ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Dried and salted cod

Dried and salted cod is a special kind of fish that humans have been using for a really long time. It's a special way to prepare the fish so that it lasts longer and can be eaten even when there isn't fresh fish available.

First, the fish is caught in the ocean and then cut into strips. These strips are soaked in a special kind of salty water for a few days to help preserve them. Then, the fish strips are hung up in the sun and wind to dry out.

After a few weeks, the fish is completely dry and hard like a rock! But don't worry, it can still be eaten. When people want to cook with dried and salted cod, they need to soak it in fresh water for a really long time. This gets rid of the excess salt and softens the fish so that it can be cooked.

Once the dried and salted cod is soaked, people can use it in lots of different dishes like stews, soups, and fritters. It's a really cool way to make fish last a long time and be able to eat it even when it's not fresh. Plus, it's been an important part of traditional cooking in lots of places around the world for many years!