The story of "Maatje" begins in the 15th century, in the northern areas in general and more specifically in Holland.

It is a special story, about a special fish and especially about a popular way of eating it, at a special time of the year, and here we are!

Those who want to know more, perhaps with a view to passing their "Maatjes Expert" exam, can read up on Wikipedia, in this article we remain focused on the notion of sharing and celebration, but also a little on the benefits of Mr Herring and the Maatjes Festival for the health of the people of Brussels!



It's true, we're not announcing anything new, far from it, our friends from Mer du Nord and afficionados from the Place Ste-Catherine have been preparing for it for some time now, and the whole of Brussels awaits this annual meeting of freshness, taste, friendship, sharing and delicious Matjees prepared according to tradition by Wouter and Véronique, owners of Mer du Nord.

For the occasion, the Mer du Nord team will set up 4 large tables to welcome the city in this ideal neighbourhood for this fish tradition, as it used to be the place of the fish market.
The Maatje recipe is simple (and so good with those fresh and crunchy onions...!), but the product is proposed respecting some important points, we don't joke with traditions in Brussels:
- Minimum 16% fat content (max 25%).
- The maatje must be caught between mid-May and the end of June.
- It must be encased (pressed in a barrel).
- It must be salted and matured.
- It must be frozen at least 24 hours before.
- The backbone must be completely removed (up to the tail).
- The temperature of the fish to be eaten must be 7ºC max.

As for the health benefits of herring, they are numerous, it is a great source of high quality Omega 3, it contains a high dose of Selenium (anti-oxidants), vitamins B12, B3, iron and finally Vitamin D!
Wow. A real secret weapon for our health, so don't hesitate, we'll meet at Place Ste-Catherine on Sunday 19 June, from 2pm onwards and on that day, we won't have breakfast!
We'll save ourselves for the festival of fresh food, herrings and friends in the North Sea!