Been wanting to try some white anchovies for some time now, but they're hard to find at local stores. The only option available was these Patagonia Provisions Lemon Olive White Anchovies. Unlike the pizza topping, Caesar salad variety, they are more akin to sardines. Described on the carton as "mild, delicate uncured anchovies".
Initial impression upon opening the can: 4.5/5.
These look nice. A little roughed-up looking, but not too bad. Clean aroma. Skin but no scales. And the olives are more than an afterthought. I counted about 10 slices.
The lemon component also very nice, achieved via organic apple cider vinegar and lemon juice. I'm not sure I wouldn't have just thought these were sardines if I didn't know better. The meat was firm, and the whole can poured over a cup of jasmine rice made for a tasty lunch. A little spendy at just over $7 a can, but the quality is there. Recommended.
Brand: Patagonia Provisions
Description: White anchovies with olives and lemon in EVOO
Species: Engraulis encrasicolus
Country of Origin: Spain
Source: FAO27, Northeast Atlantic
Skin/Bones: Yes/Yes
Net Wt: 4.2 oz.
Price Range: $7