Easter 2026 is from April 2 to 5. If you want cod, anchovies, and gourmet preserves on your table without stress, you need to place your order before March 28. This guide tells you exactly which cut of cod you need for your recipe, how much to buy depending on the number of diners, and which ready-made dishes will save you time if you're in a hurry. All with 24-48h refrigerated shipping to all of Spain from Mercat del Ninot, Barcelona.
There are two ways to approach Easter. The first: wait until Holy Thursday to go to the supermarket, battle the queues, settle for the packaged cod left on the shelf, and come home with what's available instead of what you wanted. The second: place your order this week, receive the goods at home in advance, and only worry about cooking.
At Bacalalo, we've been at Mercat del Ninot in Barcelona since 1990. Easter is the season we know best: we know exactly what is needed, in what quantities, and how to ensure it arrives in perfect condition anywhere in Spain. This guide is the result of more than three decades serving Easter tables.
Order deadline to receive before Easter: March 28, 2026. After this date, we cannot guarantee delivery before April 2.
1. Easter 2026: key dates and when to place your order
Easter 2026 falls between April 2 and 5. Good Friday is April 3, the day of greatest cod consumption in all of Spain. Here is the logistical calendar you should keep in mind:
| Date | What happens | What you need to do |
|---|---|---|
| Until March 28 | Maximum order period | Place your online order with guaranteed delivery |
| March 28-31 | Preparation and shipping | Your order leaves Barcelona refrigerated |
| April 1-2 | Estimated delivery | You receive the order, store in the fridge |
| April 3 — Good Friday | The big day | Cook with quality produce, stress-free |
| April 4-5 | Easter Saturday and Sunday | Enjoy the preserves and ready-made dishes |
Desalted cod keeps perfectly in the fridge for 5 to 7 days after receipt. If you receive it on April 1, you can cook it calmly on the 3rd. Dried cod has a much longer shelf life and you can order it further in advance.
Don't wait. Every year, last-minute orders become complicated due to carrier saturation. The goods you want may run out. And most importantly: if the order arrives on Good Friday afternoon, it's no use to you.
2. Desalted cod: which cut to buy according to your recipe
Desalted cod is the star product of Easter. But not all cuts are suitable for all recipes. Buying the wrong cut is one of the most common mistakes, and at Easter, with stores saturated, there is no second chance.
In our desalted cod collection, you have the full range. Here we explain which cut you need depending on what you are going to cook:
| Recipe | Recommended cut | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bacalao a la vizcaina / al pil-pil / al ajo arriero | Extra loin (morro) — whole piece, maximum gelatin | 44.90 EUR | View product |
| Cod with tomato / baked / with potatoes | Extra boneless fillet — easy to serve, perfect presentation | 19.97 EUR | View product |
| Salads, homemade croquettes, brandada, ropa vieja | Loins — practical, already shredded, boneless | 21.45 EUR | View product |
| Cocochas al pil-pil — the quintessential Easter dish | Desalted cocochas — scarce product, unique texture | 21.97 EUR | View product |
Extra loin: for those who want the best
The extra loin of desalted cod (morro) is the most prized piece of the animal. It comes from the anterior end of the loin, the area with the highest concentration of natural gelatin. It is the cut you need if you are going to prepare a real bacalao al pil-pil or a la vizcaina — not an approximate version, but the recipe as it should be. At 44.90 EUR, it is the premium product in the range, and it sells out first at Easter.
Extra boneless fillet: versatility and convenience
The extra boneless fillet at 19.97 EUR is the most versatile option. Boneless means you can serve it directly without worrying about any of your diners finding a bone. Perfect for baked cod, with tomato, or with potatoes. A clean, well-presented piece, without surprises.
Loins: the most practical option
The desalted cod loins at 21.45 EUR are the right choice when you have several recipes in mind or when you need the cod already flaked. Ideal for those who are going to prepare homemade brandada, croquettes, or simply want to have goods ready to improvise.
Desalted cod loins — 500g — 21.45 EUR
The most practical cut for Easter. Boneless, ready to cook.
Buy now — Refrigerated shippingPlace your order before March 28 to guarantee delivery before Easter.
3. Dried cod: for those who prefer to desalt at home
There are cooks — and families — who cannot conceive of Easter without the ritual of desalting. Soaking the cod on Tuesday, changing the water twice a day, and arriving on Good Friday with the product just right. It is a legitimate way to work the product, and in some cases produces excellent results if the starting cod is good.
