Sardeenz!

A Tale of Two Brunswick Sardines

The Brunswick brand, marketed by Bumblebee Seafoods, offers two different sardines that, at first glance, may seem identical, perhaps just a packaging variation. But upon closer inspection, they are two very different offerings.

Brunswick Skinless Boneless Sardines in Olive Oil

The first contains the more-traditional pilchards, the thumb-sized fish most often associated with the term sardines. Its tin is packaged in a cardboard carton.

Initial impression upon opening the can: 4/5.

These compare favorably to the King Oscar offering, considered by many a standard by which to judge skinless/boneless pilchards. It can also be had a slightly better price.

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Brand: Brunswick
Description: Sardines Served in Olive Oil
Species: Pilchards
Country of Origin: Morocco
Source: FAO34, Eastern Central Atlantic
Skin/Bones: No/No
Net Wt: 4.4 oz.
Price Range: $2-3

A variation, served with mild red peppers, is also very good, and not too spicy.

Brunswick Boneless Butterflied Sardine Fillets in Olive Oil

Initial impression upon opening the can: 4/5.

The second version, upon inspection of its ingredient list, contains herring. While the pilchards version might contain four to six fish, this one had two thick fillets spanning the length and breadth of the can.

This version also differs in that its tin is packaged in a cellophane wrapper. The description is "sardine fillets" rather than just "sardines", and "boneless butterflied" vs. "skinless/boneless". Herring is among the species legally allowed to be marketed as sardines, so technically there is no misrepresentation.

Some may be tempted to think this might be a way to enjoy herring without all the trappings of kippers and the extra sodium they usually contain. But this one at 370 mg/serving falls squarely in the middle of the sodium content found in a variety of kipper snacks.

See it on Amazon.

Brand: Brunswick
Description: Sardine Fillets in Olive Oil
Species: Herring
Country of Origin: Canada
Source:
Skin/Bones: No/No
Net Wt: 3.75 oz.
Price Range: $2

While different, both are satisfactory, quality products, so which ever one you happen to buy should not disappoint. The herring version is typically less expensive than the pilchards, with both often available just on either side of $2.

King Oscar Skinless Boneless Sardines in Olive Oil

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King Oscar Skinless and Boneless Sardines packed in olive oil. This selection is a great introduction to the world of sardines. Firm flesh and mild taste with none of the characteristics those new to sardines may find unappetizing. Available in several flavored variations including Spanish and Mediterranean styles.

Initial impression upon opening the can: 4.8/5.

King Oscar tends to have some of the most visually appealing packing of all the major commercial brands. These skinless and boneless pilchards are no exception.

King Oscar packaging can sometimes be confusing, as some carton markings have a similar appearance. Buyers need to pay attention to the verbiage just below the color-coded banner. Terms like "two layer", "finest brisling", "12-22 fish" or "12+ fish" are an indication that you'll be getting a smaller species of sardines that are traditionally (and for practical reasons) not skinless or boneless.

The King Oscar brand is respected and regarded as a standard by which to judge other brands. Their cans are typically packed to full capacity, and the contents rarely disappoint.

Brand: King Oscar
Description: Sardines in Olive Oil
Species: Pilchards
Country of Origin: Morocco
Source: FAO34, Eastern Central Atlantic
Skin/Bones: No/No
Net Wt: 4.38 oz.
Price Range: $2-3

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Where To Begin

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Where to begin with tinned fish? Most people have a recollection of a can of sardines their father, most likely, peeled back the lid on and consumed as a snack. Probably with some saltine crackers. Little silvery fish that may have been packed in mustard, maybe not. As children, they were probably grossed out by the sight and smell, not to mention by the witnessing of their consumption.

As time went on, sardines may or may not have been included with those other things which we, as children becoming adults, would call an "acquired taste". Think broccoli, spinach, olives, beets, stinky cheeses. The list goes on.

Decades ago, sardines were considered little more than an inexpensive indulgence. It was just a can of some little fishes, usually found next to the canned anchovies on the supermarket shelf. Typically, Dad might have them with a beer while watching the football game. A can or two might have been included on a cheese board or with hors d'oeuvres at an adult party. Sardines were working class, pantry goods.

Tinned Fish Goes Gourmet

Fast forward to some time in the early 2000s, and tinned fish have become trendy, artisanal, gourmet, even luxurious. Truly, a far cry from Dad's old Sunday afternoon can of sardines.

To those just becoming aware of this "new age" of tinned fish, the myriad choices can be daunting, even confusing to the point of exasperation. Fortunately, the solution can be as simple as having a starting point from which to build upon. Simply put, an initial frame of reference, hopefully enjoyed, that provides inspiration for further exploration.

Here are some examples of some readily-available selections to help you begin to develop an appreciation of tinned fish. No bones, no guts, no fins, no tails.

Sardines

King Oscar Skinless & Boneless Sardines in Olive Oil. These are pilchards, the "true" sardine, minus the sometimes off-putting skin and bones. Their mild flavor and meaty texture means they can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, even straight from the can.

Smoked Oysters

Crown Prince Smoked Oysters. Smoked oysters are ubiquitous on supermarket shelves. Most are inexpensive, often sourced from China, and usually packed in soybean oil. These are an exception, packed in olive oil. A little pricier than most, but of higher quality.

Herring

MW Polar Kipper Snacks. Kipper snacks are smoked herring fillets. And they're usually authentically hardwood smoked. These from MW Polar are inexpensive, with a high QPR. Tasty fried up and served with eggs for breakfast, or right from the can on crackers.

Smoked Trout

Bumblebee Smoked Trout. Canned trout is usually boneless, sometimes skinless. This one from Bumblebee is both. It has a pleasant smokiness and a delicate flaky texture. Typically found at around $4.

Premium Tuna

Natural Catch Spicy Yellowfin Tuna Filets. This up-and-coming brand has much to recommend it. Premium quality tuna, and even at $5 to $6 a can, reasonably priced among it competitors.

Mackerel Fillets

Season Grilled Mackerel Fillets. Tinned mackerel can be found as whole fish loins, skinless boneless fillets, and as chunk meat. It is often smoked. These grilled fillets are tasty and a bargain at under $3.

Be Adventurous

Let these suggestions be just that. Hopefully, they, and the reviews that follow, will inspire you on your journey through the world of tinned fish.

Bom apetite! Bon Appétit! ¡Buen Provecho! Buon appetito! Dōzo meshiagare!