Here's another selection from my recent haul from Caputo's. These Maria Organic Spiced Small Sardines are my first experience with the brand, which is part of the 100 Misterios family, along with JOSÉ Gourmet, ABC+, Ati Manel and others. The carton is in the same sort of plain vein like the JOSÉ Gourmet, a pulp cardboard box printed with black ink. Rather than JOSÉ Gourmet's artwork, the graphic is a simple representation of the type of fish and what it's seasoned with. I note that, like the California Prop 65 warning on the back of the carton, it is also an applied sticker.
Initial impression upon opening the can: 5/5.
Very nice looking fish, silvery skin intact. Most still have pelvic fins, but no scales. There is a single layer of seven fish in the shallow can. The oil is organic EVOO and tinged an orange-copper color from the pepper. A sip of the oil initially tastes like there is more going on than just piri-piri pepper, something aromatic perhaps. But there is nothing else other than salt listed in the ingredients. The heat hits in the back of the throat as expected, but not in a jarring way.
Trying one fish of the seven on its own, the meat is very tender, with a fresh sardine flavor. The pepper and salt level hit just right, making these perhaps the best spiced sardine I've tried to date.
I put the rest out over rice, along with most of the oil in the can.
There's the pepper, sort of the mid-section from a larger pepper. After I finished, I tried a little bite to assess the heat. There are still several seeds inside, providing the majority of the heat.
I'd have to say, for a first exposure to a brand, these really hit it out of the ball park. Everything is of high quality, and well-balanced on the palate. Highly recommended.
Main Takeaways
- Small and tender fish
- Flavors all in balance
- Spiced just right
See it at Amazon. A little pricier there, though.
Brand: 100 Misterios / JOSÉ Gourmet
Description: Spiced Small Sardines in EVOO
Species: Pilchards
Country of Origin: Portugal
Source: FAO27, Northeast Atlantic
Skin/Bones: Yes/Yes
Net Wt: 3.2 oz.
Price Range: $8-9
