Surströmming: The Secrets of this Stinky Swedish Fish

Surstromming, Swedish for sour herring, is legendary for its powerful stink. But it's all a result of the chemistry of preserving food. This week on Reactions, we learn about the world's smelliest food with help from the people who know it best.

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Credits:
Producer: Sean Parsons
Writer: Alexa Billow
Scientific Consultants: Michelle Boucher, PhD; Robert McGorrin, Ph.D.
Executive Producer: George Zaidan
Fact Checkers: Alison Le
Music:
Smidi - Easy Listening
LANCARTIS - Disco-Funk Classic Version
Alandra Lightflower Jones - Strike it up

Sources:

Ever wonder why dogs sniff each others' butts? Or how Adderall works? Or whether it's OK to pee in the pool? We've got you covered: Reactions a web series about the chemistry that surrounds you every day.

Produced by the American Chemical Society.

[jinkiesjess]

"These boneheads from buzzfeed"
shots fired

[jasonkh]

Out of all the videos on Surstromming, besides the ones of actual Swedes in their backyards enjoying it, I think this is the most respectful one to the heritage and the one which most portrays it as a potentially enjoyable thing. I may actually want to try this someday, under the right circumstances...

[haimo]

Oh, hey. Look. A video about surströmming that contains common sense. Nice.

[Sharkaat]

And this is how you eat surströmming. Glad they dissed the silly viral videos that 'demonstrate that fermented fish is disgusting'.

[mattijees]

This is a good point, to have surströmming in traditional way, as a part of the meal, rather than just eating it straight from the can like a jackass.

[Reiza]

0:28 the way she pronounce it was very satisfying

[damianvila]

Curiously, a lot of fermented foods (without additives), are an acquired taste. I particularly like natto, or really soft camembert. And the texture is not a problem at all. I also ate snails (typical in Spain), but most people find it gross. Fun fact: Roman soldiers carried snails with them, to cook while marching to far away places. It was a kind of “fast food” of ancient times.

[jianhonglin]

if your gonna experience the culture, at least have the courtesy to do it right

[rinukrajan]

കാർത്തിക് സൂര്യയുടെ വീഡിയോ കണ്ടിട്ട് വരുന്നവർക്ക് ലൈക്‌ അടിക്കാനുള്ള കമന്റ്‌ 🥺🥺🥺🤧🤧

[athulbenny]

എനിക്കറിയമാരിന്നു നീ എന്നെത്തേടി വരുമെന്ന് 😂😂

[ajaywayanadan]

കാർത്തിക്ക് സൂര്യയുടെ വീഡിയോ കണ്ട് വരുന്നവർക്ക് like അടിക്കാം 😂

[unknown-ikxf]

Karthik suryayude വീഡിയോ കണ്ടു വന്നവർ ഉണ്ടോ

[Grimfaxe]

This is the most accurate video about Surströmming on yt!!

[kevinbyrne]

Thanks for this one - I’ve been curious about it and glad to understand the chemistry behind the ferment. Plus it was nice to hear about the history and watch people enjoy surströmming.

[marvinc]

This is the fanciest video about Surströming i've seen.

[AndersJackson]

I open in plastic bag as to not may the spray going all over the place. But once cracked open you can take it out of the water/bag.
And you also can drink light beer or milk to it.

And also start with small bites in the beginning. And have tomatoes to the mix.

Opening the can outside, but you can eat it inside.

[ultraesgaming]

Karthik മുത്ത് vdo കണ്ട് സാബു പറഞ്ഞത് സത്യമാണോ എന്ന് അറിയാൻ വന്ന ഞാൻ pling 😄✅️😄😄😄

[erikdahl]

This video earned you a new subscriber. No over dramatic millenial bullshit. No bonheads from buzzfeed as you said. So refreshing! Thank you.

[TET]

The moment you are preparing this dish... the flies mysteriously appear!

[lime_em]

Tremendously educational! Big round of applause for you all.