For these cases, our dried cod collection is the answer. Dried cod has the logistical advantage that you can order it further in advance — it does not require urgent cold chain — and can be in your fridge waiting several days before desalting begins.
If you opt for dried cod, keep in mind that it will lose between 40% and 50% of its weight during desalting. Calculate quantities accordingly: if you need 1 kg of desalted cod for your recipe, start with 1.7 kg of dried cod.
The correct desalting process for Easter: start on Monday, March 30. Place the cod in cold water in the fridge (controlled temperature, not at room temperature). Change the water every 8 hours. After 48-72 hours — depending on the thickness — you will have the cod ready for Good Friday.
4. Ready-made dishes ready to serve: fritters, croquettes, brandada, empanadillas
Not everyone has time to cook at Easter. And there's nothing wrong with that. What does matter is the quality of the product you put on the table. Our ready-made dishes are prepared with the same cod we sell fresh: there are not two categories of product, one good for fresh sale and another inferior for prepared dishes.
Cod fritter dough
The cod fritters are the ultimate Easter appetizer. Our ready-made dough at 6.95 EUR is the smartest option: the dough is ready, you just have to fry it. No mixing, no proportions, no risk of them being raw inside or burnt outside. For those who want real fritters without spending a morning in the kitchen, this is the solution.
Raw cod croquettes
The raw cod croquettes at 5.90 EUR are another Easter classic that solves the appetizer effortlessly. Raw means you fry them at home — the result is a crispy, freshly made croquette, without the appearance or taste of something that has been through an industrial fryer. At that price, it's hard to justify making them from scratch.
Cod brandada
The cod brandada at 10.45 EUR is perhaps the most versatile product in this category. You can serve it as a tapa on toasted bread, use it as a filling for peppers, gratinate it in the oven, or accompany it with potatoes. A single unit can solve several situations at an Easter table.
Cod Brandada — 10.45 EUR
Versatile, ready to heat and serve. The resource you need when time is short.
Buy brandadaWhy ready-made dishes are not a compromise
There is an idea that buying ready-made dishes is a concession to convenience at the expense of quality. In our case, that is not so. The brandada, fritters, and croquettes are made with desalted cod of the same quality as the one we sell fresh. The difference between making them yourself or buying them prepared is not in the product — it is in the time you dedicate.
5. Anchovies and boquerones: the perfect Easter appetizer
Cod is the star, but the Easter table is not complete without anchovies and boquerones. They are the appetizer served while cooking, the accompaniment that makes the wait worthwhile, and in many homes, the dish everyone remembers at the end of the day.
In our Cantabrian anchovies collection and anchovies and boquerones, you have the full selection. Here we explain the key differences:
Cantabrian anchovy fillets — the benchmark
The Cantabrian anchovy fillets ("00" anchovies) at 24.90 EUR are the premium product in our range. The "00" size is the largest and most valued: anchovies over 9 cm, cured for a minimum of 12 months in salt, with a firm texture and a deep but not aggressive flavor. These are the anchovies that you know are real anchovies when you taste them.
They are not the cheapest product on the market, nor do they pretend to be. If you have bought canned anchovies in the supermarket and they tasted like salt with a bit of fish, these are a different experience. The price reflects the size, curing time, and verified Cantabrian origin.
Pickled boquerones (vinegar-marinated anchovies)
The pickled boquerones at 13.90 EUR are the perfect counterpoint to the anchovies. While anchovies are intense and salty, pickled boquerones are fresh, light, with a hint of acidity. At a well-set Easter table, both have their place.
Gilda: the classic skewer
The gilda with anchovy, olive, guindilla pepper, and dried tomato at 9.90 EUR is the perfect start to any Easter meal. The classic northern skewer, no complications: an anchovy, an olive, a guindilla. Direct, unpretentious, with the flavor at the forefront. At that price, you can serve several and not worry about quantities.
Cantabrian "00" Anchovy Fillets — 24.90 EUR
The benchmark anchovies for an Easter table. Maximum size, minimum 12 months curing.
Buy anchoviesLimited stock. Place your order before March 28.
6. Gourmet preserves to complete the table
Preserves are Easter's insurance. They don't need special refrigeration, have a long shelf life, and can save a meal at any time without warning. They are also the perfect gift to bring to someone's home during these days.
In our gourmet preserves collection you have the complete selection: mussels, razor clams, cockles, bonito belly, piquillo peppers, and much more. These are preserves with verified origin, not the economical version of what you would find in any supermarket.
