9th edition, No.3, November 2008

Traditional Dutch products

The Netherlands boasts many typically Dutch fish products that are highly valued at home and abroad. By these I mean brown shrimps, mussels, herring, smoked eel and mackerel, which are ideal for serving as unusual snacks or festive dishes during the coming Christmas season.

Eel has been a major Dutch export product for centuries. Did you know that Dutch ships used to have a free berth along the Thames in London, specially for the eel trade? And did you know that eel is still smoked in exactly the same way as it was in bygone days? In order to preserve this unique fish product for present and future generations, the Dutch eel sector has drawn up a plan entitled Future for Eel.

After last year’s success, the Dutch Fish Marketing Board is organising a second ‘Matjes on Ice’ tour in Germany for the coming winter. Those of you who thought that Dutch matje herring is only obtainable in the summer know better now: matje herring is healthy and delicious the whole year round.

Although fish consumption in the Netherlands is on the increase, we are still lagging behind compared to neighbouring countries. On average, Dutch people eat fish once every three weeks. This consumption pattern contrasts sharply with the Health Council of the Netherlands’ recommended fish consumption: one portion of fish twice a week, one of which should preferably be oily fish. Thanks to its healthy protein, mineral and vitamin content, fish can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of their dietary requirements. Oily fish is especially healthy due to the omega 3 unsaturated fats it contains. And that is why the Dutch Fish Marketing Board started its nationwide ‘Eat fish twice a week!’ campaign after the summer. This campaign is intended to convince Dutch consumers that fish is not only healthy, but delicious too – especially during the coming Christmas season!

Mariëtte Vermeer
Director