I guess I'm on a bit of a mackerel kick lately. These sounded good, Nuri Spiced Mackerel Fillets in Olive Oil. There needs to be a distinction made between "spicy" and "spiced". It seems that, in the world of tinned fish, "spiced" doesn't necessarily mean "hot". So, even though there are a bunch of red peppers on the label, that's not what's really going on here.
Initial impression upon opening the can: 5/5.
The score is based on a full packing of fish, a clean look to the olive oil, and the aroma of the spices wafting up from the just-opened can. A sip of the oil gives a subtle preview of the infused spices.
The meat is tender, the fillets breaking apart somewhat easily as they are extracted from the tin. The texture is reminiscent of tuna, but the flavor more mild.
Spicing Things Up
I have seen video of the Pinhais packing operation in Matosinhos, Portugal. The empty cans move down a conveyor belt with several ladies seated on either side. As the cans move past, they toss a variety of things into them: small, thin slices of carrot and cucumber; peppercorn and whole clove; and one small red chilli. Meanwhile, another lady is scissor-snipping bay leaves cross-wise into small strips, and one of those pieces is tossed into each can as well.
In Summary
Of all the spices, the bay and clove are most evident, the pepper not so much. They're all underneath the fish, so that's why you don't see them in the photo. An interesting flavor combination with the richness of the mackerel. These were good, I'd try them again.
Brand: Pinhais/Nuri
Description: Spiced Mackerel in Olive Oil
Species: Mackerel
Country of Origin: Portugal
Source: FAO27, Northeast Atlantic
Skin/Bones: No/No
Net Wt: 4.4 oz.
Price Range: $8