Herring: A Global History

Edible

by Kathy Hunt

Though tiny, the herring has played an enormous role in history. Battles have been waged over it. International economic alliances have formed over it. Major cities owe their prosperity to it. Political powers have risen and fallen with herring’s own rise and fall in population. How can this all be attributed to this unassuming little animal?

In A Global History , Kathy Hunt looks at the environmental, historical, political, and culinary background of this prolific and easily caught fish. Over the centuries, herring have sustained populations in times of war and hardship, and the fish’s rich flavor, delicate texture, and nutritious meat have made it a culinary favorite. Its ease of preparation—just grill, broil, fry, pickle, salt, or smoke and serve—have won it further acclaim. Engaging and informative, the book features fifteen mouth-watering recipes. It will appeal to food lovers, history buffs, and anyone who has ever enjoyed a British kipper, German Bismarck , Dutch matjes , or Jewish chopped-herring.

Genres: Nonfiction, Food, Cooking

208 pages, Hardcover

Published October 15, 2017

About the author

Kathy Hunt is an East Coast-based journalist, food writer, and author of three nonfiction books. Her articles have appeared in such publications as the Chicago Tribune, Taste of Home, and VegNews. Kathy divides her time between NYC and suburban Philadelphia where she teaches cooking classes at her 1801 farmhouse.

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has an interesting history of herring and the recipes are delicious. I have tried most of them.

Over fishing is such an issue for the world. This book has encouraged me to try herring, which will helps the environment while eating healthy.

[William Paley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm still undecided if I'm going to try to eat these. I've been to Denmark when I was rather young, and I let them be, possibly a mistake on my part.

[bp · Rating 3 out of 5]

TL;DR: salt, herring wars, pickling, sustenance, sustainability.

[Sesana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Also covers non-food uses of herring, and there's pretty extensive discussion about sustainability.