Things You Must Know About Sardine Cannery
Sardine Factory Cannery
Portuguese loves Sardine, and this fish is considered a national icon! This small fish is everywhere in Portugal! You can find out in the local market, restaurants, souvenir stores, museums, art galleries, etc.
Therefore, our groups visit a Sardine Cannery during the trip to Portugal Cooking Vacations.
Sardine Can History
Everything started in 1810. When Nicolas Appert wrote a book about conservation methods using hermetic glass jars. Then Joseph-Pierre Colin used this idea to preserve the fish in the canned.
In 1853, the first fish conservation company was created in Portugal. Conservas Pinhais has kept its artisanal canning method since 1920. And it makes 30,000 cans per day.
With an extensive coastline and an abundance of fish. Portugal wasn’t hard to create factories cannery. By 1925 it estimated about 400 canneries. Only in Matosinhos (where is Conservas Pinhais), there were 50 factories, which employed around 6,000 employees. During the Second World War, Portugal supplied fish cans to European countries and their soldiers.
The dip was in the 70s and 80s. Many factors contributed to this decline. There are only 20 canneries active today in Portugal. The quality and tradition are well-preserved!
Read more: Best Time to Visit Portugal.
Factory Tour in Sardine Cannery
During this factory tour, the travelers will learn everything about fish canned by its 100-year-old method.
During the week, it is possible to see cannery workers. It will be an excellent opportunity to meet the staff who are this company’s soul! The production team will plan the activity in place for that day. And don’t worry; the smell is not strong because the fish is steamed. Every can is an exceptional masterpiece!
Conserva Pinhais makes four types of canned. They are sardines in olive oil, sardines in tomato sauce, spiced sardines in olive oil, and sardines in spiced tomato sauce. Even today, the fish and spices are handled and placed in the can by hand by experienced women! Until the labels are wrapped by hand, as is the tradition in the Portuguese canning industry.
The travelers will finish the tour with a delightful tasting in the Factory Restaurant. It is included sardines, bread, and the best Portuguese wine!
The factory is closed on January 1st, Easter Sunday, May 1st, December 24th, 25th, and 31st.
Nuri Sardine Can
Nuri is the bestseller from Conservas Pinhais. The tins are prepared by hand and wrapped in vintage-inspired packaging. It uses its manufactures the freshest fish and pure olive oil, tomato, and other high-quality ingredients. You can buy Nuri Cans at a special price at the factory store.
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Sardine Can Recipes
Mediterranean Sardine Pizza
Here you have my mother’s recipe for sardine pizza. I hope you enjoy it!
Ingredients
For the dough:
2 cups flour
One yeast package (11 grams)
One teaspoon salt
1/2 cup of lukewarm water
One tablespoonful of extra-virgin olive oil
For topping:
1/2 yellow onion sliced
1 Nuri Spiced Sardines in Olive Oil (it has chili, cloves, cloves, black pepper, and laurel)
2 Nuri Sardines in Tomato Sauce
One teaspoon oregano
Ten pitted olives quartered lengthwise
Preparation
For the dough:
Mix the yeast into lukewarm water.
Place the flour and salt in the bowl and mix with a spoon.
Add the water with yeast. Mix dough with your hand. If the dough is too wet, add some flour. If it’s too dry, add a little lukewarm water.
Knead the dough into the bowl for about 10 minutes.
Put olive oil on the baking sheet.
Roll out the dough into the baking sheet.
For topping:
Smash sardines and add oregano. I always use olive oil and tomato sauce.
Top each pizza with the smashed fish.
Peel the onions, halve, and cut them into thin slices.
Place the onion and olives.
Let stand in the oven until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour.
Then turn the oven to 220°C (approximately 425°F).
Bake until the underside of the pizzas is crisp, about 20 minutes.
Remove and serve immediately.
Read more: Eat like a local in Portugal.
Can sardine bones be eaten?
Yes, bones don’t hurt you because the fish is steamed. If you smash the fish, the bone breaks up and undo.
Are sardines good for humans? Is it can good for your health?
Sardine is high in protein and minerals. They have an excellent quantity of omega 3, calcium, vitamin D and B12, and magnesium. The advantage is it has a low risk of contamination from heavy metals such as mercury.
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How many sardines can you eat?
Six ounces of sardines (180 grams) contain up to 50% of your recommended daily calcium intake. If you experience premenstrual syndrome (PMS), you must eat this fish to increase calcium levels. It will help you have less pain.
Be curious! Join us on our 8-Day Small-Group Portugal Food Tour. Where you’ll taste for yourself how fabulous fish can be. You’ll never look at a can of sardines the same way again!