sillen

Sillen is the definite form of the Swedish word sill, meaning herring. It refers to the Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus) and to the assortment of prepared products based on herring that are common in Nordic cuisine. Herring is a small, oily fish found in the North Atlantic and adjacent seas, including the Baltic and North Seas. It forms large seasonal schools and plays an important role in regional fisheries. Typical adult herring range from about 25 to 40 centimeters in length and can live for around a decade.

In Swedish and broader Nordic cooking, sillen is widely preserved and presented in many marinades. The preparation usually involves salting, pickling, or curing, often with vinegar, sugar and spices to create shelf-stable products. Popular varieties include senapssill (mustard herring), löksill (onion herring), and dillsill (dill-flavored herring), among others. Sillen is commonly sold in jars or cans and served as part of traditional meals.

Culinary use centers on communal meals and seasonal feasts. In Sweden, sillen is a staple on the Christmas Eve julbord and is also enjoyed during Midsummer celebrations, typically accompanied by boiled or new potatoes, sour cream or crème fraîche, chives, and crispbread.

Nutritionally, herring is a rich source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. In terms of sustainability, herring stocks are subject to international management and quotas, reflecting fluctuations in stock size and fishing pressure. Sillen thus overlaps fisheries, culture, and cuisine across the Nordic region.