Who eats rotten fish?

Surströmming, a fermented herring considered to be a famous delicacy in Sweden, is also known as one of the most pungent foods in the world. And there’s one more must-have accompaniment: beer. Herring has been a key part of Swedish culture for centuries. Long ago, Swedish workers were even paid in herring.

Do Swedes eat rotten fish?

Never has rotten fish smelled so bad but tasted so good. Fermented herring premiereAt the end of August, some brave Swedes open bulging tins of very smelly, fermented herring for a special feast.

What’s the stinkiest fish in the world?

Surströmming. Surströmming (say “soor-stroh-ming”) is tinned fish from Sweden that is fermented (put in a salty brine for two months) before the tins are sealed up and sold. The process of fermenting the fish creates a strong rotten egg smell.

Why do Swedish people like surströmming?

For most Swedes who eat surströmming the reason is simple: it is because they like a surströmmingsskiva (a fermented herring party). Swedes love an excuse for a party and opening a can of rotting fish can provide an excuse.

Is Surstromming edible?

It really leaves a strong odour around the house for days. As Surströmming has a really potent smell and also taste I would never ever have it “plain”. Only the combination of Swedish thin bread, potatoes, tomatoes, onions, sour cream and of course Surströmming makes it edible.

Does IKEA sell Surstromming?

Hi Troy, IKEA doesn’t currently sell Surströmming. We still do not sell the Surströmming.

Why do Scandinavians eat rotten fish?

The most colourful story traces its roots back to Swedish sailors in the 16th century. The sailors were running low on salt — which was commonly used to preserve food — and their barrels of herring began to go bad. This prompted the Swedish sailors to try it themselves and produce more of the fish.

Who eats the smelliest fish?

Surströmming (pronounced [ˈsʉ̂ːˌʂʈrœmːɪŋ]; Swedish for ”sour herring”) is a lightly-salted fermented Baltic Sea herring traditional to Swedish cuisine since at least the 16th century. The Baltic herring, known as strömming in Swedish, is smaller than the Atlantic herring, found in the North Sea.

What is the world’s smelliest food?

What the Hell Is That Smell?! Here Are the 10 Stinkiest Foods in the World (Consider Yourself Warned)

• . Durian.
• . Natto.
• . Surströmming.
• . Stinking Toe Fruit.
• . Doenjang.
• . Stinky Tofu.
• . Lutefisk.
• . Hongeo.

Is surströmming edible?

Why is herring pickled?

Pickled herrings have been a staple in Northern Europe since Medieval times, being a way to store and transport fish, especially necessary in meatless periods like Lent. The herrings would be prepared, then packed in barrels for storage or transportation.

What is Oscars surströmming?

Surströmming (pronounced [ˈsʉ̂ːˌʂʈrœmːɪŋ]; Swedish for ”sour herring”) is a lightly-salted fermented Baltic Sea herring traditional to Swedish cuisine since at least the 16th century.

When did the US stop eating fish during Lent?

As one economic analysis noted, U.S. fish prices plummeted soon after Pope Paul VI loosened fasting rules in the 1960s. The Friday meat ban, by the way, still applies to the 40 days of the Lenten fast.

Why do people eat fish on Fridays?

It sounds like the plot of a Dan Brown thriller: A powerful medieval pope makes a secret pact to prop up the fishing industry that ultimately alters global economics. The result: Millions of Catholics around the world end up eating fish on Fridays as part of a religious observance.

What should I do if I eat bad fish in restaurants?

Anytime you eat bad fish in a restaurant, be sure to let the management know; your doctor should contact the local health department to make sure the fish is discarded before other people get sick.

What kind of fish did Medieval Christians eat?

At first, says Fagan, Christians’ religious appetite was largely met with herring, a fish that was plentiful but dry and tasteless when smoked or salted. And preservation was a must in medieval times: There was no good way for fresh fish to reach the devout masses.