I bought these Sea Tales Sardines in Water at a place I wouldn't normally think to look for sardines. But I had read online they sometimes have them there, and at a bargain price. To be honest, if these weren't the only ones they had on hand, they would have been my last choice. I don't usually buy sardines packed in water, but another brand I tried recently wasn't all that bad, so I went ahead and got them. They were cheap compared to the brand's regular price, and I thought at $3 there wouldn't be anything to lose.
Initial impression upon opening the can: Meh...
They're really roughed-up looking. Three in the can. The wrapper claims hand packed. The aroma is a little fishy. A taste of the water, which has become sort of broth-like, is encouraging. But that's where the encouragement ends.
The first, nearly skinless one breaks apart as it's plucked from the can. The flavor is bland, reminiscent of cheaper boneless skinless pilchards. I checked the can for sodium content. Only 105mg, which is quite low. More salt might have saved these, but I doubt it. To be quite honest, this may be the first can in over a hundred I've tried that I've considered not finishing, just trashing the rest. And probably throwing away the second can I bought as well. There was nothing appealing about them, neither visually nor otherwise. Disappointing.
Main Takeaways
- Thought I was getting a bargain
- Visually unappealing
- Needed salt
Brand: Sea Tales
Description: Sardines in water
Species: Pilchards
Country of Origin: Portugal
Source: FAO27, Northeast Atlantic
Skin/Bones: Yes/Yes
Net Wt: 4.2 oz.
Price Range: $5-6
