I had picked up these Nuri Spiced Sardines in Olive Oil at World Market a while back, at the same time as a can of their spiced mackerel.
Initial impression upon opening the can: 4.5/5.
The skin is a bit torn up. I guess that's to be expected when you stuff four pilchards of this size into a can that really can only fit three. I wasn't getting the scent of the aromatics I was expecting, but that's not always the case. The oil is slightly tinged with the color I assume comes from a pepper.
Digging in, the fish are firm, but break apart easily. I didn't find anything in the way of scales, nor any of the spine crunch I expect from larger pilchards. I didn't really dissect them to see if the spine had been removed. The meat is tender, and the flavor mild.
Below the fish are the usual suspects: carrot (the thinnest slice possible), cucumber (pickle?), a peppercorn, clove, and a couple of bits of bay leaf. Although these aromatics seem arbitrarily applied, they do achieve a pleasant balance. Can't really go wrong with Nuri. Their QPR is actually quite good as well.
Main Takeaways
- Tender, mild flavored fish
- Spices well-balanced
- QPR Nuri is known for
Brand: Pinhais/Nuri
Description: Spiced Sardines in Olive Oil
Species: Sardina pilchardus
Country of Origin: Portugal
Source: FAO27, Northeast Atlantic
Skin/Bones: Yes/Yes
Net Wt: 4.4 oz.
Price Range: $6