Eels and Eel Pie

The Medical Research Council reported in 1928 that ‘the body oil in eels (almost 30 per cent of their whole substance) contains not only Vitamin D, but almost as much Vitamin A as good cod-liver oil — a striking confirmation of the medieval notion that eels have high dietetic value.’

(‘Rediscovering what our grandmothers knew so well that we’ve forgotten ’em, and calling ’em by fresh names!’)

To Kill Eels Instantly

‘To kill eels instantly, without the horrid torture of cutting and skinning them alive, pierce the spinal marrow, close to the back part of the skull, with a sharp pointed skewer; if this be done in the right place, all motion will instantly cease.’