What makes Craster Kippers so good?

When it comes to traditional British seafood, few delicacies are as iconic as Craster kippers. These smoked herrings, originating from the small village of Craster on the Northumberland coast, are loved by food connoisseurs and home cooks alike for their rich, smoky flavour and perfect texture. At Farmfetch, we proudly offer Craster Kippers by DukesHill, delivering a taste of this British tradition straight to your doorstep.

A bit of history: The birthplace of Craster Kippers

Craster is a picturesque fishing village on the rugged Northumberland coast, renowned for producing some of the finest kippers in the world. The art of kippering—splitting, salting, and smoking the fish—dates back to the 19th century in this region, where the fresh North Sea herrings were plentiful.

The village owes much of its fame to its traditional smokehouses, which continue to use age-old methods to create this beloved delicacy. The herrings are lightly salted and cold-smoked over oak wood, giving them their characteristic golden colour and distinct, robust flavour. The cold-smoking process preserves the fish, while infusing it with a depth of smokiness that makes Craster kippers stand out from other varieties.

Why Craster Kippers are so good

So what makes Craster kippers so special? It comes down to a combination of quality, tradition, and flavour:

1. Freshness of the fish: The herrings used in Craster kippers are sourced from the pristine waters of the North Sea, ensuring the freshest catch. This natural environment, rich in nutrients, gives the fish its delicate, fresh taste, which is enhanced by the smoking process.

2. Traditional smoking techniques: The cold-smoking method used in Craster is a craft that has been perfected over generations. This slow process allows the natural oils of the fish to develop, resulting in a smooth, buttery texture with a deep, smoky flavour.

3. Artisan craftsmanship: Each kipper is carefully prepared by hand, ensuring consistent quality in every fish. The use of oak chips for smoking gives the kippers a subtle yet distinct flavour that’s impossible to replicate with modern, faster methods.

4. A versatile delicacy: While they are often enjoyed simply grilled with a knob of butter, Craster kippers are incredibly versatile. They make a delicious breakfast with eggs, can be served in salads, or incorporated into pâtés and pies for a more luxurious dish.

How to enjoy Craster Kippers

The best way to savour the rich flavour of Craster kippers is to keep things simple. Grilling or pan-frying them with a bit of butter is a popular method, and they’re often served with bread, poached eggs, or even a squeeze of lemon for a bright, fresh finish.

At Farmfetch, we’re proud to offer Craster Kippers by DukesHill, bringing the taste of this historic British tradition right to your home. For those looking to enjoy the finest kippers from Craster without travelling to Northumberland, our Craster kippers by post service ensures you can indulge in this delicacy wherever you are.