Identifying cod is not an easy task, so, remember to ask about type and classification at the moment of purchasing.
But, observing the shape and the edge of the tail, for example, helps you identifying the fish`s quality and type.

1)Differences between Cod and Saithe.
The cod`s tail edge is almost straight or slightly curved
The Saithe`s tail edge is "V" shaped.

Keep it dry and cool

During three weeks, in dry and refrigerated containers in a temperature between 2° and 5° C, the codfish comes to Brazil from Norway.
So, be careful with sharp temperature variations. Cod does not like heat and humidity.
Store it between 2° and 5° C . Cod cannot be frozen (except after desalting), nor kept in high temperatures, it turns red and changes its original flavour.

Normal desalting

Cod is dry and salted, so it has to be immersed in water. The cod can double its weigth if you follow the instructions below. It is easy to do and it will be delicious.
1) After cutting it in pieces, immerse in water and let it under running water for 10 minutes.
2) Put it in the refrigerator.
3) The water will avoid bad odours.
4) For big pieces, like Imperial cod, it is good to let it immersed for 36 hours, exchanging water 6 times.
5) For narrow pieces, let it immerse in water for 24 hours, exchanging the water for 4 times.

Quick desalting

If you cannot spend time on the traditional process, here go some tips:
1) If you are running out of time, or the fish is still salty, immerse it in boiling milk for some minutes.
2) If you could not immerse it in water, do the following:
Boil it in plenty of water, add salt according to the quantity of cod, drain it, scald with pure water and boil again. Drain it again and check for salt; if necessary repeat a third time but without the salt.
Attention: Bring it to a boil, but do not let it cook.

Make use of everything

Make use of skin, spines and little pieces.
After taking the salt out, pour some hot water, wait for a while and clean it. Peel the skin and take the white parts out with a sharp knife. Be careful when removing the bones. There are parts (loin) which can be taken out entirely, so be careful. You can make use of small pieces.Take a look on the page of recipes.
Cook potatoes and rice in the water you have used at last to boil the cod.

Freeze it, and you will always have it

Frozen cod is a good alternative for those who like good food. Try it, it is really easy.
Buy a big quantity, go through all the desalting process. With a clean piece of cloth dry it, pour some olive oil over it and store it in an airtight freezer container. Put it in the freezer.
Thaw and use whenever you want.