These Old Riga Atlantic Sardines in Oil came from an international market that I have not had much good luck with when it comes to sardines. The can is large, 8.5oz, twice that of a normal tin, and was only $4.49. I waited until a day that I was hungrier than normal, as storing sardine leftovers is a pain. I was assuming sprats, as they are from Latvia. Boy, was I ever wrong.
The first indication I should have had that something was amiss was in checking the ingredients. "Sliced sardines"? Why would you slice sprats?
Initial impression upon opening the can: 2/5.
What in the name of sweet baby Jeebus have I gotten myself into? A strong aroma of fish hit me as I cracked open the can. I wasn't really sure what I was looking at, at first. Then it dawned on me that it was the cross-sections of sliced, rather large fish. Some really unappetizing-looking fish at that.
Wish Me Luck
The tin says they're packed in canola oil, but it's more like "with" some canola oil. Since they were packed cross-section side up, I can now see skin, but thankfully no scales. Also a few fins, but I dispatched them straight away. I'm not really sure what species of fish this even is.
I closed my eyes, and took a whole piece in one bite. The meat is tender enough, but woefully bland. There doesn't seem to be too much in the way of bones, but I didn't feel like performing a dissection.
They're lacking salt. And that's surprising, as the tin states the entire contents is six servings at 200mg. sodium per. Honestly, it doesn't taste like 200mg. for the whole can. Three fourths of the way through, I brought out the Valentina hot sauce in order to salvage what was left.
I have a can of Japanese mackerel in soybean paste I've been reluctant to open, fearing a similar experience.
Main Takeaways
- Read the label before purchase, dummy
- Unappetizing appearance
- Tender but bland fish
Brand: GFI Foods / Old Riga
Description: Atlantic sardines in oil
Species: ?
Country of Origin: Latvia
Source: FAO27, Northeast Atlantic
Skin/Bones: Yes/Yes
Net Wt: 8.5 oz.
Price Range: $4-5