coming soon -
a great selection of premium tinned sardines imported directly from portugal by afic. Brands include the famous Ortiz a la antigua, the understated berthe brand in olive oil and the traditional minerva classic.
Portuguese sardines are renowned for their exceptional fat content, delicate texture, and rich ocean flavor, resulting directly from the cold, nutrient-rich waters of the Atlantic. Prized both fresh over charcoal and perfectly aged in tins, they are a cornerstone of Portugal's maritime heritage.
First up a review from r/canned sardines on Reddit of the soon to be available Berthe sardines -
”I have had this tin before, but have never reviewed it because I typically inhale the contents before I have a chance. Berthe is my absolute favorite, and this is the highest rated tin on my list. Three massive pilchards relaxing in a clean, light olive oil bath. Swaddled by carrot, cucumber, chili pepper, bay leaf and salt. If the clove in certain spiced cans can be a bit much for you, this is your tin because there is none. Which seems to be a bit of an anomaly in the world of spiced sardines. Nary a scale to speak of and not a note of fishiness. These 'dines don't fall apart until they're in your mouth, and then they do so effortlessly. You get a hint of spice, and an absolute masterclass in the use of salt. How this tin has only 170 mg of sodium yet tastes much more well seasoned than many popular brands with double or triple the salt is always a wonder to me. The laurel (bay leaf) disregards it's reputation as a background character and has a speaking role here, and the lines are delivered beautifully. This is my rainy day tin, the one I know will not disappoint after one of those days that I just need to have something good to look forward to. Well done as always Berthe, 9/10”
Several key factors elevate Portuguese sardines above the rest:
- Ideal Geography: The clean, oxygen-rich Atlantic coastline provides an abundant diet of plankton, yielding larger, oilier, and incredibly flavourful fish.
- Artisanal Canning: Tinned varieties (such as those from heritage brands like Berthe) rely on time-honored techniques. The fish are hand-selected, cleaned, and often aged in premium local olive oil or spicy sauces, transforming them into a sought-after delicacy rather than a basic pantry staple.
- Cultural Prestige: Freshly grilled whole sardines are central to Portuguese culture, heavily celebrated during summer festivals like the Festa de Santo António in Lisbon. Grilling them whole with the scales on helps preserve their maximum fat and moisture content.
- High Nutritional Value: They are a phenomenal source of Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin D, and Vitamin B-12, while simultaneously containing lower mercury levels than many other large predatory fish.
Whether enjoyed straight from an artisanal tin or straight off the grill, Portuguese sardines offer an unparalleled standard of quality backed by centuries of fishing and canning expertise.
These products will be available online and in-store very soon - keep an eye out if they are of interest to you.