The difference between a gourmet preserve and a standard preserve is not just in the price. It's in the size of the pieces (the larger the size, the higher the quality and lower yield per can, hence the price), in the salt point, in the oil used, and in the care of the preservation process. A can of gourmet mussels does not taste the same as the canned mussels you know from the supermarket.
For Easter, we recommend always having at least two or three cans of gourmet preserves at home. They work as an emergency appetizer, as an improvised accompaniment, or as the basis for a quick first course if the day's plan changes.
7. Quantity chart: how much to buy according to the number of diners
This is the question we get asked most every year. How much cod do I need for X people? The answer depends on whether it's a main dish or shared, the cut, and whether it's the only protein on the table or there are other dishes. Here are the approximate quantities:
Desalted cod as a main dish
| Diners | Quantity of desalted cod | Recommended product | Approximate price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 people | 600-800g | Extra boneless fillet | 19.97 EUR |
| 6 people | 900g-1.2kg | Extra flank + loin pieces | ~40 EUR |
| 8 people | 1.2-1.6kg | Extra loin + extra flank | ~65 EUR |
| 10 people | 1.5-2kg | Extra loin + extra flank x2 | ~85 EUR |
Anchovies as an appetizer
| Diners | Anchovy quantity | Recommended format |
|---|---|---|
| 4 people | 1 tray anchovy fillets | Cantabrian anchovy fillets 24.90 EUR |
| 6 people | 1 tray anchovies + 1 pickled anchovy | 24.90 + 13.90 EUR |
| 8 people | 2 trays anchovies or 1 + pickled anchovies + gilda | 24.90 + 13.90 + 9.90 EUR |
| 10 people | 2 trays anchovies + pickled anchovies + gildas + preserves | Set up a complete appetizer table |
Prepared dishes for appetizer
| Diners | Fritters | Croquettes | Brandade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 people | 1 pack dough (6.95 EUR) | 1 pack croquettes (5.90 EUR) | 1 tray (10.45 EUR) |
| 6-8 people | 2 packs dough | 2 packs croquettes | 1 tray |
| 10 people | 2-3 packs dough | 2-3 packs croquettes | 2 trays |
If you have any doubts about specific quantities for your menu, you can consult us directly. We have been answering these questions for over 30 years at Mercat del Ninot — we know well how much is eaten at a family Easter table.
8. Easter Packs: everything sorted in one order
If you don't want to think about what to buy and prefer to have the selection sorted, gourmet packs are the most direct option. They are designed for those who want quality without having to assemble the order product by product.
Discover Bacalalo Pack — 19.90 EUR
The Discover Bacalalo Pack for 19.90 EUR is the perfect entry point for those who want to know the range without committing to a large order. It includes a representative selection of our products: cod and selected preserves to give a complete vision of what we do. It is also a functional Easter gift — not the typical seasonal gift, but something to be consumed and enjoyed.
For a more complete Easter table, combine the pack with an extra loin of desalted cod and Cantabrian anchovies. With that, you have both the main course and the appetizer sorted.
Build your own pack
The alternative is to assemble the order à la carte. A combination that works very well for a table of 6 people:
- Extra flank of boneless desalted cod — 19.97 EUR (main course)
- Desalted cod loin pieces 500g — 21.45 EUR (for homemade brandade or croquettes)
- Cantabrian anchovy fillets "00" — 24.90 EUR (appetizer)
- Gilda anchovy, olive, chili pepper — 9.90 EUR (complementary appetizer)
- Cod fritter dough — 6.95 EUR (hot appetizer)
Total: ~83 EUR for a table of 6 people. Complete appetizer plus quality main course. Less than 14 EUR per person with premium ingredients.
Discover Bacalalo Pack — 19.90 EUR
The Easter selection sorted in one order. Also ideal as a gift.
View the packLast day to order with guaranteed delivery before Easter: March 28.
9. Refrigerated shipping: how it works and delivery times
Desalted cod and prepared dishes are fresh products that require a cold chain. Sending a box of preserves is not the same as sending desalted cod in optimal conditions. Here we explain exactly how our shipping system works so there are no surprises.
How we ship cod
- Isothermal packaging: each order is shipped in a box with thermal insulation and cold accumulators (gel packs) sized to maintain temperature during transit.
- Refrigerated transport: we work with specialized cold logistics carriers, not standard parcel services.
