The healthiest fish for the holidays: A tastier alternative to carp and cod

With Christmas less than two weeks away, many might be wondering what to serve their guests during holiday gatherings. Besides the traditional herring or carp, another species is worth considering.

Deemed one of the healthiest fish worldwide, it's significantly more affordable than cod. Ocean-caught and increasingly gaining positive reviews from chefs and food enthusiasts, it unquestionably deserves a spot on the holiday table. So, which fish are we discussing?

During the holiday season, fish is a common feature on many tables. Apart from traditional choices like carp or herring, salmon and cod are also popular. However, a compelling alternative to these options is the blue grenadier— an oceanic fish related to hake, pollock, and cod but with distinct characteristics that set it apart.

Blue grenadier is wild-caught, primarily in the western and southern Pacific waters of New Zealand, Australia, and Chile. In the United States, you're mostly likely to encounter the Patagonian or New Zealand variants of blue grenadier.

Belonging to the cod family, blue grenadier is low in fat and highly nutritious, packed with vitamins B, A, and D, and minerals such as selenium, iodine, iron, phosphorus, and potassium. Consuming blue grenadier contributes positively to heart, brain, and thyroid function while enhancing the health of our skin, hair, and nails. Given its low mercury levels, it's a safe choice even for pregnant women.

Blue grenadier is a lean, juicy fish with a light, almost white color. Its meat is straightforward to prepare, becoming tender and delicate when cooked correctly. It can be fried, baked, or steamed.

You can also bred it and serve it with mustard sauce or sour cream and dill sauce. It pairs brilliantly with root vegetables. Compared to salmon, it is much more affordable, and it surpasses carp, pollock, or panga in taste. The delicate flavor allows you to season it based on personal preference. At the holiday table, blue grenadier can be served as Greek-style fish or fish sticks, which are sure to win over the younger guests.