A Fishy Phobia

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BBC Radio 4 - A Fishy Phobia

Angela Hartnett investigates why we eat so little of the fish and seafood we catch.

Top chef Angela Hartnett investigates the British hesitancy about fish that's not in batter. Much of the huge range of fish and seafood landed by UK fishermen is exported. Why?

Top chef Angela Hartnett loves cooking fish but wonders why so much of the huge range of fish and seafood that's landed by British fishermen is exported to continental markets. We may eat some of that world-class catch when we are on holiday in Spain or France, but not at home.

What are the cultural barriers to eating fish? Is it a hangover from the days of the Catholic Friday fast? A sense that meat is more vital and sustaining? Or just that we are a bit rubbish in the kitchen and at a loss when it comes to cooking fish?

Angela reports from the fishing port of Brixham in Devon as the trawlers come in and the fish is sold by electronic auction in the neighbouring fish market. She shares her thoughts with fellow chefs and seafood restaurant owners Mitch Tonks and Nathan Outlaw, together with representatives of the fishing industry. 

Meanwhile on the East Coast, we hear Mike Warner out fishing for herring - the affordable, plentiful but neglected fish that was once a staple, Pen Vogler gives us the historical context, and Angela has some conclusions about how to turn this island into a land of fish lovers at last.

Presented by Angela Hartnett
Produced by Susan Marling and Anna Horsbrugh-Porter
A Just Radio production for BBC Radio 4

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