Glossary - Ingredients

Seasoned Cod Roe / Tarako and Mentaiko

Two varieties of pollack roe with salt, dashi, peppers, and soy sauce

What are tarako and mentaiko?

Tarako / salted cod (or pollak) roe (たらこ in Japanese) is made from salted walleye pollack eggs, meanwhile mentaiko / spicy cod (or pollak) roe (明太子 in Japanese) is salted walleye pollack eggs seasoned with dashi, red chilli peppers, and more. The spicy pollack roe which pops delightfully in your mouth is famous in Hakata, Kyushu. Both salted and spicy pollack roe are widely used in a variety of different dishes, and not only for Japanese cuisine. These go well with pizza, pasta, and many other western foods.

Nutrition facts

Cod roe is a high-protein food that is rich in B vitamins such as vitamins B1, B2, B12, B6, niacin, that help metabolize carbohydrates, lipids, and energy.
Cod roe is also rich in DHA and EPA, omega-3 fatty acids that support heart and brain health. It also contains vitamin E, which has antioxidant properties, and helps maintain vascular health and prevent aging. It also contains iron.
Cod roe is a collection of eggs, so it is a food that contains a large amount of nutrients necessary for growth, but at the same time, it is very high in sodium as it is preserved in salt. Cod roe also contains a lot of purines, which can cause hyperuricemia, so it is best to eat with careful consideration of portion and requency and be kept to a moderation.

Storage to prevent food loss

Wrap each roe separately in plastic wrap to prevent drying out, then store in the refrigerator. When storing for longer periods of time, place the wrapped roe into freezer bags and then store frozen.

Trivia

Salted pollack roe was made as a way to store fish eggs for longer periods of time in the Edo period (1603-1868). Hokkaido, where a lot of cod is caught, is one of the biggest producers.