Here's some viewer mail with questions and answers from our resident tinned fish "a-fish-ionado", Deen.
Dear Deen,
I'm trying to get into sardines, but the skin, guts and bones are off-putting. What do you suggest I do?
Signed,
Grossed Out in Georgia
Well, Georgia, I can at least tell you there shouldn't be any digestive tract, nor heads in most all cases. Occasionally, you'll see some offal or roe, completely edible. Skin and bones are another thing. Actually, the bones are relatively soft and safe to eat, and some people tell me they like that bit of crunch. And the bones do add a negligible amount of dietary calcium. If the fish are processed and packed well, the skin should be nice and smooth. And it doesn't really have a distinct flavor. My advice would be to look for one or more of the many skinless and boneless offerings out there, which typically list pilchards as the type of fish. They won't have the tail fins, either, like the small brislings or sprats typically do.
Yours,
Deen
Hey, Deen!
I bought a can of some new 'deenz (am I saying that right?) the other day, and it was only about two-thirds full. What's the deal?
Thanks,
Feeling Ripped Off in Reno
Hey, Reno! I know what you mean. Been there, seen that. The important thing to remember is that 'deenz and other tinned fish products are sold by weight, not by the can-full. The question is, how much of the oil or brine the fish is packed in is included in that weight (probably all). Some producers are nice enough to specify net dry weight on their labels, but not all do. A little trick I use is to shake an unfamiliar can side-to-side, and listen for how much "slosh" I hear and can feel. I might still go ahead and buy it, but at least I won't be upset when I crack the lid.
Cheers,
Deen
Dear Mr. Deen,
I'm having trouble finding many of the sardines that you talk about on your website in my local area. Walmart doesn't have too much, and the supermarket only has the low-end stuff and it's all over-priced. We have a Whole Foods and a Trader Joe's here, but I've never even heard of the brands they sell. What's an adventurous sardine lover to do?
Warmest regards,
Puzzled in Piscataway
Hi, there, Puzzled! No need for formality, just call me Deen. I hear you. I'm always on the hunt for new sources. Most of the reviews here include a link so you can buy them from Amazon. Sometimes, you can only get certain types in a pack of six or twelve, so that can be a hindrance, I know. But many are sold individually. And if you have Amazon Prime, the shipping is usually free. There are also some online vendors who sell a variety of brands, many that most people outside of hard core 'deenz fanatics have never even heard of. And they can be a bit pricy, too. See Where To Find Deenz Online for some options. Good luck in your quest!
Regards,
Deen
Hi, Deen!
I find that buying sardines and other types of canned fish is always a bit of a crap shoot. You can't tell what's in the can until you buy it and open it. A few cans have nice pictures, but what's in the can never looks like the package. Most times, I'm pleasantly surprised, and others I'm just disappointed. What to do?
Signed,
Frustrated in Fargo
Hey, Fargo! I know just what you mean. We've all opened cans to find plump, beautiful fish, and others that just contain mushy pieces parts. Whenever I try something new and share it here, I try to add a photo of the just-opened can. It might surprise you, but there are Youtube channels dedicated to reviewing different sardines and tinned fish products. They can be helpful by letting you see what's in the can before you buy.
All the best,
Deen
Dear Deen,
It seems like every other can of tinned fish I buy has this "California Proposition 65" warning label on it. Is it dangerous to eat sardines and other canned fish marked with this warning? What's going on with that?
I remain,
Apprehensive in Albuquerque
Hi, Al! You'll find that warning on a host of other food products if you look closely. It seems the State of California has imposed food safety legislation that is in many cases more stringent than that of the FDA. Companies who sell certain food products in that state are required to display the warning when their product falls under Proposition 65, or face stiff penalties. And that's even if the product is FDA approved. Some companies, rather than risk being fined, just opt to not sell their product in California.
As pertains to tinned fish, the legislation is primarily concerned with the mercury levels found in some fish. Fish lower in the food chain, smaller fish like sardines, are at a lower risk for mercury than those higher in the food chain. You can learn more at the link in the paragraph above.
Hope that helps,
Deen
Deen,
I looked at some of those online sardine sellers you talk about on here, and am wondering how on Earth some of those brands cost so much. $8 or more for a single can? What's up with that?
Sign me,
Shocked in Chicago
Hey, Shock. Once you get beyond the Walmart/supermarket level of tinned fish, you enter the world of artisanal canned fish. These are usually from smaller operations producing on a much more limited scale than the mega-corporate big guns. Some of them have been family-owned for the better part of a century. As such, you can (and should) expect consistently high quality, wild-caught, hand-packed and processed fish that should not disappoint. Always remember, though, the best sardines are the ones you like. So, if the lower-priced brands fit your taste and your budget, you can't go wrong.
Take care,
Deen
Hey Deen,
I've tried a bunch of different tinned seafood, but am wondering what else can I do besides just eat them straight from the can on a cracker?
Thanks,
Hungry in Hicksville
Hi, Hicks! Most people who try tinned fish eventually want to branch out and try using it in different ways. For some, it's as simple as serving it over rice or tossing it in some pasta. Check out a few of my favorite recipes for some more ambitious ideas.
Bon appetit!
Deen
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