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Use and preparation of European smelts
European smelts have a distinct flavour reminding of cucumber. In earlier times it was considered a poor people food and was despised by the upper classes. Even today opinions about it differ widely. In Japan and China it is a popular food fish that is served grilled or fried. It tastes exceptionally well when crumbed and fried in fresh butter. Since it is an oily fish, it is also well suited for smoking or marinating.
In Northern Germany a traditional method of preparing smelt is to toss the whole fish, including head and tail, in rye flour and fry it in clarified butter. The fish bones are very soft and may be eaten as well. The fish is usually eaten by hand and accompanied by cucumber salad and fried potatoes or potato salad.