VisitShetland

Food and Drink

Fresh and Natural...

Shetland's produce has built a reputation for being fresh, natural and a quality product.

The importance of using high quality, fresh products is understood, and of local origin where possible.

Shetland's larder is larger that it used to be.

Seafood

We still produce superb seafood, however a far wider range is now available, with around 35 species being landed.

A seafood platter

Farmed products have held a quality reputation, and the diversification of farming will enhance this further with the production of salmon, mussels, cod and halibut. Salmon, rapid chilled and transported, reaches mainland tables quickly.

Some of Shetland's seafood catch is smoked, pickled, or turned into other mouth watering dishes before it leaves the islands.

Most people know smoked salmon in its cold smoked form, but the hot smoked variety is quite different and a real treat. Gravadlax - salmon marinated in cognac and dill - is another Shetland delicacy. Herring, mackerel and haddock are also available smoked and herring comes pickled, too, in a variety of styles.

The range of seafood is growing rapidly and products like smoked haddock chowder, salmon pate or crab bisque are becoming available throughout the UK and abroad.

Shetland still produces excellent potatoes and other root vegetables. Cabbage is widely cultivated, the young plants grown in plantiecrubs - small stone enclosures protecting the crop from the wind and sheep - which intrigue many visitors.

Nowadays, though, tomatoes, cucumbers, courgettes, peppers, coriander and strawberries figure on a lengthening list of produce from glasshouses in the islands.

In contrast to many communities in the north of Scotland, Shetlanders can choose bread from any of several local bakeries, and enjoy local real ale from Britain's most northerly brewery in Unst.

Shetland Vodka and Gin are now available in bars, shops and restaurants across the UK - and the world. A whisky distillery is planned, but the new white spirits range - using Shetland botanicals - has already proved very popular as a premium, quality product, delivering on taste and value.

Produce of the Land

The islands' organic lamb and mutton is unsurpassed, thanks to heathery, salty pastures which produce a superb, quite unforgettable flavour.

Reestit mutton is still prepared in the traditional way, and the wonderful potato soup based on it is an essential part of Shetland's Christmas, New Year and Up Helly Aa celebrations.

All this superb local produce is, of course, supplemented by the wide range of food available in supermarkets and specialist shops, but remember that if you buy local products, you'll help both the Shetland economy and the global environment.

More about Shetland's Food

Whether you want to order a side of succulent Shetland smoked salmon for ar special family occasion, find local suppliers of our real ale or obtain delicious hill lamb or mussels for your shop or restaurant, Shetland's food suppliers are at your service.

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