Wildfish Cannery- Smoked Herring

Despite sustainability and nutrition advice from Chefs, seafood experts, and nutritionists, smoked herring is too often hard to find in the US, tucked away in the hidden corner of the supermarket. Not so in other countries where herring is immortalized - especially Europe - where herring cultures revere the sacred fish for its taste, versatility, and heart-healthy Omega 3s.

We source our herring from the pure, remote waters of Western Alaska where the fishery is managed for sustainably and provides economic support for residents of the remote village of Togiak, Alaska (pop. 857).

Tasting notes: Smoked herring delivers a robust, savory flavor with a rich dose of umami and smoke. Herring is a smaller fish, and after smoking over Alder chips, the skin turns slightly crisp, and the flesh transforms into a rich mahogany brown. The result is a tin of tempting bite-sized morsels that look beautiful out of the tin or in a pasta dish.

Serve it up: While early American food culture once celebrated the herring with dishes like the Skully Jo Fish Bake originating from seafood ports such as Gloucester, we recommend any throwback recipes draw flavor inspiration from herring-worshipping countries. In the UK, smoked herring - or kippers - are often enjoyed for breakfast. In Scandinavian countries, smoked herring is commonly served alongside a simple dill sauce. Smoked herring is delicious when paired with potatoes, as is the custom in northern Europe.

For a modern approach, take some advice from James Beard Foundation Award-winning chef Renee Erickson and serve smoked herring with room-temperature butter, shallots, lemon juice, and cayenne.

Pair with a nice lager or pale ale at the start of the day ala Ernest Hemingway.

Source: Bristol Bay, Alaska

Harvested: Purse-Seine, Gillnet

Ingredients: Herring, Salt, Pure Cane Sugar, Spices, Natural Alderwood Smoke

6 oz