Skrei, the ‘King of Cod’, Norway’s finest seafood delicacy is back in season

Skrei, one of the world’s most sought-after seasonal seafood delicacies is back in season, set to once again grace menus across the world.

The distinguished pearly white cod is only available for the first few months of the year, at a time when this wild migratory fish reaches the shores of Northern Norway after a monumental 1,000km journey from the depths of the icy Barents Sea.

Literally translated, the Viking name ‘skrei’ means ‘traveller’, and by the time it arrives in Norway, skrei is at its very best, with a wonderful succulent texture, and a distinctive flavour which comes from the lean flesh created by the lengthy swim across the Atlantic.

A fish so superior, it even has its own quality grading

Revered by some of the best chefs across the globe, this impressive fish is meaty, yet delicate, and when cooked is beautifully flaky. Identified by a clear quality mark, this year the seal of approval is being updated to further ensure only the very best product reaches kitchens worldwide. As part of the new legislation around the mark, those handling skrei must apply for a fresh license to sell it – further enhancing its traceability and guaranteeing its quality to those cooking it. For more information on the new Skrei mark of quality, which launched in November 2022, please get in touch with the Norwegian Seafood Council.

But, it’s not just the preserve of restaurant cooking, and is now starting to be sampled by home-cooks looking for ingredients of the very finest provenance.

A nutritious protein that packs a punch in the health stakes

Skrei is incredibly versatile and prized for its nutrient-rich credentials. Just one portion satisfies the recommended daily amount of omega-3, as well as vitamins A and B12, which are linked to a strong immune system, good brain and reproductive health. Skrei also contains selenium and iodine, and is a low-calorie, high protein choice.

With the Northeast Arctic cod stock being one of the largest in the world, skrei is also a highly sustainable seafood option, which is of utmost importance to Norway as a responsible seafood nation. Taking a holistic, ecosystem-based approach to aquaculture management, whilst creating and abiding to strict fishing regulations, Norwegian fisheries are protecting the future of seafood for the next generation.

Skrei’s reputation is growing, and this year for the first time the species will be hitting the Japanese seafood market, joining several European markets such as France, Spain, Germany, the UK and Sweden.

To find out more about skrei, the ‘King of Cod’, and to discover recipes featuring this delicious fish, visit our digital universe via this website.

Skrei Facts

· Skrei is a seasonal wild cod from Norway

· Skrei is a premium fish, and is some of the best cod available

· Skrei means traveller, referring to the 1,000km journey the cod makes each year from the Barents Sea to the coast off Northern Norway

· Fresh skrei is only available between January and April

· Skrei is caught as it migrates from the Barents Sea to its spawning grounds along the Northern Norwegian coast

· Skrei hails from the world’s largest cod stock and is one of the most sustainable fish species you can eat

· Skrei is often referred to as the ‘King of Cod’, and is one of the leanest types of fish because it stores fat in the liver and not in the muscles

· Skrei are typically larger than coastal cod and have a firm consistency with very white, flaky meat. It has a clean, delicate flavour, and is considered a culinary delicacy in many parts of the world