Herring may be small in size, but they pack a big punch when it comes to nutrition and have become a popular choice in recent years.
According to American dietitian Samantha Cassetty, herring is one of the healthiest fish options available today. It’s an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, even outperforming salmon in this regard when it comes to the canned variety.
Herring are slender fish with a flattened body shape, typically growing to a length of 15-25 cm. They are characterized by their silvery scales, small mouth, toothless jaws, large eyes, and pointed head. Their backs have a greenish-silver hue, gradually fading to silver-white on their bellies, providing effective camouflage in their marine environment.
Herring are highly migratory, often traveling in large schools. They feed on plankton and exhibit seasonal reproductive patterns with high egg production, serving as a bountiful food source for larger fish, seabirds, and other marine life.
Their distinctive silvery scales make them easily recognizable.
Mr. Tín, a local fisherman at Hạ Long wharf in Thanh Hà, shared that although no one remembers exactly when herring first appeared in the Lam River, they return every year to spawn. Interestingly, their numbers and sizes vary annually; some years bring an abundance of smaller fish, while others see fewer but larger, plumper herring.
Herring are cunning creatures. During the day, they tend to swim at depths of 3-5 meters, but at night, they quietly move closer to the surface, making them a challenging catch. Fishermen use special herring nets with large mesh sizes and a three-layer structure, allowing smaller fish to escape and ensuring sustainable fishing practices.
“Herring are easily spooked by nets during the day or in clear water conditions,” Mr. Tín explained. “The ideal time to cast our nets is at night or during heavy rains when the river water becomes murky with silt. Herring are highly perishable, so we immediately transfer them to ice-filled coolers to maintain their freshness until they are sold to traders, ensuring they remain vibrant, with bright eyes and cool bodies.”
Herring meat is fragrant and firm, making it ideal for a variety of delicious dishes.
While herring used to be abundant and inexpensive, their popularity has grown, and they are now sought-after for their affordable price and high nutritional value. In the market, they sell for around 70,000 VND per kilogram. In addition to fresh herring, you can also find canned herring in a tomato sauce or pre-filleted for salads.
Despite their small size, herring are incredibly versatile and can be prepared in numerous mouthwatering ways, including hot pots, sour soups, salads, steamed dishes with ginger, and even fermented fish sauce, all of which are rustic and full of the flavors of home.
The Ultimate Weed: From Worthless to Priceless Delicacy, This Rare Find Fetching $2000 Per Pound Has Foragers Going Wild.
Once considered a pesky weed, wild barley has now become a precious “green gold”, with a price tag of over $200 per kg. This newly discovered treasure is sought-after for its unique health benefits, yet its supply remains extremely scarce, making it a rare find indeed.
The Tiny Fish with a Mighty Calcium Punch: A Common Sight in Vietnamese Markets
“Not only is sardine a rich source of calcium, but it is also packed with protein, omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, vitamin B12, and potassium. These nutrients play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy heart, boosting memory, and supporting a robust nervous system.”
4 Types of Fish That Are More Nutritious Than Salmon, Yet Cheaper
“Introducing the top four fish varieties that outswim salmon in the nutritional stakes – as rated by experts. These fish are definite contenders for a place on your weekly menu.”
The Ultimate Weight Loss Secret: How a Humble Root Vegetable Helped Korean Celebrities Shed Pounds
“The sweet potato diet has been a go-to strategy for numerous celebrities to maintain their svelte figures. This root vegetable-based diet has been a secret weapon for those wanting to shed pounds and stay in shape.”
5 Compelling Reasons to Make Cucumbers Your Go-To Summer Snack
According to Indianexpress, as the sweltering heat causes excessive sweating and fluid loss, incorporating cucumbers into your daily diet is an excellent way to stay hydrated and replenish your body’s electrolyte levels.
