These Marock Sardines in Tomato Sauce were purchased at the same time and place as the Sumaco that I found quite disappointing. These were ten cents cheaper, but I'm holding out hope that these will be better. Let's see if they are.
The package color scheme and graphics are eerily similar to the Sumaco. Despite that, there is no outward indication of commonality of sourcing.
Initial impression upon opening the can: 4.8/5.
There is only a little tomato aroma. A taste of the sauce is expectedly bland. The ingredients list only fish, tomato sauce, salt. What oil the sauce is based upon is not specified.
The initial appearance is also similar to the Sumaco. Probing with a fork, I don't find anything near to the Sumaco in the way of scales, even though it looks like it. The can's best by date is 12.31.28, just 22 months away, so I'm thinking that what I'm seeing is skin breaking down in a can that's probably been lingering in a warehouse or stock room for quite some time. Maybe the tomato sauce has exacerbated that.
Diving In
Pulling them from the tin, the fish are tender enough to want to break apart somewhat. There are five fish total.
The sauce remaining in the can has bits of grey floating around in it, which I've already identified as skin, not scales. Still, I use a spoon to avoid pouring that part over the fish and rice. The color of it is kind of deep, like it might have additional seasoning in it, but it does not.
From the initial bite, I get a perception of an earthiness I can't explain. It waned as I continued. The fish are moist enough, with a tender texture I attribute to the extra time spent in the tin.
They're not that salty, but I didn't find myself wishing they were any saltier. Sodium is listed at 400mg.
All in all, these beat the Sumaco, maybe not hands-down, but enough to warrant a second can.
Main Takeaways
- Most, tender fish
- Vintage quality, if only by happenstance
- Disintegrating skin, but at least no scales
Brand: AH USA Group / An Hing / Marock
Description: Sardines in tomato sauce
Species: Sardina pilchardus
Country of Origin: Morocco
Source: FAO34, Eastern Central Atlantic
Skin/Bones: Yes/Yes
Net Wt: 4.37 oz.
Price Range: <$2