Scientific name: THERAGRA CHALCOGRAMMA
Market name: Alaskan Pollock, Pacific Pollock
Pollock can grow to 1.07m and can weigh up to 46lb (21kg). The fish has a strongly defined silvery lateral line running down the sides. Above the lateral line, the colour is a greenish black, the belly is white.
It can be found in water up to 100 fathoms (180m) deep over rocks, and anywhere in the water column and is available year-round. The most important Pollock fishery is the Bering Sea fishery of Alaska. Alaskan Pollock is the largest food fish resource in the world. Around 3 million tonnes of Alaskan Pollock are caught each year in the North Pacific from Alaska to northern Japan.
Alaskan Pollock fillets deliver a bone-free whitefish with a consistent snow-white color. They are lean with a tender texture and excellent flaking qualities.
Alaskan Pollock is a member of the cod family and is similar to cod in both texture and colour. It should never be confused with Atlantic Pollock, a different species, which is darker, more oily, and has a "fishier" flavour.