Deep Dives: Under-Appreciated Gems

When we first sampled this product we were stunned by the price, and even questioned it to be sure it was right. This is one of the best tinned salmon products on the market, and the price means it can be a daily driver.

115g tin

Spiced sardines in olive oil from one brand or another is the number one seller here. Everyone loves a bit of the spicy a bit of the carrot a bit of the pickle to go along with their 'dine.

Also available as part of our Fish Dish: Seriously Spicy Ramen.

120g tin

Pictured on tabbouleh with cucumbers and tomatoes.

White mackerel is also known as chub mackerel. These are boneless and skinless fillets packed in organic extra virgin olive oil with organic sweet and hot peppers, onions and garlic.

125g (4.4 oz) tin

When you want a little bit of everything, this is the perfect tin. It's got three different seafoods in one tin: mussels, squid, and sardines. Gently spiced with onion, garlic, bell pepper, and our favorite spice Piment d'Espelette.

Yes, you read that right, three different seafoods in one tin. Irresistible.

100g (3.52 oz) tin

If there were a Mount Rushmore of Portuguese sardines, Berthe would be on it. Can you even call yourself a sardine aficionado if you haven't tried these? Nope, you can't.

125g (4.4 oz) tin

Boneless skin-on fillets garnished with thin slice, sometimes two, of green olive. Surprisingly delicious.

100g (3.5 oz) tin

Serve with crusty bread, or a protein addition to salad, rice, or pasta.

115g (4.05 oz) tin

The sweet piquillo pepper is a mainstay of dishes made with Spanish seafood. Some people keep a jar of piquillo peppers on hand to go along with their sardines, and some people prefer to have the piquillo peppers delivered along with the sardines. We don't judge.

85g tin

When you buy the albacore under the Espinaler branding, you're getting fish caught locally and processed fresh by master canners. When you buy the Pepus brand, it's still the work of the same master canners, but the fish may be caught in the Atlantic, Pacific, or Indian oceans, and may or may not be processed from fresh. Still a darned good tin of tuna, and you can't beat the price.

111g (4 oz) tin

Garfish, aka needlefish, are a small fish similar to, but distinct from, sardines and anchovies. In cross-section they are more like a pencil, whereas we see sardines as being more like an inverted teardrop. The chew is different, as well, but not so different as to be off-putting. I think the best way to appreciate garfish is to taste them side-by-side with sardines. Many people who do this find they prefer the garfish to sardines. We like them both equally.

115g tin