In the south eastern part of Nigeria, stockfish is commonly known as “okoproko”, which refers to the sound the hard fish makes in the pot and literally translates as “that which produces sound in the pot”.
Stockfish is also derived from a word from Frisian Stokfish or stickfish, which is known to be the wooden racks on which the Stockfish are usually dried on, which after they are dried, they look more like sticks. The fish are normally tied to wooden racks or sticks from February-May in an open dry air, after which they are brought indoors for another 2-3 months in a well-ventilated and dry location for them to get dried and matured.
The best method of preserving stockfish is by “drying”. This method helps the fish to stay for a longer period. It can last for several years after preservation for easy delivery to consumers all over the world. When cooked with soups or stew it adds flavour to the meal and gives it nutrients.
Below are few of the importance of stockfish in a meal:
It adds a great amount of nutritional value: Okoproko being a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids it helps to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, as these nutrients are essential for maintaining a healthy heart, brain, and immune system.
It has a long shelf life: Stockfish can be stored for a long time and still maintain its flavour and nutrients. It is usually very dried, making it a safe option for industrious individuals who want to have a ready-to-use ingredient for a good and quick meal
It boosts the flavour of a meal: Because of its strong savory flavour, it can enhance the taste of many meals. It can be used to add depth and complexity to soups and stews. Okoproko combined with soups and stews gives it a richer flavour and boosts other seasonings in the dish.
It gives meals Cultural significance: In many West African cultures it is considered an important part of the local cuisine. Okoproko is a staple ingredient in traditional dishes. By incorporating stockfish into your cooking, you can experience a taste of West African culture and traditions.
![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.tvafrinet.com/the-importance-of-regularly-cooking-with-okporoko-stockfish/&media=https://www.tvafrinet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Okporoko-importance-to-the-meal-Tvafrinet.jpg&description=In the south eastern part of Nigeria, stockfish is commonly known as "okoproko", which refers to the sound the hard fish makes in the pot and literally translates as "that which produces sound in the pot".){kind=link}