Dutch New Herring is coming, but how Dutch is that herring?
The festive Vlaggetjesdag will not go ahead again this year, but the new herring will arrive on shore all the same: June 15 is the date. Did you know that this herring is not nearly as Dutch as its name suggests? Kokswereld took a deep dive into the world of herring, and it was quite revealing.
According to that online magazine, which is aimed specifically at professional chefs, there are no Dutch herring trawlers left at all. The last two Dutch herring boats hauled herring from their nets for the final time almost ten years ago; since then, Dutch New Herring has been caught by Danish, Norwegian and Scottish boats.
The end
When herring became scarce in the North Sea, Dutch fishmongers bought herring caught farther north. Only Danes, Norwegians and Scots fished there. The herring returned to the North Sea, but in the meantime the fish trade had become hooked on those three fishing nations. Their herring tasted good and was inexpensive. And so the curtain fell on Dutch herring fishing.
Matjes herring or Dutch New Herring
What is the difference between Dutch New Herring and matjes herring? As far as the fish itself is concerned: not much. Matjes herring must contain at least sixteen percent fat and must not have spawned yet, meaning it must be caught between mid-May and the end of July. The fish are gutted and salted on board, and only filleted just before they are eaten. These fish are called Dutch New Herring when they are sold between June and September and were caught that year.
All herring is put in the freezer on board because of hygiene regulations, and if the herring is thawed after September, it is officially no longer Dutch New Herring but matjes herring. Exactly the same fish, caught at the same time but thawed at a different time: that is the only difference.
Read also:
- Say what?!? This is what other countries do with our beloved herring
- American kids try a herring sandwich
- This is where you can eat the best herring in Volendam
Source: Kokswereld.nl
