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Guía para comprar bacalao en Barcelona: cómo elegir en el Mercat del Ninot (y online) - Bacalalo

Guide to buying cod in Barcelona: how to choose at the Mercat del Ninot (and online)

November 29, 2025Lalo González Rodríguez⏱ 2 min de lectura
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Why choose the Mercat del Ninot to buy cod

The Mercat del Ninot is one of Barcelona's most authentic gastronomic hubs. Here, the cod-fishing tradition is kept alive by specialists who have mastered the art of desalting and preserving the fish. Unlike supermarkets, this market offers complete product traceability.

Being close to the customer allows you to assess the texture, pearly color, and characteristic aroma of good cod. Experienced vendors can advise you on the optimal desalting point for your specific recipe.

Advantages of traditional markets vs supermarkets

Supermarkets typically offer pre-salted cod with short expiration dates. In contrast, Mercat del Ninot provides fresh product with a longer shelf life. The cod is cut to order, guaranteeing pieces perfectly suited to your specific culinary needs.

"The difference lies in the artisanal knowledge: knowing how to identify the best origins, controlling the desalting times and offering a product that maintains all its organoleptic properties intact."

How to identify premium quality cod

An exceptional cod has a uniform flaking and a whitish color without any yellowing. The flesh should be firm to the touch, without falling apart. The thickness of the pieces indicates the original size of the fish: larger specimens offer a better texture.

Origins and organoleptic characteristics

Icelandic cod is known for its milder flavor and less fibrous texture. Norwegian cod, with its more intense flavor, is ideal for traditional dishes like cod in pil-pil sauce. Both types retain excellent nutritional properties when the salting process is carried out correctly.

Origin Texture Intensity of flavor Recommended use
Iceland Softer Delicate Croquettes, brandade
Norway Firmer Intense Pil pil, Biscayan

Buy cod online: convenience without sacrificing quality

Buying cod online has revolutionized access to gourmet products. Vacuum packaging preserves its organoleptic characteristics, while refrigerated transport guarantees the cold chain to your door.

Advantages of refrigerated shipping

The SEUR Frío system maintains controlled temperatures throughout the entire journey. This is essential to preserve the texture and prevent bacterial growth. Orders arrive in perfect condition, even to destinations far from Barcelona.

  • Maintaining the cold chain
  • Delivery in 24-48 hours
  • Professional insulated containers
  • Real-time order tracking

Practical tips for your purchase

How much cod do you really need? Allow approximately 150-200 grams per person for a main course. For preparations like croquettes or brandade, this amount can be reduced to 100 grams per person.

The perfect level of desalting depends on your culinary preferences. For dishes that require prolonged cooking, a more intense desalting process prevents excessive saltiness. Quick preparations can tolerate a higher salt concentration.

Optimal preservation and storage

Once purchased, desalted cod should be kept refrigerated between 2-4°C. Wrap it in cling film or store it in an airtight container. Its shelf life ranges from 3-5 days, depending on the initial desalting level.

For long-term storage, freezing is a viable option, although it may slightly alter the texture. Thaw gradually in the refrigerator 24 hours before consumption.

Lalo González Rodríguez

Lalo González Rodríguez

Master Cod Craftsman · Founder of Bacalalo

Expert in salted fish and founder of Bacalalo with over 35 years of experience selecting the finest pieces of Icelandic cod and gourmet seafood at the Mercat del Ninot in Barcelona.

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