Bloater Paste is a fish spread made from salted, smoked herrings called “bloaters”, which are smoked whole with the insides still in them. A bloater has a more gamey flavour than cleaned herrings.
It is sold in small jars. Once opened, refrigerate and use within 3 days.
Bloater Paste is usually spread on toast, though it is also good on a jacket potato.
It is seen as a bit working class by some.
Shippam’s is a well-known brand of Bloater Paste, made since at least 1890 from Mackerel, and Bloater.
Sainsbury’s has made its own brand for a long time.
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Update January 2016: Bloater Paste may have been discontinued by all producers.
