These Porthos Sardines in Hot Tomato Sauce are from a recent run to World Market. My previous satisfaction with a similar selection from Nuri had me curious. Those were the same price, albeit from a different vendor. Let's see how it went.
Initial impression upon opening the can: 4.9/5.
Nice looking fish, even partially obscured by the tomato sauce. There look to be five fish. They maybe could have fit one more in there. The label actually says "Fish - min. 65%", a notation I don't recall seeing before.
The aroma is fragrant and tomato-y. A sip of the oil (sunflower)/sauce mixture echoes the tomato aroma. The flavor is mild, with a slight sweetness of ripe tomatoes. But I'm getting no heat.
The first fish out breaks apart somewhat easily. A bite of it reveals the meat is tender and moist, with a good sardine flavor. Porthos is consistent in that respect. The salt level is about right, just enough to not be missed. Still no heat, though.
The tomato sauce/oil combo is thick enough that it sticks to bites of fish dredged through it. It has the taste of a tomato sauce that has been seasoned, but not necessarily by hot pepper.
Clearing out more of the can, I find no pepper underneath the fish. Looking at the label, it just says "natural chilli flavoring". Hmmm... Well, that's kind of disappointing.
Main Takeaways
- Flavorful tomato sauce, even if absent the promised heat
- Good quality Portugese pilchards, nonetheless
If this can's lack of heat isn't an anomaly, I think I'll stick with the Nuri for spiced sardines in tomato sauce. I still like the Porthos Spiced Sardines, though.
Brand: Conservas Portugal Norte / Porthos
Description: Sardines in hot tomato sauce
Species: Sardina pilchardus
Country of Origin: Portugal
Source: FAO27, Northeast Atlantic
Skin/Bones: Yes/Yes
Net Wt: 4.4 oz.
Price Range: $6
