Jamaica Herrings

• 12 herrings, or more
• Salt
• 20-35 whole allspice
• white wine vinegar as required

Clean the herrings, take off the heads and (only if necessary) run briefly under the cold tap. Wipe dry with soft kitchen paper. Scrape each fish on both sides with a blunt knife held almost parallel to the fish. Work from the tail downward, holding the tail in your left hand. Sprinkle your fingers with salt for a firm grip.

Lay a row of herrings side by side in a deep square or loaf ti