08 Oct Culinary expedition – The flavours of the coast on your plate

Our Dutch coast has much more to offer us than we often realise. From samphire and seaweed to mussels and oysters, the sea and the beach are full of ingredients that are surprisingly close by and sustainable. More and more chefs are drawing inspiration from this local wealth and translating the flavours of the coast into pure, refined dishes. There is simply much more to be had than you might expect. Be inspired by some of these salty ingredients and delicacies:

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 flavour. Did you know that in some places in the Netherlands, such as Zeeland and South Holland, you can harvest oysters yourself? As long as you follow the rules, such as the maximum weight you can harvest 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: crisp, fresh and full of flavour. They are perfect with fish dishes or as a surprising bite on their own.

Seaweed

Seaweed is increasingly finding its way into our kitchens. It grows abundantly along the Dutch coast, especially in the Wadden Sea and Zeeland, where it attaches itself to dykes and stones. However, it is not a matter of course to simply pick and eat wild seaweed. Not all species 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 such as pasta or bread. And let’s not 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 United Kingdom, you can find them in restaurants, markets and speciality shops, often fresh and locally harvested. From a plate of mussels with chips to refined dishes with oysters or samphire: the coast literally brings flavour to your plate.

Curious about how you can experience the salty flavours of the coast for yourself? At Eat2Gather, we love to be inspired by this culinary wealth. Whether it’s during a sushi workshop with seaweed, a walk through the city with a stop for fresh fish, or a wild picking tour along the coast. Would you like to receive more information? We’d love to hear from you.