Hollandse Nieuwe Herring in The Netherlands 2025

Only herring that was caught from May to July can respectfully be named Nieuwe. According to the tradition the freshly caught herring is left with its pancreas, that later helps the preservation and limits the need of salt. There is also a special way of eating it. You are supposed to hold the fish by tail and dunk it in your mouth with your head thrown back. Some of the less adventurous can eat it on a sandwich.