These Angelo Parodi Sardine Fillets in Olive Oil were an impulse buy at World Market. I figured I mostly knew what I would be getting from the label. Closer examination of same revealed they were from FAO34, Eastern Central Atlantic, as opposed to the expected FAO37, Mediterranean Sea. I can't say why I thought that. Perhaps my expectation was that a Southern European producer would be more likely to source from there as opposed to the waters off the west coast of Africa. But then I noticed these are sourced from Morocco, and only exported by an Italian firm.
Initial impression upon opening the can: 2.5/5.
Not the prettiest can of boneless skinless pilchards. But texturally, they were no different from the average skinless boneless pilchards I had tried before. Notice I said "average". I've definitely had better, but these were OK. I noticed a subtle, unusual "something" about the taste. I'm not sure if it was due to the fish or the oil they were packed in. It reminded me of scrambled egg, not necessarily in a bad way, just in an unusual one.
They were on sale for under $3, but I can't say I'm moved to buy them again. YMMV. I'll stick with the King Oscar until I find something better.
I see that Parodi also offers a skin-on, bone-in Portugese version that sells for about $5 a can in lots of two on Amazon. I might be tempted to try them.
Brand: Angel Parodi
Description: Sardines fillets boneless skinless in olive oil
Species: Sardina pilchardus
Country of Origin: Morocco
Source: FAO34, Eastern Central Atlantic
Skin/Bones: No/No
Net Wt: 3.7 oz.
Price Range: $4