EVOO Archives - Sardeenz!

Patagonia Provisions Smoked Jack Mackerel

This Patagonia Provisions Smoked Jack Mackerel is a new item for the company. They already had a smoked mackerel, but this one comes with a story. You may have read recently (early 2026) about the ongoing issue in North Atlantic waters regarding the potential overfishing of mackerel. Global warming has driven stocks of the fish northward to cooler waters, leaving fishermen off the EU and the UK with difficulty making quotas. As a result, Patagonia has moved to sourcing their mackerel from Chile, where the species of mackerel there has managed to rebound from overfishing in the 1990s. Let's try this new offering.

Initial impression upon opening the can: 5/5.

Some beautiful fillets. The initial aroma is tuna-like, but dissipates quickly. The oil, organic EVOO, is a light golden color. A sip of the oil initially tastes like there might be some spice involved, but the ingredients list none. On the finish, it reveals the subtle undertone of the wood smoke.

Time To Eat

It takes a bit of effort to pry the fish from the tin, it's packed in tightly. It looks like three substantial fillets. There's a couple of tablespoons of oil left in the tin, and I'm not letting it go to waste.

An initial bite is somewhat reminiscent of tuna, but with a more satisfying, meatier chew. The package says "use like tuna", but I'm thinking "use like chicken, too". And that's probably because the smoke and texture are giving me charcoal-grilled chicken vibes. I'm impressed by the level of restraint on the smoke, it's just as much as it needs to be, and not one bit more.

The meat is quite rich, and I could agree with the carton calling it two servings. But, of course, I ate the whole thing myself. The good news is that, compared to the old smoked mackerel, for the same serving size, this one has 50 fewer calories (170 vs. 220) and 7 gm. less total fat. So, other than a higher price, this one's a win, nutritionally speaking.

I got this tin from Whole Foods. My usual online sources don't seem to have it stocked yet. Once this one gets fully established in the marketplace, I'm hoping we'll see it on sale from time to time. I'll be going back for more.

Main Takeaways

Rich, meaty fish
Subtle level of smoke
Generous portion

Brand: Patagonia Provisions
Description: Smoked jack mackerel
Species: N/S (Trachurus sp?)
Country of Origin: Chile (processed in Spain)
Source: FAO87, Southeast Pacific
Skin/Bones: No/No
Net Wt: 4.2 oz.
Price Range: $8-9

Maria Organic Mackerel Fillets with Organic Piri-Piri

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These Maria Organic Mackerel Fillets with Organic Piri-Piri came from Caputo's a few weeks ago. It's been a while since I cracked open a can of mackerel, and I also wanted to compare this one to some from Minerva I had about six weeks ago.

Initial impression upon opening the can: 5/5.

Some really pristine looking mackerel fillets. I don't see any piri-piri pepper (yet), and the oil is a greenish gold rather than the expected tinge of red from the pepper. The aroma isn't revealing anything about the fish or the seasoning. A sip of the oil is similarly ambiguous.

Let's See What We Have Here

There are three hefty fillets. Each pulled from the tin intact. And there's the lone piri-piri pepper. (That Minerva I had before was spiced with the traditional pickle, carrot and pepper.)

A substantial amount of oil remained in the deep can. It's organic EVOO, and not wanting to let it go to waste, I poured it all over everything. Initially perhaps a bit of overkill, but in retrospect not.

The meat is firm but tender and flakes readily. The flavor is mild with only a very slight "tang". The salt level is enough to be complementary without being obtrusive. I'm ambivalent about experimenting with any condiments, but ultimately decide against it.

The thing that's lacking, though, is any real input from the piri-piri. In some cases, one lone pepper can really fire things up; in others two or three might do nothing. I don't suppose the heat potential of any pepper can be realistically assessed in the canning process.

I finished the fish, then ate the pepper, seeds and all. No flavor to it whatsoever. Fortunately, the mackerel stood on its own quite well, so the disappointment over the spiciness was minimal.

Main Takeaways

Beautiful mackerel fillets
High quality organic EVOO
Piri-piri spice MIA

Breaking down the carton for archiving, I noticed the date stamp indicated it was packaged December 2023. I was a bit surprised this can purchased in January 2026 had taken that long to sell.

Brand: 100 Misterios / Maria Organic
Description: Mackerel Fillets with piri-piri in organic EVOO
Species: Scomber japonicus
Country of Origin: Portugal
Source: FAO27, Northeast Atlantic
Skin/Bones: No/No
Net Wt: 4.2 oz.
Price Range: $8-9

JOSÉ Gourmet Small Sardines in Tomato

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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

Maria Organic Sardines with Organic Tomatoes in EVOO

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I got these Maria Organic Sardines with Organic Tomatoes in EVOO during my first visit to a new local gourmet foods market of which I just became aware. I was encouraged by their initial inventory of non-supermarket variety tinned fish. Hopefully, their selection will expand even further.

Initial impression upon opening the can: 5/5.

The aroma is of fresh tomato. A sip of the oil is similar, except with a note of the sardines. Any notes from the EVOO itself were masked by the tomato. There appear to be four medium to large pilchards. The tomato consistency is that of crushed tomatoes. The flavor of it doesn't suggest anything in the way of seasonings, and the label confirms only tomatoes, EVOO and salt.

Time For Lunch

Out over rice, there are three medium size fish and one a bit larger than the rest. I see a few scales remaining in the sauce, but pour it all over the fish anyway. I didn't note any fins, but the sauce may have concealed them.

The tomatoes are thick and cling well to the fish, the intense red color indicative of their depth of flavor.

