Things You Must Know About Sardine Cannery

Sardine Factory Cannery

Discover the captivating world of Sardine Canneries, an integral part of Portuguese culture and culinary heritage. Renowned for their adoration of this small fish, the Portuguese consider sardines a national icon. Their ubiquity is remarkable, as they can be found in local markets, restaurants, souvenir stores, museums, art galleries, and more throughout the country.

During your unforgettable journey with Portugal Cooking Vacations, one of our highlights is a visit to a Sardine Cannery. Immerse yourself in the fascinating realm of sardine processing and gain invaluable insights into this time-honored tradition.

The Fascinating History of Sardine Can Factories

The history of sardine canning is a testament to human ingenuity and preservation techniques. The journey began in 1810 when Nicolas Appert introduced a revolutionary method of food conservation using hermetically sealed glass jars. This innovation paved the way for Joseph-Pierre Colin to apply canning techniques to fish, setting the stage for the sardine industry.

In 1853, Portugal emerged as a key player in the sardine canning industry with the establishment of Ramirez, the country’s first fish conservation company, in Matosinhos – Porto District. Portugal’s extensive coastline and rich fish stocks made it an ideal location for sardine canning factories. By 1925, the country boasted around 400 canneries, with Matosinhos alone housing 50 factories employing 6,000 workers.

During World War II, Portugal played a crucial role by supplying sardine cans to European nations and their troops, solidifying its reputation in the industry.

Challenges and Resilience

The sardine canning industry faced significant challenges in the 1970s and 1980s, leading to a decline in the number of active canneries. However, Portugal’s commitment to high standards and traditional practices has ensured the industry’s survival. Today, approximately 20 canneries continue to operate, preserving the rich legacy of sardine canning.

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Factory Tours and Tasting Experiences

Join a tour of a sardine canning factory and immerse yourself in the century-old art of fish canning. Witness skilled cannery workers in action and connect with the passionate individuals behind this esteemed company. The air is filled with the delicate scent of steamed fish, a testament to exceptional craftsmanship.

The factory produces four varieties of canned sardines: sardines in olive oil, sardines in tomato sauce, spiced sardines in olive oil, and spiced sardines in tomato sauce. Experienced workers handle the fish and spices, emphasizing the human touch and expertise involved. The cans are labeled by hand, preserving the revered tradition of Portuguese canning.

Conclude your tour with a delightful tasting at the Factory Restaurant, featuring sardines, freshly baked bread, and the finest Portuguese wines—a memorable culinary journey.

Note: The factory is closed on January 1st, Easter Sunday, May 1st, December 24th, 25th, and 31st.

Book our Food & Wine Portugal Tour to visit this factory and experience it all firsthand!

Sardine Can

Experience the exceptional taste of meticulously crafted sardine cans, adorned with charming vintage-inspired packaging. Each can contains the freshest fish and premium ingredients like pure olive oil and tomato, ensuring an unparalleled culinary delight.

Visit the factory store to purchase these exquisite sardine cans and take home a piece of authentic Portuguese culinary tradition.

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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 Spiced Sardines in Olive Oil (it has chili, cloves, cloves, black pepper, and laurel)
2 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 onto 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.

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Can sardine bones be eaten?

Rest assured, the bones in canned sardines pose no harm when consumed. This is due to the steaming process undergone by the fish during canning. When the sardine is gently cooked, the bones become tender and brittle. As a result, if the fish is mashed or broken apart, the bones easily crumble and disintegrate, making them safe to eat. Enjoy the sardines with confidence, knowing that the bones are unlikely to cause any concerns.

Are sardines good for humans? Is it good for your health?

Sardines are not only delicious but also highly beneficial for human consumption. Packed with protein and essential minerals, they offer a wealth of nutritional value. Sardines are particularly noteworthy for their abundant content of omega-3 fatty acids, which play a crucial role in supporting heart health and reducing inflammation. Additionally, they are an excellent source of calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and magnesium.

One of the significant advantages of sardines is their low risk of contamination from heavy metals, such as mercury. Compared to larger predatory fish, sardines occupy a lower position on the food chain, resulting in fewer accumulated toxins in their bodies. This makes them a safe and healthy choice for regular consumption.

By incorporating sardines into your diet, you can enjoy their delectable flavor while reaping the numerous health benefits they provide.

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How many sardines can you eat?

Including sardines in your diet can offer remarkable benefits, especially for individuals experiencing premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Consuming six ounces (180 grams) of sardines provides an impressive amount of calcium, supplying up to 50% of your recommended daily intake.

Increasing your calcium levels can be particularly beneficial for individuals with PMS, as studies have suggested that higher calcium intake may help alleviate symptoms and reduce discomfort. By incorporating sardines into your meals, you can effectively boost your calcium levels and potentially experience reduced pain associated with PMS.

Consider adding this nutritious fish to your diet as a natural source of calcium and to potentially find relief from PMS symptoms. As always, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional regarding your specific dietary needs and any health concerns you may have.

Explore More Exquisite Destinations in Portugal Here

• Aveiro
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• Braga
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