Monday 18 November 2019

Sardines.



I'm sure I've mentioned here before, that I am a huge fan of tinned Sardines.

At a recent local market, I was advised by a good friend to buy some sardines from a producer who'd come all the way from St Gilles-Croix-de-Vie (85), to the North of La Rochelle. These are Atlantic Sardines rather than the more common Mediterranean ones.

Every inch of the canning process is done by hand; a tradition that Conserverie Gendreau have practised ever since they started back in 1903.

Of course there's a lot of hype involved in the sale of every product, and Sardines are no exception. They claim to be the best (who doesn't), and have their cans illustrated by 'self-taught' local-born painter Suzy Ocadlik. The only difference between these and others, is that the fish are roasted for a while before being canned. They are, of course, in Olive Oil.

I recently surprised myself by making baked potatoes that were split in half, filled with a plump tinned Sardine, and with plenty of the Olive Oil poured over. It was stunningly delicious.

So, are they good? Indeed they are; there is a more pronounced flavour of grilled Sardine than in some makes. I'd give them 9/10.

The tins have a charm.


36 comments:

  1. Both beautiful packaging and delicious sardines, double enjoyment.

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  2. I am a total sucker for gorgeous packaging and if these were on offer near me, they'd be on the shopping list! I made the Sicilian pasta con le sarde the other night to utilise half a fennel I had kicking about in the fridge. So delicious! Baked potatoes haven't been on the menu here in an age but you've made me reconsider this failing.

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    1. We are now lighting our sitting room stove daily, and it's so easy to bung a few foil-wrapped spuds under the embers. They are delicious.

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  3. Sardines!
    Never mind the packaging and the hype, just show me the sardines.
    I'll eat them tinned or fresh, a baked potato is just the thing to accompany them.
    Of course the ones I eat are neither French nor artisanal, I still enjoy them.
    Alphie

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    1. I think a lot of people say they dislike them because they are 'cheap peasant food'. But that makes me like them even more!!

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  4. Sound good and I like the picture on the can. Brunswick Canadian sardines here.

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    1. I don't think I've ever had Canadian Sardines. I suppose the little darlings appear everywhere.

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  5. I love tinned sardines. Ours are greek, some better than others. Don't know about baked potatoes but we'll be eating them chickpeas today. A traditional accompaniment.

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    1. I only eat Chickpeas in two ways. Either I make them into Humus, or I put them in Moroccan style Tagines. I should be more adventurous.

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  6. What a delightful tin! Love sardines too, they are a very versatile food.

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  7. 30th September 2019 found me in Coimbra, Portugal. There is a shop which is a veritable monument to sardine canning. You can buy a tin displaying your birth year. I'm not sure if they were actually canned in that year. I don't fancy a 1944 tin of sardines - but a nice idea for the tourists!

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    1. There used to be a trend for keeping tinned Sardines a bit like wine. They turned them over every six months, and probably wrapped the tins in cotton wool. I don't suppose it made any difference to the contents, but they felt proud of themselves.

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  8. Love ‘em...... and, on toast is always good. I like pilchards as well. There’s always a tin of sardines in the cupboard. The tin is charming ( if a little phallic 🤣 ) XXXX

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    1. I'm not keen on Pilchards in Tomato sauce. I was hoping someone would mention the Lighthouse!

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    2. Haha !!!! It had to be me ! XXXX

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  9. Years ago a friend once brought me the most beautiful tin of sardines from Portugal and made me promise never to open them, I haven't. I still love the tin.

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    1. I don't suppose I'll be able to resist the above.... they're too good.

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  10. I could perhaps eat them if their heads were chopped off.

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  11. I have always loved tinned sardines, so delicious and versatile. We also buy tinned mackerel which have a more delicate flavour. I could happily eat them any which way.

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    1. I like most tinned fish. Mackerel in white wine is probably my favourite.

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  12. I like sardines with the bones left in. My favorite tinned sardines are the Portuguese. Like you say, in olive oil. I tend to eat them when Mrs G is out for the evening. I’ve no green fingers when it comes to cooling, but sardines on toast and a glass of red wine I can just about manage.

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    1. I wouldn’t eat sardines if they were caught near a nuclear power station.

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    2. I generally find that the cheaper they are, the better they are (above is an exception). Cheap Moroccan or Portuguese Sardines can be excellent; and if fished from waters near a power station, you have the advantage of them glowing in the dark.

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  13. I am not a fan of the contents, but the can is pretty.

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    1. Let's make a deal. You have the can, and I'll eat the Sardines.

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  14. Coincidentally I was wondering what to have with the baked potatoes I decided to have for dinner. I have now changed my decision. Some sardines will go down very well. If I'd had some smoked anchovies as well then I'd be a very contented person.

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    1. It's a surprisingly good combination; baked Potatoes and tinned Sardines. And, of course, it costs almost nothing.

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  15. The tins are indeed a delight. I love sardines - usually in either a sandwich or on toast but I also love jacket potatoes so might try them the way you suggest and report back.

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    1. They are good however one has them. An essential in the larder.

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  16. Goodness I like everything about this post !
    Must go out to the "posh market " and see what type of sardines they have.
    parsnip

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    1. I currently have about 6 or 7 different types. The only ones I can't find that I really like are Sardines in Harissa sauce, but I expect they'll turn-up again somewhere.

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  17. What a mouth-watering post - and a tin lid worthy of hanging on the wall!

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