Black Cod also known as ‘Sablefish’ is now going on sale in the high street at Marks & Spencer. The white fish is popular in fashionable West End and sushi restaurants and will now be available for shoppers.
Black Cod has become a favourite of a-list chefs and customers because it has a rich and distinct, buttery taste. It is also very healthy as it contains Omega 3 oils and is rich in protein. The fish comes from an Alaskan MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) certified sustainable fishery. It is not farmed and caught by hook and line in deep water, frozen and sea-freighted to the UK
Black Cod gets its name from its black skin and is enormous - it can grow up to two metres long. At West End and sushi restaurants the fish is served with a roast soya glaze; also known as ‘blackened cod’; a popular Japanese dish. M&S's decision to stock Black Cod supports Plan A commitment to only sell fish from independently certified sustainable sources
Andrew Mallison, Marks & Spencer Marine Technologist comments, "This delicious tasting fish has become extremely popular in restaurants and we think our customers will love the fact that they can now cook it themselves. Consumers are also increasingly concerned about eating healthily so we expect Black Cod to be a big hit."
The fish goes on sale priced per kg at an average of £6.99 for 200g for simple skinless, boneless fillet portions or £11.99 for the 260g Cook! product "Asian Style black cod in a sweet miso dressing".
ENDS
For further information, images and samples please contact:
Kirsty Philp Marks & Spencer Food Press Office 0208 718 6159
Notes for Editors
Sablefish, or Black Cod as it is commonly known, is actually not part of the cod ‘family’.
Marks & Spencer already sells a range of MSC certified sustainable fish including Alaskan Wild Salmon, Pacific Halibut and Australian Rock Lobster. All fish sold at M&S are carefully checked to ensure they are not endangered and that catching them does not damage the environment.
Marks & Spencer were rated as the most sustainable fish retailer in surveys conducted by Greenpeace (2005 & 2006) and the Marine Conservation Society (2006 & 2007).
Part of Marks & Spencer’s Eat Well guidelines encourages an increased intake of fish. Oily fish such as black cod, salmon or mackerel are rich in healthy Omega3 fatty acids. Try to eat at least two portions of fish a week, one of which should be oily fish.
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