Herukoita

Herukoita is a Finnish term that translates to "herrings" in English. It refers to various species of small, silvery fish found in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. In Finnish cuisine, herrings are a popular and versatile ingredient, often preserved through salting, pickling, or smoking. Traditional dishes include sillisalaatti (herring salad), a layered salad with pickled herring, potatoes, and vegetables, and matjessill, a type of lightly cured herring. The consumption of herring in Finland has a long history, dating back centuries, and it remains an important part of the national diet, particularly during holidays and celebrations. The Baltic herring, a subspecies of the Atlantic herring, is particularly abundant in Finnish waters and is a common catch. Beyond its culinary significance, herring also plays a role in the local ecosystem, serving as a food source for larger fish, seabirds, and marine mammals.