Anchovies: A Small Fish with Big Benefits

Anchovies may be small, but they pack a powerful punch when it comes to both flavour and nutrition. These slender, silver fish, typically measuring between 6-10cm long, are part of the Engraulidae family and are found in marine waters around the world, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and in regions like the Black Sea and the Mediterranean. The best anchovies are often said to come from the Cantabrian Sea in northern Spain, where they are prized for their intense and sophisticated flavour.

Due to their delicate nature, anchovies don't maintain their flavour well when fresh, which is why they are rarely exported in that form. Instead, they are filleted, salt-cured, and packed in oil or salt, a process that enhances their distinctive, savoury taste. These preserved anchovies take on a rich, salty character, making them a fantastic store cupboard staple that can transform many dishes...