limited edition Archives

This Minerva Limited Edition Tuna Filets A Poveira is from a recent International Loft order. As with other limited edition Minerva offerings, the can is encased in a dark, shiny gun metal blue wrapper, inserted into a sleeve printed in metallic red and gold graphics. When I ordered it, I mistakenly thought it was "a poveira", and meant "with pepper". While that sounded intriguing, it was completely wrong. But it turned out well.

Initial impression upon opening the can: 4.9/5.

Those are some nice chunks of tuna. Two big filets that reach all the way to the bottom of the can. No pieces parts hiding underneath here. There's an earthy, vegetal aroma. A sip of the oil is similar. There's no heat, but it is seasoned. There's some parsley on top. The meat is a dark pink, and it's hard to tell if the reddish tinge of the olive oil is skewing it darker than it actually is.

Reading the label reveals they are immersed in a concoction of olive oil, onion, vinegar, paprika, spices (unnamed) and salt. A bite of the meat has a strong tuna flavor. Some quick research shows it's skipjack, a species often caught in the environs of Portugal. This fact was obscured by the importer's label covering the original carton labeling. Even with the marinade, it has a slightly dry mouthfeel, but it's not off-putting.

Let's Dive In

I was able to extract both filets from the can fairly intact. Dumping them over rice, they were followed by some slivers of onion. I also emptied the rest of the marinade content over everything.

I busied myself flaking the filets apart. The meat is firm, yet the layers parted easily.

As I ate, I could detect the subtle note of the vinegar through the flavor of the fish and onion. The salt level is a low 140mg.

I briefly considered digging out some condiment to see how it went with this, but ultimately decided against it. I wouldn't be averse, however, to making this tuna the star of some type of tuna-centric dish.

What's "A Poveira"?

Well, it momentarily escaped me that Minerva is a brand produced by Conservas A Poveira. It also appears that the word "Poveira" is an adjective referring to the city of Póvoa de Varzim, Portugal. So, it's kind of like this tuna is by A Poveira, in the Poveira style. Or something like that.

This was a little spendy at $8, but I don't feel it was overpriced. If I find another comparable to it for less, I'll let you know.

Main Takeaways

Nice solid chunks of tuna filet
Stronger skipjack tuna flavor
The seasoning is subtle, but complements the tuna well

Brand: A Poveira/MInerva
Description: Limited Edition Tuna Filet A Poveira
Species: Katsuwonus pelamis (Skipjack)
Country of Origin: Portugal
Source: FAO27, Northeast Atlantic
Skin/Bones: No/No
Net Wt: 4.25 oz.
Price Range: $8

These Minerva Limited Edition Sardines with Lemon & Thyme came with that initial order from International Loft. I hadn't encountered this particular flavor combination anywhere before. It sounded intriguing. So was the notion of a limited edition. I hoped both together would make for something special.

They are nicely packaged, in a style befitting a premium offering. The can is wrapped in a glossy black paper, then slipped into a sleeve adorned with metallic red and gold graphics.

Initial impression upon opening the can: 4.9/5.

The aroma of the thyme hits you immediately. A sip of the oil is heavy with the flavor of the thyme. The lemon is there, but fighting to peek through. Three big pilchards. I'd hoped they would be smaller, as that usually means a fresher tasting, more tender fish. Ultimately, it wasn't a factor.

Let's Get Into It

Trying to pull fish intact from the can is difficult. They are very tender. An initial bite is melt-in-your-mouth goodness. The little bit of thyme seen in the photo belies the actual content. Underneath, there is a serious amount of thyme, like maybe as much as a half teaspoon (or more?). The olive oil is not listed as EVOO, but is of high quality.

I managed to get them out over rice largely intact. The skin peeled away at the slightest touch. I was surprised to see a few scales.

I poured the rest of the can contents over the fish, wanting to get the full experience. In retrospect, I should have left some (read: most) of the thyme in the can.

As I worked my way through, I noted the lemon still managing to make its presence known. Even through all that thyme, I could taste hints of both the pulp and zest.

I also thought a little more salt might have been in order. It has a way of accentuating other flavors, particularly citrus. Best I can tell, it was a relatively low 107mg.

Main Takeaways

Tender, tasty fish, even though larger than my preference
Too much thyme for the lemon to really shine through
Not enough salt

If I buy these again, I'll definitely leave the excess thyme in the can. The amount included wasn't necessary, and might have actually been a negative, all things considered.

Brand: A Poveira/MInerva
Description: Limited Edition Sardines in Olive Oil w/Lemon & Thyme
Species: Pilchards
Country of Origin: Portugal
Source: FAO27, Northeast Atlantic
Skin/Bones: Yes/Yes
Net Wt: 4.25 oz.
Price Range: $8