whitefish of the kind. But, the difference between them is how strong or weak this taste is when you compare it to other types. For example, haddock has a clearly noticeably stronger taste which isn’t as plain.

As a result, it might not be as versatile as cod. However, there are also some types of scrod that are weaker in taste.

In the end, all the differences between both these two when it comes to taste depend on the exact kind of whitefish that was used for the scrod.

If users are getting it from a restaurant, what kind of experience they have will also depend on this. This will mostly be a random thing, but sometimes the restaurant might know in advance what type of scrod they’re preparing for you.

That means that asking them could be an option in some cases, as they might have an answer.

Differences in Texture

There are also quite a few differences between them when it comes to texture. As you can guess, these also depend on the type of scrod in question. But, before we get into that, let’s discuss a bit more about the texture of cod itself.

This fish has a flaky texture which is quite pleasant, and at the same time it also has a very tender feel to it. These two qualities combine together to give cod a great texture which goes well in most kinds of foods.

cod loin

Moving on with our cod vs scrod comparison, the latter’s texture can be very different. This is for reasons that most must’ve guessed by now. If you get scrod made from young cod, the texture between the two will have nearly no differences at all.

However, if you get scrod that is made primarily from haddock or other types of whitefish, then it’s an entirely different story. Haddock also has a flaky texture, but it is much more firm than tender when compared to cod.

Like this, all the different whitefish have their own distinctions which can make scrod feel more similar or different to cod when it comes to texture.

One thing that to keep in mind is that the texture of both these will sometimes change quite a lot depending on the cooking process.

But, the texture and the distinctions between them which we have described are accurate in most cases. So, there’s nothing to worry about when it comes to that.

Still, if you’re still confused, we will suggest that you get more details from the local supplier.

Yes, you can get a ton of valuable information by asking the experts, and that will also save you a lot of time. So, instead of getting flustered with all of this  information, just have the experts help you out. 

That will be much better for you in the long run, and you will be able to get some useful tips on how to prepare these fish. So, try and reach out to get details on scrod and cod.

Wrapping Up

Can’t seem to figure out the right option between Scrod and Cod? Confused as to why so many people go with scrod? Well, now you have your answer.

Most of the time, people are just chasing the hype and there are no real benefits of choosing scrod over cod and vice versa. 

So, you can’t really go wrong with either one of these options. There are more similarities than differences between these fish, and scrod is just a younger cod. There is simply no need to over complicate things and you can pick either one.

Either you can go with the fish that is cheaper or pick the right option based on the size. A smaller fish will be much better when you’re just looking for snacks to keep you powered up throughout the day. So, you should go with scrod if you’re of the same mind. 

Similarly, a larger fish will be better for when you have to feed your family. So, you can stick with either one of these options and choose the right option that matches your requirements accurately. Moreover, there is no harm in testing out both for once.

So, if you don’t mind to experiment with new flavors and textures, going with both is the best choice.

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