These JOSÉ Gourmet Small Sardines in Tomato came with a recent Caputo's order. I have experienced an increasing affinity for sardines in tomato-based sauces, after having avoided them for reasons of which I'm not entirely sure. Anyway, let's try these out.
Initial impression upon opening the can: 4.9/5.
There appear to be seven fish total. The can is a shallower one, so what you see is what you get (almost). The aroma is subtle, just slightly that of fresh sardine and somewhat vegetal. A sip of the red-tinted oil (EVOO!) is similarly vegetal, but gives no real hints of the tomato. I see no scales or fins.
Time To Eat
I was able to remove them all from the can largely intact. Underneath, and a happy surprise, was the tomato sauce from which the oil had separated. All told, there were a couple of tablespoons of it all, which I distributed over the fish and rice.
Tasting the tomato component, I find it has a subtle seasoning. The ingredients list tomato pulp, EVOO, onion and garlic, an unnamed preparation comprised of white wine, sugar, white pepper and paprika, and salt.
The seasonings account for a very small percentage of the list, but the onion, garlic and some sweetness, either from the tomato or the sugar, are the most detectable. The salt level, listed at 360mg. sodium, didn't distract.
The fish are tender, but firm enough to divide into bites with a fork without mushiness. While eating, I thought a spicy tomato version might be well-received. On the other hand, the sauce was subtle enough (I won't call it bland) to let the taste of the fish shine through.
If any complaint, it would be that there were a couple of pieces of what looked like some kind of brown grass that were either on or in one of the fish. Nothing in the ingredient list to explain it, but definitely some kind of plant material.
Main Takeaways
- Tender, tasty small sardines
- Well-balanced, subtle sauce lets fish flavor shine
Brand: 100 Misterios / JOSÉ Gourmet
Description: Small Sardines in tomato
Species: Pilchards
Country of Origin: Portugal
Source: FAO27, Northeast Atlantic
Skin/Bones: Yes/Yes
Net Wt: 3.2 oz.
Price Range: $9