Herring stocks are suffering from the effects of over-fishing and ecological changes, so herring is less widely available than it once was. If you can find it, choose a sustainable source, labelled with the MSC blue tick. Herring is available year round, but the flavour is best from spring to autumn. Herrings are usually sold whole. Ensure freshness by choosing large, firm and slippery fish. Mackerel or sardines can be used as a substitute in recipes if you can’t buy herrings.
