Rollmops facts for kids
 |
|
| Main ingredients | pickled herring |
|---|---|
Rollmops are a type of food made from herring fish. They are fish fillets that have been pickled, which means they are preserved in a special liquid. These fillets are then rolled up into a cylinder shape, often with a tasty filling inside.
Contents
What are Rollmops?
Inside a rollmop, you'll usually find things like onion slices, gherkins (small pickled cucumbers), or green olives. Sometimes, a small stick, like a cocktail skewer, holds them together.
You can usually buy rollmops ready-to-eat in jars or tubs. The special liquid they are preserved in is called brine. This brine is made from water, white vinegar, and salt. It might also have sugar, onion rings, peppercorns, and mustard seeds to add more flavor.
Rollmops are eaten cold, and you don't need to unroll them. People often enjoy them on bread. Once you open a jar, they can stay fresh for about two to three weeks if you keep them cool in the fridge.
Where Does the Name "Rollmops" Come From?
The name "rollmops" comes from the German language. It combines two words: rollen, which means "to roll," and Mops, which can mean "fat young boy."
In German, "Rollmops" is used for one, and "Rollmöpse" is used for more than one. In English, people often use "rollmops" for both one or many.
The History of Rollmops
Pickled herring has been a popular food in Northern Europe for a very long time, even since the Middle Ages. Pickling was a great way to store and move fish, especially important during times when people couldn't eat meat, like during Lent. The fish would be prepared and then packed into large barrels for storage or travel.
Rollmops became very popular in Germany in the early 1800s. They were especially famous in Berlin. A big reason for their popularity was the growth of the railway system. This allowed fresh herring from the North Sea and Baltic Sea to be brought to places far inland. The fish was pickled to keep it fresh during the journey.
In old pubs in Berlin, it was common to see tall glass display cases on the bar. These were called Hungerturm, meaning "hunger tower." They showed off ready-to-eat snacks like rollmops, along with other foods like bread with lard, salt eggs, and meatballs.
Today, rollmops are still a popular food in Germany.
Where Are Rollmops Eaten?
Rollmops are eaten in many parts of Europe and South America. You can also find them in some areas of the United States and Canada.
In countries like Czechia and Slovakia, rollmops are so well-known that they even gave their name, "zavináč," to the @ symbol!
See also
In Spanish: Rollmops para niños
