Kipper

Kippered "split" herring

"Red herring": Cold smoked herring (Scottish kippers), brined so that their flesh achieves a reddish colour

Kippers for breakfast in England.

A kipper is a specially prepared herring, a type of small, oily fish, that undergoes a unique process of preparation and preservation involving splitting, gutting, salting or pickling, and cold smoking.

Description

Kippers are herrings that have been split in a butterfly fashion from tail to head along the dorsal ridge. Post splitting, they are gutted, and either salted or pickled, depending on the specific preparation method. The final step in the preparation of a kipper is cold smoking it over smouldering woodchips. The choice of woodchips, typically oak, imparts a distinct flavor to the fish.

Culinary Importance

Kippers hold a significant place in the culinary traditions of various countries:

• United Kingdom: In the UK, kippers have long been a staple, especially during breakfast time. Beyond breakfast, kippers, along with other preserved fish varieties like the bloater and buckling, were cherished as high tea or supper treats. Before the outbreak of World War II, these fish were predominantly popular among inland and urban working-class populations.

• Japan: The Japanese also include kippers in their breakfast repertoire, appreciating the distinct flavor and preparation of the fish.

• North America: In certain regions of North America, kippers have found their way to the breakfast table, marking a blend of traditional and contemporary eating habits.

Historical Significance

The tradition of consuming kippers and other preserved fish in the UK dates back to older times. The practice was not just limited to coastal regions where fish was abundant but was also prevalent in inland areas. The easy storage and transport capabilities of kippers made them a popular choice among working-class populations, especially in urban settings. However, their popularity witnessed a decline post World War II, as global trade and improved transportation brought a variety of fresh foods to people's tables.

See also

• Herring
• Cold smoking
• Fish preservation
• Bloater
• Buckling
• Bloater, whole-smoked herring
• Buckling, hot-smoked decapitated herring
• Fish preservation
• List of dried foods
• List of smoked foods
• Sausage (Kippered beef snacks)
• Red herring, something true but irrelevant
• Smoked fish
• Solomon Gundy