An initial bite is firm and meaty. There is no dryness to the mouthfeel, and the flavor of the fish is fresh.

I thought the salt balance was spot-on, adding just enough to serve both the fish and tomato sauce well. The impression of freshness of the sauce is a big plus, and its brightness of flavor complements the fish well. Thankfully, it doesn't taste over-cooked, as some tomato sauces do.

Main Takeaways

Meaty pilchards
Fresh, bright tasting tomato
Thick sauce clung well to the fish

A spicy tomato version of this tin would be a welcome addition to the Maria Organic offerings.

Brand: 100 Misterios / Maria Organic
Description: Sardines with organic tomatoes in EVOO
Species: Pilchards
Country of Origin: Portugal
Source: FAO27, Northeast Atlantic
Skin/Bones: Yes/Yes
Net Wt: 4.2 oz.
Price Range: $8-9

King Oscar Sardines in EVOO with Hot Jalapeño Peppers

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Time for some sprats. These King Oscar Sardines in EVOO with Hot Jalapeño Peppers are one of several flavored brisling variations the producer sells. Some are packed 8-12 fish, packed in a single layer. Others, like these are "12+" fish (used to say 12-22), packed in two layers. These promise to be hot. Let's see if they are.

Initial impression upon opening the can: 4.9/5.

As expected, we have the interlaced packing typical of King Oscar sprats. No mushy glop of fish here, they look nice and firm. The skins are mostly intact. The aroma skews heavily to the jalapeño, of which there are a handful of slices placed on top. The wrapper says lightly wood-smoked, but it's hard to tell over the scent of the pepper.

The oil is tinged a greenish color, but I suspect that's less to do with the EVOO and more to do with the green of the peppers. A tentative sip of it gives a subtle amount of heat on the tongue.

Digging In

Extracting them from the can, they are not as firm as they look. Almost fused together, each is reluctant to remain intact as I pry them apart. They are tender, but I wouldn't write off the "fall aparty-ness" as being mushy. It's hard to tell, but I think there are 14 fish total, 8 on top with 6 underneath.

Being sprats, they still have tails, but they're not prickly, as can sometimes be the case. These are from Poland, and it's those from Latvia that often exhibit tails that can be a little scratchy.

I ate these straight from the can. I've always viewed sprats/brisling more as the snack sardine, rather than something I'd make a meal of. Working through them, I noted the heat level was very steady, enough to leave a tingling sensation on the lips and tongue, but not enough to irritate the back of the throat.

The salt level is just right, about that to be expected from the 330 mg. listed on the wrapper.

Honestly, I don't know if I'd buy these again. My heat preference with sardines skews more to piri-piri peppers or the Sichuan pepper of a spicy chili crisp. But, if you like jalapeño, these might be the ticket for you.

Main Takeaways

Good sardine flavor
Moderate heat from the peppers
Not really getting any smoke flavor

As with their sprats in EVOO, these were also $3.58 at Walmart, which I think is a little high. In quantity from Amazon, they can be had for quite a bit less.

Brand: King Oscar
Description: Brisling in EVOO with hot jalapeño peppers
Species: Sprattus sprattus
Country of Origin: Poland
Source: FAO 27, Northeast Atlantic
Skin/Bones: Yes/Yes
Net Wt: 3.75 oz.
Price Range: $3-4

Wild Planet Sardines in EVOO with Lemon, Part 2

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A recent review of Natural Catch Sardines in Organic EVOO got me thinking about these Wild Planet Sardines in EVOO with Lemon again. The Natural Catch are sourced from Viet Nam, and are not true pilchards, but rather another species endemic to that part of the world. These Wild Planet are, as well, and are processed in Thailand. Let's see what I think this time.

Initial impression upon opening the can: 4.5/5.

The first time around, 7 months ago, I wasn't too impressed, overall. I really didn't get any sense of smoke, and very little lemon. This time, a sip of the oil revealed a subtle hint of smoke, so being labeled lightly smoked is apropos. Again, I'm moved to comment there should be a labeling requirement to say "with oil" when it's apparent the packing liquid is only partly oil. I note that water is included as an ingredient here, listed just after the EVOO.

The appearance and aroma are about the same as last time. They are scale-free as touted, but there are some pelvic fins still attached. The aroma is neutral, not smelling of fish or smoke. This time there are four fish as opposed to three, a plus in my book.

I put them out over rice, fished out the lemon and "artfully" arranged it over the fish.

As last time, the lemon has had most of its flavor cooked out by the canning process. But I am getting more of an impression of it from the fish this time.

The fish are meaty and reasonably tender. I don't find them dry at all. The salt level is a little on the low side, but adequate. I sprinkled a little furikake over the last fish, and its additional salt I deemed an improvement. It may have even enhanced the lemon flavor somewhat.

Part of my reason for wanting to revisit these was to reassess the Northwestern Pacific variety of sardine. To date, the only brand available to me has been the Wild Planet. Until I can obtain selections of another brand containing them in single quantities, these will have to be the basis for my judgement of the species.

Main Takeaways

Meaty, tender fish
A little saltier might have been better
More smoke flavor this time, but the lemon still needs improvement

If you prefer these Northwestern Pacific sardines, at the price, these are still a good value.

Brand: Wild Planet
Description: Sardines in Extra Virgin Olive Oil with Lemon
Species: Sardinops sagax or melanostictus
Country of Origin: Thailand
Source: FAO61, Northwest Pacific
Skin/Bones: Yes/Yes
Net Wt: 4.4 oz.
Price Range: $3

JOSÉ Gourmet Small Sardines in EVOO

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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