Viking trade in freeze-dried cod?

[Duncan Head]

https://www.newscientist.com/article/2143059-viking-hordes-dined-on-frozen-norwegian-cod-shipped-to-germany/

The evidence is that DNA from cod found at Haithabu/Hedeby apparently identifies the fish as coming from the Arctic. The suggestion that there was some sort of bulk trade in dried/smoked/frozen cod seems reasonable, the leap to freeze-drying perhaps a step too far?

[Patrick Waterson]

Might they be confusing freeze-drying with wind-drying?  Wind drying was quite widespread for the preparation of numerous regional specialities.

[Duncan Head]

Might they be confusing freeze-drying with wind-drying?  Wind drying was quite widespread for the preparation of numerous regional specialities.

I think the implication is that if you hang your cod up in the Arctic and your winds are sub-zero, wind-drying and freeze-drying are much the same thing.

[Erpingham]

Another report here.  This one just mentions dried cod. 

[Duncan Head]

And is also less dogmatic about the bulk-trading idea. Generally more cautious overall.