Cod, Haddock, Hake, Pollack

Cod, haddock, hake and pollack, along with other members of the cod family, form almost half the world's commercial catch of fish. In many respects they resemble one another, being mild-flavored, firm-fleshed and somewhat flaky. Since medieval times cod has been a staple in the kitchen and it remains the most important food fish in Europe and North America. The astonishing abundance of cod was one reason for the rapid colonization of New England. Gradually supplies have dwindled, and now most cod is fished in the northern Atlantic off Greenland and Newfoundland, and in the northern Pacific. Ships come from all directions and competition for the catch is fierce.