Description
Sugar‑cured herring is a preserved fish product made by curing herring in a high‑sugar, high‑salt solution at refrigerated temperatures over several weeks.
Technical
The high concentration of sugar (30–40 % w/w) and salt (10–15 % w/w) lowers the water activity (aw) below 0.6, creating an environment hostile to mesophilic bacteria. Simultaneously, the solution lowers the pH to around 5.5–6.0, further inhibiting spoilage organisms. The process relies on osmotic dehydration and acidification rather than fermentation, resulting in a firm, sweet‑savory product.
Science
Primary Reaction
osmotic dehydration and acidification
Sensory Profile
Aroma ()
sweetbrinyfishymildsavorycaramelizedoceanichoneyedmineralbuttery