Herring
Wild Alaska herring is a great source of vitamin B-12, omega-3 fatty acids and protein.
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Scientific name: Clupea pallasii
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20K
On average, a female Pacific herring lays 20,000 eggs each year.
18
Wild Alaska Pacific herring can grow up to 18 inches, but a 9-inch fish is considered large.
10,000
Archaeological evidence documents a 10,000-year tradition of herring harvest in the northern Northwest Coast region. (UAS)
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Nutrition
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Alaska herring is packed with the long chain omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA.
- The high oil content in Pacific herring is largely composed of omega-3 fatty acids, the most studied, beneficial, and readily usable by the body.
- Benefits of DHA & EPA Omega 3s:
- Improved heart health
- Improved brain function
- Vital nutrient for growth and development of prenatal babies and infants
DV = Daily Value // 3.0 oz = 85g Source: USDA Standard Reference Release 28
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Harvesting & Seasonality
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Spawning begins as early as late March in southern Southeast Alaska and continues through mid July in the northern Bering Sea.
Alaska herring possess a blue-green color on their upper body, and large silver scales easily removed on their sides. Typically weighing around 0.5 lbs, they can grow as long as 18 inches, but a 9 inch specimen is considered large. Harvested and sold as whole fish, sac roe, and spawn-on-kelp.
Alaska herring are harvested with the following methods: gillnet, purse seine, hand-pick (spawn-on-kelp), pounds/floating pens (spawn-on-kelp) and dive (spawn-on-kelp).
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Sustainability & Environment
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In Alaska, the latest science and a stakeholder input guide the responsible management of Alaska’s commercial herring harvest.
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Product Forms and Availability
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Wild Alaska herring is harvested in spring, and frozen roe and whole fish are available year-round.
Find herring roe, also known as kazunoko (in-skein) or roe-on-kelp, in many global markets. Whole herring can be found at retail and on restaurant menus. Unsure about origin? Just #AskforAlaska.
Purchase directly from sellers using our supplier’s directory (search for “sells to consumers”).
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Cooking
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Wild Alaska Pacific herring are perfect for pickling, curing, and smoking. When smoked or cured, it becomes firmer and readily absorbs the flavors used in the process.
