Stockfish  
[STOCK FISH]        PRIME GRADE        SECOND GRADE        OTHER STOCKFISH  

Norwegian Stockfish
Norwegian Stockfish is world famous for it's great quality and high grade. Good quality stockfish demands correct weather and temperature. In Lofoten these conditions occure at the same time as the winter cod arrives the spawning grounds. Traditionally the drying period in Lofoten is from early March to the middle of April. In other parts of Norway the periods may be a little later in the spring.
The stock fish is hang on flat lofts or drying racks. Flat loft are more space demanding, while drying racks exploit the height. There is no documentation as to which is best.

Stockfish is harvested by hand in spring. The harvesting of stockfish in Lofoten normally takes place from the middle of June, while in other parts of the country the fish is harvested as soon as it is dry. The degree of dehydration is based on a subjective evaluation, in which various methods are employed. The stockfish is stacked and arranged so that air can circlate freely around the individual fish. The largest fish, which require the longest drying period are placed at the top and exterior of the stacks to ensure that secondary drying is as rapid as possible.
Ties of small fish are hung on the thin end of the pole, the larger fish are hung on the thick end. The fish is hung well spaced to ensure airflow. it is also important that the fish does not come in contact with the other fish on the boards. This can cause hanging marks that can later lead to a reduction in quality.
Flat lofts Drying racks

 

Size & grading
Size is a central criteria in stockfish sorting and grading, and is determined by length, weight and the number of fish per given weight, the so-called weight numer. The illustration shows the so-called stock-fish, which stretches from the centre of the curve at the side cranium to the end near the tailfin area.

Features of Prime Fish:

  • Natural shape and open belly
  • Clean in nec and belly
  • No indicaton of dewing
  • No hanging marks
  • No frost damage
  • No mildew

 
Prime fish is of the highest quality. There are variations in the different classes, but the norm is that the shall be free from blemishes and faults. The skin shall have an attractive appearance and the flesh shall exhibit a good colour.
  • There are two main grades for most species of fish: Prime and Second.
  • Second-grade fish may have small, but not serious, blemishes.
  • Lofot Stockfish of a lower grade than second, is Tipo B or African quality.

There is no other way of grading stock fish than by doing it manually. This is a trade which has been handed down through generations, and it takes a quick and knowing eye to distinguish one quality from the next.

A properly dried fish normally has a water content of between 14 and 16 percent, but can be sold with both lower and higher water content.

Sorting and grading is carried out in accordance with a branch standard.