I started this account as a dedication to my new tiny tinned friends. My journey was a long one. Growing up in the inland Midwest, tinned fish had been some smelly aliens phenomenon to me. As I passed them groceries, I’d scoff and wonder “Who eats these oily little cans?” It was not until I spent a little time in the Mediterranean that I discovered the variety and flavor within the can. From a life absent of oily little fishies, they’re now a daily fixture. I hope you will enjoy this journey with me into the world of tinned fish.Review:Our first review starts with one of the best. Matiz is a Spanish conservas brand known for its quality and reasonable prices … think Zara. Its sardinillas, mini sardines, are caught off the coast of Galicia in the brisk waters of the Eastern Atlantic. This tin is lightly flavored with piquillo peppers and satisfying EVOO. Their taste is a delightful buttery one and their texture is tender and firm. For someone new to sardines, these are certain to leave a good impression. Clean, tasty, and reasonably priced - what a great starting point.
I picked up Belmar Sardinhas at Central Market. They recently had an event focused on Portuguese cuisine. Portuguese cuisine certainty includes its sardines which can be delectable. Belmar was a standard-fare sardine that satisfied my lunch needs.
Matiz's heartier sardines, three per tin, deliver a rich, natural taste without added peppers. Harvested from the Eastern Atlantic, these sardines in quality olive oil highlight their umami flavor and flaky texture. Ideal for quick, nutritious meals, they embody the simplicity and satisfaction of tinned fish.
Ramón Peña is a premium-end cannery that offers products across the Tin Hat universe. Our team checked out its sardinillas and it was no disappointment. The sardinillas offered that same palette complexity found in a larger Sardine while they still fit on a cracker. For something of this caliber, we chose to eat them by the fork. The tin demonstrates that not all fish are created equally.
Have fun. Don't be mean. Feel free to criticize sardines, not people. Report bad behavior.
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