Subscribe Login
Jamaica Observer
ePaper
The Edge 105 FM Radio Fyah 105 FM
Jamaica Observer
ePaper
The Edge 105 FM Radio Fyah 105 FM
    • Home
    • News
      • Latest News
      • Cartoon
      • Central
      • North & East
      • Western
      • Environment
      • Health
      • International
      • #
    • Business
      • Social Love
    • Sports
      • Football
      • Basketball
      • Cricket
      • Horse Racing
      • World Champs
      • Commonwealth Games
      • FIFA World Cup 2022
      • Olympics
      • #
    • Entertainment
      • Music
      • Movies
      • Art & Culture
      • Bookends
      • #
    • Lifestyle
      • Page2
      • Food
      • Tuesday Style
      • Food Awards
      • JOL Takes Style Out
      • Design Week JA
      • Black Friday
      • #
    • All Woman
      • Home
      • Relationships
      • Features
      • Fashion
      • Fitness
      • Rights
      • Parenting
      • Advice
      • #
    • Obituaries
    • Classifieds
      • Employment
      • Property
      • Motor Vehicles
      • Place an Ad
      • Obituaries
    • More
      • Games
      • Jobs & Careers
      • Study Centre
      • Jnr Study Centre
      • Letters
      • Columns
      • Advertorial
      • Editorial
      • Supplements
      • Webinars
    • Home
    • News
      • Latest News
      • Cartoon
      • Central
      • North & East
      • Western
      • Environment
      • Health
      • International
      • #
    • Business
      • Social Love
    • Sports
      • Football
      • Basketball
      • Cricket
      • Horse Racing
      • World Champs
      • Commonwealth Games
      • FIFA World Cup 2022
      • Olympics
      • #
    • Entertainment
      • Music
      • Movies
      • Art & Culture
      • Bookends
      • #
    • Lifestyle
      • Page2
      • Food
      • Tuesday Style
      • Food Awards
      • JOL Takes Style Out
      • Design Week JA
      • Black Friday
      • #
    • All Woman
      • Home
      • Relationships
      • Features
      • Fashion
      • Fitness
      • Rights
      • Parenting
      • Advice
      • #
    • Obituaries
    • Classifieds
      • Employment
      • Property
      • Motor Vehicles
      • Place an Ad
      • Obituaries
    • More
      • Games
      • Jobs & Careers
      • Study Centre
      • Jnr Study Centre
      • Letters
      • Columns
      • Advertorial
      • Editorial
      • Supplements
      • Webinars
  • Home
  • News
  • Latest
  • Business
  • Cartoon
  • Games
  • Food Awards
  • Health
  • Entertainment
    • Bookends
  • Regional
  • Sports
    • Sports
    • World Cup
    • World Champs
    • Olympics
  • All Woman
  • Career & Education
  • Environment
  • Webinars
  • More
    • Football
    • Letters
    • Advertorial
    • Columns
    • Editorial
    • Supplements
  • Epaper
  • Classifieds
  • Design Week
The truth behind salt fish: Jamaican myth busted in Norway
The head of the saithe, often mistaken for codfish, as it undergoes the drying process inside Bruket Fish Factory in North Cape, Norway.
News
Sandena James Online Coordinator sandenaj@jamaicaobserver.com  
May 19, 2024

The truth behind salt fish: Jamaican myth busted in Norway

A one-minute-seventeen-second-long video of the Norwegian saithe being processed is being widely shared on social media platforms in Jamaica. Those sharing the video are not so much intrigued by the method of preparing the fish for consumption as they are with the fact that the footage contradicts a long-held local myth about the head of what we refer to as salt fish.

The video was produced last month during a visit to Norway, courtesy of the Norwegian Seafood Council. Alongside fellow journalists from the Dominican Republic and Mexico, I set out to trace the path of the saithe or, as we Jamaicans affectionately call it, salt fish, from the pristine waters of the Scandinavian country to our tables back home.

I embarked on the cold journey with one goal set high above the others, to finally share images of the head of the salted saithe (commonly mistaken for codfish) that Jamaicans consume.

Jamaica imports between 5,000 and 6,000 tonnes of saithe each year, making the country the highest consumer of the fish in the English-speaking Caribbean. So it was no surprise when the video shared to my Tik Tok account garnered more than 230,000 views on that platform and spread like wildfire on social media as Jamaicans have been left astonished that the old tale of the sea creature’s face being a frightening monstrosity is not true.

The myth has been fuelled by the fact that the product in the local market never includes the head of the fish. But, in fact, the true reason that Norwegian suppliers do not include the saithe head in the exported product is due to its bony nature which, if included, would make the shipments economically and environmentally unsustainable.

“For the head of the codfish, we dry that. We don’t dry the head of the saithe because it is much smaller, so there is less food on it. So there’s a difference in size,” said Ørjan Kjærvik Olsen, project manager of emerging markets at the Norwegian Seafood Council.

Our expedition was not just about watching the process of salting the freshly harvested fish, nor was it about just tasting the freshest seafood Norway had to offer. It was also a deep dive into the heart of Norway’s sustainable fishing practices and the country’s commitment to producing safe, high-quality fish. From meeting respected fishermen to learning about the meticulous regulations that govern Norway’s fishing industry, every moment of the trip was eye-opening.

