Our products
Bacalao en Navidad: la historia real de la tradición (y por qué sigue siendo el rey de la mesa) - Bacalalo

Cod at Christmas: the true story of the tradition (and why it's still king of the table)

December 30, 2025Marc González Sáez⏱ 2 min de lectura
Table of contents

The origins of Christmas cod: a thousand-year-old tradition

The presence of cod on our Christmas tables is no coincidence. This tradition dates back centuries, when Nordic fishermen developed salting techniques that allowed them to preserve this prized fish for long periods. Cod at Christmas became a symbol of abundance and celebration, especially during the harsh European winters.

The Catholic Church also played a fundamental role in this custom. During Christmas Eve, considered a day of fasting, the consumption of meat was forbidden, but fish was permitted. Thus, salt cod became the undisputed star of Christmas Eve, creating a Christmas cod tradition that endures to this day.

"Christmas cod is not just a dish, it is the common thread that unites generations around the family table."

bacalao en navidad,tradición bacalao navideño,recetas navideñas bacalao,comprar bacalao premium,comprar bacalao desalado online

Why does cod still reign supreme at Christmas parties?

Unmatched culinary versatility

Premium cod offers a versatility that few ingredients can match. Its firm texture and delicate flavor lend themselves to a wide range of preparations, from classic croquettes to elaborate terrines. This adaptability makes it the perfect all-rounder to satisfy every palate during the holiday season.

A tradition that transcends borders

Each region of Spain has developed its own Christmas cod recipes, creating a fascinating gastronomic mosaic. In Catalonia, esqueixada predominates, while in the Basque Country, bacalao al pil pil is the star. This regional diversity enriches the tradition without fragmenting it.

Christmas cod recipes that never fail

Christmas cod recipes have evolved, but they maintain their traditional essence. Some preparations have become true, indispensable classics:

  • Cod with aioli and red peppers
  • Cod fritters with rosemary honey
  • Cod flakes with aromatic herb oil
  • Cod brandade with black truffle

Each of these preparations requires top-quality, desalted cod. The artisanal desalting process respects natural timing, guaranteeing a perfect texture and removing excess salt without compromising the original flavor.

bacalao en navidad,tradición bacalao navideño,recetas navideñas bacalao,comprar bacalao premium,comprar bacalao desalado online

How to choose and buy the best cod for Christmas

Premium quality indicators

Buying premium cod requires knowledge and attention to detail. Superior quality specimens have specific characteristics that distinguish them from standard commercial cod.

Feature Premium Cod Commercial Cod
Color Pearly white Yellowish
Texture Firm and elastic Soft or fibrous
Origin Iceland/Norway Variable
Court Handmade Industrial

The online cod revolution

Buying desalted cod online has democratized access to top-quality gourmet products. Vacuum packaging and refrigerated transport ensure the product arrives in optimal condition, maintaining all its organoleptic properties intact.

What are the advantages of this purchasing method? Complete traceability, rigorous selection of specimens, and expert advice make this option the preferred choice for the most demanding consumers.

bacalao en navidad,tradición bacalao navideño,recetas navideñas bacalao,comprar bacalao premium,comprar bacalao desalado online

Preservation and preparation tips for success at Christmas

The success of any Christmas recipe lies in the quality of the ingredients and their proper handling. Salted cod should be kept refrigerated and preferably consumed within 48 hours of opening.

For more elaborate preparations, we recommend removing the cod from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking. This allows it to reach room temperature gradually, facilitating even cooking and preserving its characteristic texture.

Marc González Sáez

Marc González Sáez

Digital Marketing, SEO & E-commerce

Expert in digital marketing, SEO, and e-commerce with 9 years of experience. Leads the online strategy of Bacalalo.com and the digital transformation of the family business from the Mercat del Ninot in Barcelona.

Know our story →

Comments (0)

There are no comments for this article. Be the first one to leave a message!

Leave a comment

Product listYou can see the products we have in our store.
Anchoas del Cantábrico "0" Selección Gourmet 35 filetes – Bacalalo
Anchoas del Cantábrico "0" Selección Gourmet 35 filetes – Bacalalo
Regular priceFrom 38,90 € Unit price77,80 € / kg
Rating: 4.6 out of 5
Cantabrian Anchovies "0" Gourmet Selection
Morro Extra de Bacalao Desalado Limpio (2ud) - 500g – Bacalalo
Morro Extra de Bacalao Desalado Limpio (2ud) - 500g – Bacalalo
Regular price 22,90 € Sale price22,95 € Unit price45,80 € / kg
Rating: 5.0 out of 5
Extra Clean Desalted Cod Snouts (2 units) - 500g
-0%
Caviar Beluga Imperial Iraní 30gr – Bacalalo
Caviar Beluga Imperial Iraní 30gr – Bacalalo
Regular priceOn Sale from 80,00 €
No reviews
Imperial Iranian Beluga Caviar
Up to -48%
Lomitos de Bacalao Desalado Limpio (2ud) - 500g – Bacalalo
Lomitos de Bacalao Desalado Limpio (2ud) - 500g – Bacalalo
Regular price 19,90 € Sale price19,95 € Unit price39,80 € / kg
Rating: 5.0 out of 5
Cleaned Desalted Cod Loins (2 units) - 500g
-0%

Related articles