The perception of pollock being "low grade" often stems from confusing the species with what factor?

Answer

The preparation method used in high-volume food applications

A common misconception regarding the quality of Alaska Pollock arises when consumers conflate the characteristics of the raw, wild-caught fish with how it is often utilized in high-volume commercial settings, such as fast-casual restaurants. When pollock is used in heavily breaded fish sandwiches or sticks, it is frequently processed extensively, seasoned heavily, and often subjected to freezing/thawing cycles or additives like phosphates. This preparation method, driven by business needs for low cost and consistent texture across thousands of units, obscures the natural mildness and tenderness of the raw material, leading observers to mistakenly label the species itself as inherently inferior or 'low grade' when it is merely an economical protein carrier in that context.

The perception of pollock being "low grade" often stems from confusing the species with what factor?
AlaskafishqualityPollock