- Temperature control: the product leaves Barcelona between 0 and 4 degrees Celsius. The packaging maintains this temperature for 24-48 hours of transit.
Delivery times
- Iberian Peninsula: 24-48h from departure from Barcelona
- Special zones (islands, remote areas): consult availability and times at the time of order
- Barcelona city: possibility of pick-up at Mercat del Ninot
What to do when the order arrives
- Check the condition of the packaging upon receipt. If there are visible signs of damage from transport, document it with a photograph before opening.
- Store the desalted cod in the refrigerator immediately. Do not leave it at room temperature.
- Desalted cod lasts 5-7 days in the refrigerator from receipt. If you are not going to use it before, you can freeze it.
- Prepared dishes (brandade, fritter dough, croquettes) follow the same cold storage guidelines.
Critical date for Easter 2026
Last day to place an order with guaranteed delivery before April 2: March 28, 2026.
Orders placed after this date are subject to transport availability and we cannot guarantee delivery before Easter. If you have any questions about your order or logistics, contact us before placing the order, not after.
10. Frequently asked questions about buying cod for Easter
How late can I place an order to receive it before Easter 2026?
The deadline is March 28, 2026. Orders placed before that date are guaranteed for delivery before April 2 (beginning of Easter). Subsequent orders are subject to transport availability.
What is the difference between desalted cod and dried cod?
Desalted cod arrives ready to cook — it has already gone through the rehydration and desalting process at our facilities. Dried cod requires you to soak it for 48-72 hours before cooking. Desalted is more convenient; dried allows you to control the process from start to finish. Both start from the same quality product.
How much desalted cod do I need per person?
As a main course, calculate between 150 and 200g of desalted cod per person. For 4 people you need between 600 and 800g; for 6 people, between 900g and 1.2kg. If cod is one of several dishes on the table, you can reduce the quantities by 20-25%.
Will the cod arrive in optimal condition if it's hot?
Yes. Our refrigerated shipping system is specifically designed to maintain the cold chain for 24-48 hours, regardless of the outside temperature. Isothermal packaging with cold accumulators ensures that the cod arrives between 0 and 4 degrees Celsius.
Can I freeze desalted cod if I don't use it immediately?
Yes. Desalted cod freezes perfectly. If you receive the order and are not going to use it within the next 5-7 days, freeze it upon receipt. To thaw it, move it to the refrigerator 24 hours before cooking — never at room temperature.
What cut of cod is best for bacalao al pil-pil?
The extra loin (morro) is the correct cut for pil-pil. The anterior part of the loin has a higher concentration of collagen, which is what emulsifies with the oil to create the characteristic sauce. You can make pil-pil with loin pieces or flanks, but the result will not be the same. If you are going to prepare pil-pil for Easter, use the extra loin at 44.90 EUR.
Do you ship to all of Spain?
Yes, we ship refrigerated to the entire Iberian Peninsula in 24-48h. For shipments to islands (Balearic, Canary) or special zones, consult availability and conditions before placing the order. You can also pick up in person at Mercat del Ninot in Barcelona if you prefer.
Do prepared dishes like fritters or croquettes contain preservatives?
No. The fritter dough, raw croquettes, and brandade are fresh products made with desalted cod without additives or preservatives. That's why they require a cold chain and have a short shelf life. They are artisanal products, not industrial.
Premium Seafood Products — Bacalalo
Since 1990 selecting the best from the sea at Mercat del Ninot, Barcelona. Refrigerated shipping 24-48h.
View Icelandic cod →In summary: what you need for Easter 2026
If you take away only one thing from this guide, let it be this: place your order before March 28. The rest you can adjust, adapt to your menu, combine as you wish. But the deadline is the deadline.
For most Easter tables, the combination that works best is the following: a cut of desalted cod according to your main recipe, Cantabrian anchovies for the appetizer, and some prepared dish (fritters, croquettes, brandade) to sort out moments when there's no time to cook. With that, you have a quality Easter table without stress.
We have been serving Easter tables in Barcelona and throughout Spain for over 30 years at Mercat del Ninot. It's not marketing — it's what we do every year, with the same product, with the same criteria. If you have questions, ask us. If you already know what you want, place your order.
For more ideas and recipes: Complete Easter menu with cod and Cod recipes for Easter 2026.
Place your order before March 28
Refrigerated shipping 24-48h throughout Spain. Cod from Mercat del Ninot, Barcelona, since 1990.
View desalted cod View Easter packs
