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Published on Leave a comment on Maria Organic Mackerel Fillets with Organic Piri-Piri

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.

Maria Organic Mackerel Fillets with Organic Piri-Piri carton
Maria Organic Mackerel Fillets with Organic Piri-Piri open can
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
Maria Organic Mackerel Fillets with Organic Piri-Piri over rice

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

Published on Leave a comment on Maria Organic Sardines with Organic Tomatoes in EVOO

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.

Maria Organic Sardines with Organic Tomatoes in EVOO carton
Maria Organic Sardines with Organic Tomatoes in EVOO open can
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