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Sardines

When I was a kid, we had at least two delicacies at Christmas time, pickled herring and sardines.  Both were luxuries.  I came to love them both.  Need I mention that both come in variations of quality?  Well, they do.  Let’s talk sardines, those tiny fish packed into a small tin in a variety of sauces, mustard, tomato, olive oil and more. 

Let's talk about sardines packed in olive, or extra virgin olive oil, my preferred.  Thinking they are all the same, you go to the store, and select the brand in your price range, normally about $1.00-5.00 for a 3.75 oz. tin.  What to pick?

Sardines come from Mexico to British Columbia, from Morocco, Portugal, Norway, Scotland, and Poland.  There are many more places from which these prized tiny little fishes are harvested and packed.

Do not be deceived.  The price is a not solid indicator of the quality, and the quality is not exactly determined by price.  Except in one case.  King Oscar sardines are packed in Poland.  The little tins have 20-22 fishes are packed in high quality olive oil.  They used to come from Norway, but I guess the EU packing costs grew too high.   Prices range from $2.50 on up.

But take it from me… If you like sardines, go King Oscar, the sardines from so many years ago.

Know another excellent brand???  Please let me know.

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