How to Prepare Salt

Salt cod must be soaked to remove the salt. Depending on its thickness and salt concentration, this will usually take at least 24 hours or up to 48 hours. Simply cover it in cold water, place it in the refrigerator, and change the water three or four times a day. To determine if it’s desalted enough, take a little bite.

Salt cod can vary in quality, so it’s best to buy it from someone who knows what to look for. In Spain, Portugal, and Italy chefs rely on special suppliers to both procure and desalt it.