Herring Fillets — Nutrients, Health Benefits, And Shopping Tips

Herring fillets are best when they have a uniform color and a smooth texture. The flesh should be silvery and glossy, without any brown spots or discolorations.

Do not select herring fillets that are limp or have an ammonia-like smell, as these are signs they are not fresh. Quality herring fillets should be tender yet firm, with a mild, pleasant taste.

Herring fillets require refrigeration to stay fresh. Keep them in their original packaging or an airtight container. This helps maintain their delicate texture and flavor.

Fillets can spoil quickly if left out too long. It's crucial not to refreeze thawed herring to avoid altering its quality. Consistent cold storage helps preserve their taste and ensures they are safe for consumption.

Herring fillets can last for 1-2 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, herring fillets can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Proper packaging, such as vacuum-sealing, helps maintain their quality over longer storage periods.

Leftover herring fillets can be used in a variety of savory dishes. Flake the fillets and add them to salads, sandwiches, or wraps for a rich, briny flavor, or mix them into a pasta dish with a light cream or tomato sauce. Herring fillets are also great in seafood spreads or dips, where they can be blended with cream cheese, sour cream, or mayonnaise.

Use herring fillets as a topping for crackers or bread, paired with pickles, onions, and capers for a Scandinavian-inspired appetizer. If you have a lot of herring fillets, consider making a batch of herring salad with potatoes, beets, and a tangy dressing, perfect for serving with rye bread. Herring fillets can also be added to potato salads or mixed into a fish cake mixture with breadcrumbs and eggs, then fried until golden. For a quick snack, enjoy herring fillets straight from the jar or can, paired with sliced cucumber or radishes.