I was particularly struck by the reverence with which Norwegian fishermen are held in their communities — a stark contrast to the limited respect given to fishermen in Jamaica. The Norwegians’ dedication to sustainable harvesting practices left a lasting impression, reinforcing the importance of preserving our marine ecosystems for future generations.

In addition to gaining insights into the fishing industry, we explored innovative ways to prepare saithe for consumption, expanding my culinary repertoire and deepening my appreciation for this staple ingredient in Jamaican cuisine. My utmost favourites include Bacalhau à Brás, which is salted cod with eggs, and Norwegian salt cod stew, similar to how Jamaicans prepare mackerel in tomato paste.

Our journey took us from Tromsø, the gateway to the Arctic, to Hammerfest, the northernmost region of Norway. Along the way, we were treated to breathtaking views of rugged coastlines and snow-capped mountains, a stark reminder of Norway’s natural beauty and the harsh conditions its fishermen endure to bring seafood to our plates.

On my return home, I carried with me not only memories of an unforgettable adventure but also a deeper appreciation for the journey of our beloved salt fish. Through initiatives like this, the Norwegian Seafood Council seeks to bridge the gap between consumers and the source of their food, reminding us all of the importance of understanding where our food comes from and the care that goes into its production.

This trip was made possible through fees levied on all exports of Norwegian seafood, underscoring the industry’s commitment to responsible practices.

{"xml":"xml"}{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
img img
0 Comments · Make a comment

ALSO ON JAMAICA OBSERVER

Domestic flights between MoBay and Kingston to return
Latest News, News
Domestic flights between MoBay and Kingston to return
July 2, 2025
ST JAMES, Jamaica — Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MBJ Airports Shane Munroe has revealed that domestic flights between Montego Bay and Kingston are...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
House approves first supplementary estimates for 2025/26 fiscal year
Latest News, News
House approves first supplementary estimates for 2025/26 fiscal year
July 2, 2025
KINGSTON, Jamaica - The House of Representatives, on Tuesday, approved the first supplementary estimates for the 2025/26 fiscal year. The 2025/26 Esti...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Police investigating death of cop’s daughter
Latest News, News
Police investigating death of cop’s daughter
July 2, 2025
KINGSTON, Jamaica - Senior police investigators are now on a scene in Prospect, St Thomas where the teenage daughter of a member of the Jamaica Consta...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Forex: $160.35 to one US dollar
Latest News
Forex: $160.35 to one US dollar
July 2, 2025
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The United States (US) dollar on Wednesday, July 2, ended trading at $160.35, up by 26 cents, according to the Bank of Jamaica’s d...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Gas prices up $3.06, Diesel up $2.94
Latest News
Gas prices up $3.06, Diesel up $2.94
July 2, 2025
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Motorists should see an increase at the pumps in the price of gasoline effective Thursday, July 3, according to the latest ex-refi...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs denied bail after prostitution conviction
International News, Latest News
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs denied bail after prostitution conviction
July 2, 2025
NEW YORK, United States (AFP) -- Sean "Diddy" Combs was denied bail on Wednesday after a trial in which he was convicted on federal prostitution charg...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Life sentence for US Capitol rioter who targeted FBI agents
International News, Latest News, News
Life sentence for US Capitol rioter who targeted FBI agents
July 2, 2025
WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) – A Tennessee man who plotted to kill FBI agents who investigated his role in the January 2021 assault on the US Capit...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Alkaline interview left fans disappointed
Entertainment, Latest News
Alkaline interview left fans disappointed
July 2, 2025
KINGSTON, Jamaica - It was Alkaline’s first on-air interview in more than a decade, but the exclusive sit-down may have done more harm than good as se...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
❮ ❯

Polls

HOUSE RULES

  1. We welcome reader comments on the top stories of the day. Some comments may be republished on the website or in the newspaper; email addresses will not be published.
  2. Please understand that comments are moderated and it is not always possible to publish all that have been submitted. We will, however, try to publish comments that are representative of all received.
  3. We ask that comments are civil and free of libellous or hateful material. Also please stick to the topic under discussion.
  4. Please do not write in block capitals since this makes your comment hard to read.
  5. Please don't use the comments to advertise. However, our advertising department can be more than accommodating if emailed: advertising@jamaicaobserver.com.
  6. If readers wish to report offensive comments, suggest a correction or share a story then please email: community@jamaicaobserver.com.
  7. Lastly, read our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy

Recent Posts

Archives

Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Tweets

Polls

Recent Posts

Archives

Logo Jamaica Observer
Breaking news from the premier Jamaican newspaper, the Jamaica Observer. Follow Jamaican news online for free and stay informed on what's happening in the Caribbean
Featured Tags
  • Editorial
  • Columns
  • Health
  • Auto
  • Business
  • Letters
  • Page2
  • Football
Categories
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Entertainment
  • Page2
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Entertainment
  • Page2
Ads
img
Jamaica Observer, © All Rights Reserved
  • Home
  • Contact Us
  • RSS Feeds
  • Feedback
  • Privacy Policy
  • Editorial Code of Conduct