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:
Both beautiful packaging and delicious sardines, double enjoyment.
Yes, a winner on both counts.
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.
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
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.
I think a lot of people say they dislike them because they are 'cheap peasant food'. But that makes me like them even more!!
Sound good and I like the picture on the can. Brunswick Canadian sardines here.
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.
I don't think I've ever had Canadian Sardines. I suppose the little darlings appear everywhere.
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.
What a delightful tin! Love sardines too, they are a very versatile food.
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!
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
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.
Wonderful things; I love tinned Tuna too.
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.
I'm not keen on Pilchards in Tomato sauce. I was hoping someone would mention the Lighthouse!
I don't suppose I'll be able to resist the above.... they're too good.
I could perhaps eat them if their heads were chopped off.
They leave the tails on! I eat the lot.
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.
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.
I wouldn’t eat sardines if they were caught near a nuclear power station.
Haha !!!! It had to be me ! XXXX
I like most tinned fish. Mackerel in white wine is probably my favourite.
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.
I am not a fan of the contents, but the can is pretty.
Let's make a deal. You have the can, and I'll eat the Sardines.
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.
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.
Goodness I like everything about this post !
Must go out to the "posh market " and see what type of sardines they have.
parsnip
What a mouth-watering post - and a tin lid worthy of hanging on the wall!
It's a surprisingly good combination; baked Potatoes and tinned Sardines. And, of course, it costs almost nothing.
They are good however one has them. An essential in the larder.
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.
Yes, the illustration is a bonus.
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