Sardines: Small Fish, Big Benefits

Sardines, those small but mighty fish, have been a staple in Mediterranean diets for centuries. Whether fresh or canned, they’re packed with flavour and nutrition. Interestingly, the term "sardine" dates back to the 15th century, possibly referring to the abundance of sardines near the Italian island of Sardinia. Our founder, Steve Bennett, has a soft spot for Portuguese sardines, claiming they’re the most flavourful. Perhaps that’s why many supermarket brands source their canned sardines from Portugal!

In the UK, sardines are most commonly found in canned form, although Cornish sardine fillets pop up in supermarkets like Ocado during late summer and early winter. For those looking to enjoy fresh sardines year-round, a visit to a fishmonger or a holiday to Southern Europe will offer plenty of these delicious, nutrient-packed fish. Sardines are abundant in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Mediterranean seas, and because they feed solely on plankton, they’re low in mercury compared to other fish...