What is Kæst skata?

Question

What is Kæst skata?

TasteAtlas · Accepted Answer

Known for its rather pungent smell, kæst skata is an Icelandic winter specialty consisting of fermented skate. Skate fish is typically buried in sand and left to ferment for 6 months - a process which gives the fish its recognizable smell of ammonia. The fish is occasionally salted, which significantly diminishes its strong smell. In Iceland, this fish specialty has long been an indispensable part of the holiday table for Þorláksmessa (Mass of St. Thorlák, celebrated on December 23), although its popularity has been on the decline in recent years. Kæst skata is mostly consumed in the West Fjords area, and it is typically accompanied by boiled potatoes and turnips, lamb fat, and buttered slices of rye bread, as well as some brennivín schnapps (traditional Icelandic beverage) and cold beer on the side. As for the flavor of the dish, opinions are divided between those who truly appreciate its flavor and regard the dish as a delicacy and those who are entirely repelled by its smell, so much that they won't even try it.