You’re at the grocery store, eyeing up the seafood section.
You see haddock and pollock fillets, and you can’t help but wonder: what’s the difference?
For many people, haddock and pollock are two fish that look quite similar.
They are whitefish with a mild flavor that can be used in various recipes.
Both haddock and pollock fish are members of the cod family, which includes around 200 different species of fish.
While haddock and pollock are similar in many ways, there are also some key differences.
This blog post will give you a rundown of the key differences between these two popular fish.
What is Haddock?
Haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) is a member of the Atlantic cod family.
It is found in the North Atlantic Ocean and typically weighs between 2 and 8 pounds.
Haddock has a light gray back with dark spots and a white belly.
Its flesh is firm and lean with a moderate amount of fat.
When cooked, haddock has a delicate flavor and a moist, flaky texture.
One 6-ounce serving of cooked haddock contains approximately:
- 200 calories
- 36 grams of protein
- 3 grams of fat
- 0 grams of carbohydrates
- 80% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin B12
- 20% of the daily recommended intake of phosphorus
- 15% of the daily recommended intake of selenium
What is Pollock?
On the other hand, Pollock (Theragra Chalcogramma) is part of the Gadidae family, which includes pacific codfish, haddock, and hake.
It is found in cold waters worldwide, including the North Atlantic, North Pacific, and Arctic oceans.
Alaska pollock typically weighs between 2 and 20 pounds.
It has a greenish-brown back with darker spots and a white belly.
Its flesh is oily with large flakes and a strong flavor.
When cooked, Alaska pollock has a moist, flaky texture.
One 6-ounce serving of cooked Alaskan pollock contains approximately:
- 140 calories
- 26 grams of protein
- 2 grams of saturated fat
- 0 grams of carbohydrates
- 80% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin B12
- 10% of the daily recommended magnesium intake.
- 8% of the daily recommended intake
What are the differences between Haddock and Pollock
Haddock and pollock may look similar, but while they are the same species, the two fish have some key differences.
Here’s a closer look at the differences between haddock and pollock.
1. Size
Haddock and pollock are both whitefish that can be found in the Atlantic Ocean.
They’re closely related, but the two have some key distinctions.
Haddock is slightly larger than pollock, with adults averaging 2-4 pounds, while Atlantic pollock typically weighs 1-2 pounds.
2. Texture
Haddock has firm, lean flesh with a moderate amount of fat.
On the other hand, Pollock is an oily fish with oily flesh, large flakes, and a strong flavor.
Haddock has a delicate flavor and moist, flaky texture when cooked.
When cooked, Pollock has a stronger flavor and boasts a moist, flaky texture.
3. Cooking Tips
Both haddock and pollock are versatile fish that can be cooked using various methods, including baking broiling, frying, grilling, and steaming.
When cooking fish, remove the skin before cooking as it can become tough.
Haddock fillet can be substituted for Pollock in most recipes and vice versa.
Just remember that pollock has a stronger flavor than haddock, so you may want to use less if you’re substituting pollock for haddock in a recipe.
4. Taste
When it comes to taste, haddock and pollock are fairly similar.
Both fish have a mild flavor that’s slightly sweet with a hint of saltiness.
Some people find that haddock has a somewhat more robust flavor than pollock.
If you’re looking for a fish with a more pronounced flavor, haddock is the way to go.
However, pollock may be more your speed if you prefer a milder fish.
5. Commercial Uses
Both haddock and pollock are famous commercially because they’re relatively easy and inexpensive to farm.
They’re commonly used in fish & chips, as well as in chowders and other soup dishes.
In branding, haddock is better known than pollock; it’s often featured on restaurant menus as a standalone item, while pollock is more likely to be used in generic terms like “fish & chips.”
6. Nutritional content
Regarding nutrition, there are some key differences between haddock and pollock.
For starters, haddock is a bit higher in calories, with around 110 calories per 3-ounce serving.
On the other hand, Pollock has only approximately 90 calories per 3-ounce serving.
Haddock is also higher in fat, with around 2 grams per serving, while pollock has only around 1 gram of fat per serving.
Both fish are relatively similar in terms of protein, with haddock offering around 20 grams per serving and pollock offering about 18 grams per serving.
However, pollock is a bit higher in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health.
So if you’re looking for a fish lower in calories and fat but still high in protein and omega-3s, pollock is the way to go.
7. Uses
Both haddock and pollock can be used in various recipes, from fish tacos to fish cakes to chowder.
One delicious haddock recipe is this Garlic-Lemon Haddock with Spinach & Tomatoes.
For a tasty pollock dish, try this Pollock with Lemon-Caper Sauce.
No matter which fish you choose, both haddock and pollock make for a tasty, healthy meal.
8. Price
Finally, let’s take a look at the price.
Because haddock is more popular than pollock in the United States, and because it’s often used in upscale dishes, haddock tends to be more expensive than pollock.
You can expect to pay about 50% more for haddock than you would for an equivalent amount of pollock.
Both fish are relatively affordable, especially compared to other types of seafood such as lobster, salmon, or crab.
Haddock vs Pollock: Are they the same?
You’re not alone if you’re wondering what the difference is between haddock and pollock.
These two fish are the same species, but they have some key distinctions.
The first is taste. Haddock has a milder flavor than pollock.
Pollock also has a higher fat content, making it greasier when cooked.
Second, consider nutrition, both fish are good sources of protein and vitamin B12, but haddock also provides phosphorus and selenium, while pollock includes magnesium and potassium.
Haddock is also a firmer fish than pollock.
This means that it holds together better when cooked, making it a good choice for dishes like fish tacos or fish cakes.
Alaska pollock, on the other hand, is a flakier fish.
This makes it a good choice for dishes where you want the fish to fall apart, such as fish chowder or fish stew.
Finally, haddock is more expensive than pollock.
This is because haddock is in higher demand than pollock.
Haddock is also more difficult to catch than pollock, contributing to its higher price point.
So if you’re looking for a mild-tasting whitefish for your next seafood dish, haddock is a good option.
Pollock is a good choice if you’re looking for a more affordable white fish option.
There you have it! Now that you know the key differences between haddock and pollock, you can make an informed decision the next time you’re at the seafood counter.
And remember: when it comes to seafood, fresh fish is the key!
Whether you choose haddock, pollock, or any other type of fish, be sure to select a fillet that looks shiny and smells faintly of the sea.
Avoid eating fish that looks dull or smells overly fishy; those are signs that the fish isn’t fresh and the worst fish to eat.
With those tips in mind, we hope you enjoy your next seafood meal!
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