It’s herring season again — Dutch new herring is available! But what are the health effects of eating herring?
Herring is a popular fish that is heavily fished. Because of this, herring has long faced problems with overfishing.
Herring can weigh up to 1 kilogram and grow nearly half a meter in length. They can live up to 22 years.
Herring is classified as a fatty fish, like salmon. This means it contains a lot of omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy fats are very beneficial for your heart and cannot be replaced by fish oil capsules. That’s why it’s recommended to eat fatty fish once a week.
Fish sold in the Netherlands is randomly tested for harmful substances. This is done by the NVWA (Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority) before it reaches store shelves. Because of this, eating fish in the Netherlands is safe.
Herring also contains a lot of protein — up to 30 grams per fillet — making it a healthy addition to the diet, especially for athletes.
The Dutch generally consume too much salt, even if they don’t add it while cooking. Unfortunately, herring is quite salty, including pickled herring. So if you eat fish often, it’s wise to regularly choose a different, non-salted variety.
To minimize environmental impact, look for labels such as MSC and ASC — these ensure you’re eating sustainable fish.
Herring can also carry a parasite called the “herring worm.” To eliminate this parasite, all herring is first frozen before being made suitable for consumption.
Did you know that live herring can make sounds? They release gas, which sounds like a faint hiss.