The word "kippered" is spelled with three syllables: /ˈkɪpərd/. The letter "k" signifies a voiceless velar stop, while the letter "i" represents the short "i" sound. The "p" and "r" sounds together create a voiced alveolar flap, which is the phoneme "t" in American English. Finally, the second "e" in "kippered" represents the schwa sound. This word is often used to describe fish that have been smoked and dried, resulting in a strong, savory flavor.
Kippered is an adjective that refers to a method of food preservation, specifically used for fish, especially herring. It describes a process in which the fish is cured by undergoing a combination of smoking, salting, and drying. The term "kippered" is commonly associated with the British cuisine, where the technique of kippering has been used for centuries.
When fish is kippered, it is typically split open along the backbone, cleaned, and then either dry-salted or wet-brined for a short period of time. The fish is then rinsed to remove excess salt or brine and then usually subjected to a gentle smoking process. Traditional wood such as oak or beech is commonly used to generate the smoke, which imparts a distinct flavor to the fish.
The kippering process effectively preserves the fish, making it suitable for longer-term storage. Kippered fish can be consumed directly or used as a flavoring ingredient in various dishes, such as salads, sandwiches, or pasta. The strong and slightly smoky taste of kippered fish adds a unique character to recipes.
In summary, the term "kippered" describes a specific method of curing fish, predominantly herring, through a combination of smoking, salting, and drying. It is a culinary technique that has been employed for centuries by the British, creating preserved fish with a distinct smoky flavor.
Split open, salted, seasoned, and smoked for keeping-applied to fish, as kippered salmon or herring.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "kippered" comes from the Old English word "cyperian", which means "to cure by means of smoke". It is derived from the word "cyper", meaning "smoke" and is related to the Middle Dutch word "kipen" and the Middle Low German word "kipen", both of which also mean "to smoke". The term "kippering" originally referred to the process of preserving or curing fish, particularly herring, by smoking them. Over time, the term "kippered" expanded to include other foods preserved through the smoking process.