Boats off the Dutch fishing village of Schevenigen have just sailed from harbor, the herring pushcarts are rolling out onto the streets, and the royal family is waiting to give its seal of approval. What does all of this mean? This year’s New Catch Holland Herring season is about to begin.

The New Catch Holland Herring is a piece of gastronomic heaven. It’s a fabulous, buttery, and mild matjes herring. Russ & Daughters is the direct importer of the New Catch Holland Herring, so you don’t need to hop on a plane to try this once-a-year Dutch delicacy. Traditionally, it is eaten by holding the two fillets attached at the tail and dropping the whole herring into your mouth. Come to Russ & Daughters and you’ll see aficionados doing this right at our counter. We also offer them chopped with fresh vidalia onion, another traditional way to enjoy this delicacy.

So what makes this herring so special? Every year, herring in the North Sea reach their optimal condition during a 4-5 week period in May or June. Water temperature and concentration of plankton, the herrings’ primary food source, determine the start of the season. Once the herring reach a minimum of 16% fat content, they are able to hit the market as the famed “Hollandse Nieuwe (Dutch New). Since 14th century, the lively Vlaggetjesdag (Flag Day) festival in the historic fishing village of Scheveningen has kicked off the start of the season. Tradition holds that a barrel of the first and finest catch is first presented to the royal family before it is released to the public.

Don’t think you’re into herring? Well, here’s why you should be:

1. It's delicious.
2. Think salmon is good for you? Well it is, but herring is even better. Herring has an even higher level of Omega-3 fatty acids. Clinical research is increasingly focused on the health benefits, both physical and mental, of eating herring.
3. At 115, Dutchwoman Hendrike van Andel-Schipper, was the oldest person alive at the time of her death in 2005. She reported that the key to longevity was to “keep breathing and eat herring.”

Russ & Daughters is a direct importer of the New Catch Holland Herring.
$4.49 per herring and $39.95 per pack of 10.

The season begins June 3rd (contingent upon timely release by the FDA) and will last for approximately 5 weeks. The season is short and our shipments are limited. We urge customers to place orders to guarantee that they can partake of this ephemeral gastronomic experience. Minimum of one ten-pack for advance orders. Russ & Daughters delivers throughout New York City and ships nationwide.
For orders, please give us a call at (212) 475- 4880 or to order online click here>>

Want to savor the New Catch Holland Herring even after the season is over? Herring packs can be frozen. Enjoy within 3-4 days after thawing in the fridge.

Happy Herring Fest from your friends at Russ & Daughters

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