Shellfish and Crustaceans
Think of fresh mussels, cockles, clams, and of course oysters, delicious with a squeeze of lemon or vinaigrette. These salty delicacies are a symbol of our coast and are appreciated by chefs and enthusiasts for their pure taste. Did you know that in the Netherlands, in places like Zeeland and South Holland, you can pick (harvest) oysters yourself? As long as you follow the rules, such as the maximum weight you pick and only in permitted areas.
Samphire and Sea Lavender
In addition to what the sea provides, the salty soil and salt marshes also produce unique ingredients. Samphire and sea lavender are true seasonal products: crunchy, fresh, and full of flavor. They are perfect with fish dishes or as a surprising bite on their own.
Seaweed
More and more often, seaweed finds its way into our kitchen. It grows abundantly along the Dutch coast, especially in the Wadden Sea and Zeeland, where it attaches to dikes and stones. However, it is not a given to just pick and eat wild seaweed. Not all types are tasty or suitable for consumption, and water quality plays an important role. That is why cultivated seaweed is also grown in Zeeland, for example, at special seaweed farms in the Oosterschelde. This seaweed is food-safe, versatile, nutritious, and sustainable and is used for sushi, salads, broths, and even innovative products like pasta or bread. And not to forget, the increasingly popular seaweed burger!
From the Coast to the Kitchen
What makes our coast special is that all these ingredients are not just reserved for top chefs. In the Netherlands, you can simply find them in restaurants, markets, and specialty stores, often fresh and locally harvested. From a plate of mussels with fries to refined dishes with oysters or samphire: the coast literally brings flavor to your plate.
Curious how you can experience the salty flavors of the coast yourself? At Eat2Gather, we are happy to be inspired by this culinary wealth. Whether it's during a sushi workshop with seaweed, a walk through the city with a fresh fish stop, or a wild picking tour along the coast. Want to receive more info? We'd love to hear from you.
