Reviving Our Coastal Bounty: A Dive into Great British Seafood Revival

Great British Seafood Revival, authored by food writer and seafood educator CJ Jackson, in collaboration with acclaimed photographer Steve Lee, emerges as a celebration of Britain’s rich fishing heritage. This book transcends the boundaries of a traditional cookbook, functioning as a cultural manifesto that beckons readers to revisit the diverse array of sustainable seafood available along the UK’s shores.

Arevival of Culinary Tradition

The book’s title encapsulates its essence: it is indeed a revival. A vital effort to reconnect the nation with its coastal identity, it addresses the paradox that permeates the UK’s seafood consumption. Surprisingly, Britain exports around 80% of its seafood yet imports a similar amount of what it actually consumes. Through engaging prose and stunning visuals, CJ and Steve aim to bridge this gap, urging readers to appreciate more locally sourced fish, recognize the hard work of British fishermen, and understand the real costs associated with the meals on their plates.

The Heart of the Book

From its heartfelt dedication to the dedicated individuals working within the fishing industry, the book radiates respect and gratitude for those involved in the journey of seafood from ocean to table. CJ’s introduction lays out a clear mission: to move beyond the nation’s over-reliance on the “Big Five” seafood species—cod, haddock, salmon, tuna, and prawns—and rediscover often-overlooked fish such as coley, megrim, ling, and witch.

Each chapter focuses on different groups of seafood, ranging from white fish to shellfish, tinned fish, and seaweed. The structure of the book integrates elements of an encyclopedia, travelogue, and recipe book. Amid essays that explore sustainability, fishing practices, and the implications of post-Brexit regulations, CJ includes accessible recipes that highlight the unique qualities of each species. Notable dishes include Rösti Potato and Parsnip Fish Pie, Stuffed Megrim from a 1938 Mac Fisheries diary, and a stunning Whole Salt-Crusted Turbot.

Writing with Heart and Heritage

CJ’s engaging writing style combines warmth with deep knowledge. A former director of the Billingsgate Seafood School, she draws from decades of experience to make seafood approachable without oversimplifying its complexity. Her narratives are interspersed with personal anecdotes, such as her childhood memories of eating winkles and learning from seasoned London fishmongers at Billingsgate, which add a relatable touch to the factual content.

Sustainability Made Understandable

The book excels in its clear and patient explanations of sustainability. CJ addresses complex issues—including quotas and marine conservation—with precision, elucidating the roles of organizations like the Marine Conservation Society and the Marine Stewardship Council. She presents the argument that choosing sustainable seafood benefits everyone, advocating for daily decisions that can promote responsible consumption, such as asking questions at the fish counter or opting for lesser-known species when available.

Rediscovering Lost Knowledge

A poignant theme throughout the book is the lack of awareness surrounding seafood in contemporary Britain. CJ poignantly reflects on the decline of supermarket fish counters and the traditional high-street fishmonger, which has led to a troubling disconnect in consumer understanding. “Children I work with today have no knowledge of many types of seafood,” she states, noting the limitations of pre-packaged offerings. This cultural gap emphasizes the project’s mission—to reconnect the chain from sea to fishmonger to kitchen.

Recipes for Every Cook

While educational components are robust, the book remains firmly rooted in its role as a cookbook. Each recipe is straightforward yet imaginative, showcasing flavour and practicality. CJ incorporates global influences, with dishes like Pan-fried White Fish with Chilli, Coriander, and Tomato Kachumber, yet remains firmly anchored in British culinary identity. Techniques like baking fish in a salt crust or pan-frying in brown butter are made accessible, transforming potentially intimidating species into approachable fare.

Design and Presentation

Produced by Merlin Unwin Books, this visually appealing volume complements its informative content. The clean, inviting design features ample photography and well-organized sections. Recipes are laid out clearly, while CJ’s introductions provide valuable insights into each fish type’s provenance and preparation.

Conclusion

Great British Seafood Revival is a timely and inspiring work that weaves cooking, travel writing, and social history into a coherent narrative. It embodies a pivotal moment for the British fishing industry, facing economic pressures and environmental challenges while revealing its potential for renewal.

Through CJ’s evocative prose and Steve Lee’s captivating photography, the book presents a compelling case for consuming more seafood sourced from our waters. It invites readers to venture beyond familiar fillets, engage with the communities behind the catch, and rediscover these culturally significant flavors.

This is not merely a cookbook; it serves as an act of celebration and advocacy. The message resonates: consuming British seafood is a way to embrace a living tradition that connects the coast to the kitchen and bridges the past with the future.

To explore CJ’s book, ‘The Great British Seafood Revival’, you can order it here.