These JOSÉ Gourmet Small Sardines in EVOO are one of several of their small sardine offerings, all pilchards. This one is the "limited edition cross pack". Cross pack is an indication the sardines are small enough to be no longer than the tin is wide. Pilchards so small are typically the most tender and flavorful. Let's see how these were.
Initial impression upon opening the can: 4.9/5.
The aroma is clean and fresh, with no fishy notes. A sip of the extra virgin olive oil, has a rich quality about it. It has an amber tint, not attributable to smoke or other ingredient. There are eight fish total in a single layer, but I have seen cans with as many as ten.
A bite of fish alone is tender, with no scales apparent, nor dryness to the meat. The label lists salt as the only other ingredient, and I thought it might have benefited by just a tad more.
They all extracted from the can relatively easily and intact but for some of the skin. What oil remained in the can accounted for about one third of its volume. I poured about half of it over the sardines and rice.
I ate the first couple fish whole, due to their small size. But I quickly realized I'd be done in only a handful more bites. The rest I divided into smaller pieces to savor for longer.
All in all, a satisfying, sardine purist experience. Fresh, small pilchards unadulterated by any preparation or sauce. Just cooked and packed in a high quality EVOO with a touch of salt.
Main Takeaways
- Tender, flavorful fish
- Quality EVOO
- Could have used a pinch of salt
Brand: 100 Misterios / JOSÉ Gourmet
Description: Small Sardines in EVOO, limited edition cross pack
Species: Pilchards
Country of Origin: Portugal
Source: FAO27, Northeast Atlantic
Skin/Bones: Yes/Yes
Net Wt: 3.2 oz.
Price Range: $10