Keywords: cod, scrod, New England, fish, seafood, history, legend, sacred cod, haddock, pollock, Parker House, Boston, Massachusetts House of Representatives
This article explores the fascinating history and etymology of the term “scrod” in New England, and its connection to the iconic “Sacred Cod” symbol in the Massachusetts House of Representatives.
The Legend of the Sacred Cod:
- The “Sacred Cod” is a large wooden carving of a codfish hanging in the Massachusetts House of Representatives.
- It symbolizes the historical importance of the codfish industry to the New England economy.
- The direction the cod faces (north or south) is said to represent which political party is in the majority.
What is Scrod?
- “Scrod” is not a specific type of fish, but rather a general term for young, firm, white-fleshed fish.
- In New England, “scrod” typically refers to cod, haddock, or pollock.
- The term is believed to have originated from the Dutch word “schrode,” meaning “a piece cut off.”
The Parker House and the Origin of “Scrod”:
- The Parker House, a famous Boston hotel, is said to have coined the term “scrod” to describe the fresh, top-quality fish they served.
- They wanted to distinguish it from the older, less desirable fish found at the bottom of the fishing schooners’ holds.
Cod vs. Scrod:
- Cod and scrod are often used interchangeably, but there are some key differences.
- Cod is a specific type of fish, while scrod can refer to any young, white-fleshed fish.
- Cod has a slightly sweeter flavor than scrod.
- Scrod is typically more affordable than cod.
The term “scrod” has a rich history and cultural significance in New England. While it may not be a specific type of fish, it represents the region’s deep connection to the sea and its seafood industry. The “Sacred Cod” serves as a reminder of this important legacy.
Additional Information:
- The article also includes a brief discussion of the legend of how the marks on the codfish and haddock came to be.
- The article provides links to other related articles on the Yankee Magazine website.
FAQs:
- Is scrod the same as cod? No, scrod can refer to any young, white-fleshed fish, including cod, haddock, and pollock.
- Why is there a “Sacred Cod” in the Massachusetts House of Representatives? The “Sacred Cod” is a symbol of the historical importance of the codfish industry to the New England economy.
- What does the direction the “Sacred Cod” faces represent? The direction the cod faces is said to represent which political party is in the majority.
The Legend of the Sacred Cod (Or Is It Scrod?)
Naturally, there isn’t a fish called “scrod” in New England waters or anywhere else. The phrase originated many years ago when fishing schooners would arrive at the Boston fish pier from the Grand Banks with fish that were prepared for auction. Currently, upscale establishments such as the Parker House, which is still in operation, refused to serve fish that had come from the bottom of any ship’s hold. It would be worn out, saggy, and possibly soft from the weight of the catches made every day that would be added to it. The Parker House insisted on serving only small, firm, and carefully chosen fresh fish from the upper layers to complement its renowned rolls.
Naturally, the maître d’ of Parker House was unable to forecast the kind of fish that would be in the uppermost layer. In Kansas City, he might get away with it, but not in Boston, if he printed the menu with haddock on it and the top layer turned out to be pollack. So what to do? The answer was simple. He coined a name for a new seafood. He called it “scrod. ” (Possibly he was making a contraction of “sacred cod”?).
Although haddock, cod, pollack, and hake are all caught off the coast of New England and are related, most people associate “scrod” with haddock or cod. It’s challenging to distinguish between the two if they are both cooked without skin, properly prepared, and fresh.
The difference between pollock and cod
FAQ
Is scrod a good fish to eat?
What is another name for scrod?
Why is it called scrod?
What is closest fish to cod?
Is scrod the same as a 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.
What kind of fish is scrod?
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. 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.
Is scrod a young cod?
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.
Are scrod fish better than cod?
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.