Received these Nice Cans Sardines with Rosemary and Fennel with a recent online order. Nice Cans is under the 100 Misterios umbrella along with Jose Gourmet, Ati Manel, ABC+ and Maria Organic. This selection is one of only three in their limited range of sardine offerings.
Initial impression upon opening the can: 5/5.
The photo really doesn't do them justice. Really nice appearance. A golden-green hue to the oil. Bright, shiny skin; no scales to be found. There is a subtle aroma of rosemary emanating from the can. A sip of the oil echoes the aroma.
Picking one from the can to try solo, it is supremely tender. The fennel is there, but in the background. Not really getting any of the black pepper.
Dumping the remainder (oil and all) over rice, the fennel seeds appear, but still not much in the way of black pepper.
The description is confusing, the carton reading "fennel pepper", but the ingredients list fennel seed and black pepper.
Nonetheless, these are some top-notch sardines, 5-to-the-can size as is my preference. The seasonings are subtle yet well-balanced against each other, although the rosemary is the most forward.
Main Takeaways
- Beautiful fish
- Tenderness off the chart
- Pepper is MIA, but it didn't matter
Brand: 100 Misterios / Nice Cans
Description: Sardines with rosemary and fennel seed
Species: Pilchards
Country of Origin: Portugal
Source: FAO27, Northeast Atlantic
Skin/Bones: Yes/Yes
Net Wt: 4.2 oz.
Price Range: $10