Out of necessity, our ancestors mastered the art of cooking dried cod or skate from the Baltic Sea. Alternatively, saltwater fish such as herring was matured in barrels with a lower solution of brine.

The herring season is just beginning ... We often use milk for soaking because it effectively removes excess salt. However, you can also try buttermilk, which adds a delicate touch.

While Helen of Troy was the face that launched a thousand ships, herring may have launched more. Wars were fought over it centuries ago. In fact, fresh herring has long been a staple in many ...