This Da Morgada Portugese Mackerel was purchased at the same time as some of their spiced sardines. I enjoy tinned mackerel, with some exceptions, and this one was attractively priced. I was concerned that "cavala" meant I might be getting whole horse mackerel again, but that fear was unfounded. This carton doesn't have the gold accents their sardine carton did, but the graphics are quite eye-catching.
Initial impression upon opening the can: 5/5.
Five really nice looking fillets. A sip of the oil is neutral. The fillets are firm enough to be plucked from the can intact. Their texture is slightly al dente, with a mild flavor. I am again reminded that I tend to prefer mackerel over sub-premium tuna. The ingredients list salt, and I thought it might have benefited from a little more. But I didn't have any on hand. I tried a few drops of Valentina on a bite, but it wasn't the improvement I was looking for.
My overall impression was mixed. I've had other mackerel in this price range or even lower that I liked just as well if not more than this one.
I really need to find a way to use this type of mackerel in some kind of dish, perhaps as a substitute for tuna in a Nicoise salad.
Main Takeaways
- Firm, tasty mackerel meat
- Could have used a little more salt
- Re-purchase uncertain
Brand: Da Morgada
Description: Portugese mackerel
Species: Scomber sp.
Country of Origin: Portugal
Source: FAO27, Northeast Atlantic
Skin/Bones: No/No
Net Wt: 4.2 oz.
Price Range: $5