That was Then, This is…Pickled Herring??

Jeff likes pickled herring.

In Nice Pull episode 72, we talked about things that we used to like and now don’t, as well as things we didn’t like but now do. Music, activities, people, and of course food. It was a lively conversation, but as I reflect back on the topics after another listen, one thing stands out:

Jeff likes pickled herring.

For the uninitiated, pickled herring is defined as “a preserved dish made by curing herring in a salt and vinegar solution, often flavored with sugar, onions, dill, and spices. It is a popular food in many parts of Europe and Canada and is known for being rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Pickled herring can be served in a variety of ways, such as with boiled potatoes and sour cream, or rolled into a snack with a pickle inside.”

Think about those ingredients for a minute: Sugar. Onions. Dill. Spices. A salt and vinegar solution (A solution? Don’t you make a solution to clean your grill or remove stains from a sweatshirt? A solution?). Oh yeah, I almost forgot-herring? A pickle? Sour cream? Boiled potatoes?

Are you hungry yet?

I keep thinking about this, because while we try to support each other’s opinions, perspectives, and grievances, this has stuck with me since we recorded (maybe it’s the salt and vinegar solution).

Jeff likes pickled herring.

I know I need to give him the benefit of the doubt; I admitted to a newfound affection for sardines, brussels sprouts and Lionel Richie; clearly I don’t have a leg to stand on here. Maybe we missed an opportunity when it came to discussing pickled herring that while, on the surface, it seems gross on multiple levels, it really slots in nicely in the pantheon of foods that really seemed like punishment.

You may be familiar with some of these: head cheese (a processed “meat” product comprised of ground up cartilage, eye sockets, ears, etc. from cow or pig’s head), beef tongue (exactly what you are picturing), and pig’s feet (same). This was also a category of foods consumed, promoted, and highly appreciated by, my maternal grandfather, but that could be an entirely different episode in itself.

I guess, without congratulating ourselves too much, we can take pride in the fact that we can evolve, we can change, look at things differently, grow, and have different opinions from our younger selves. I can accept that. I just can’t accept pickled herring. But that’s ok.

Jeff likes pickled herring.