Tinned Fish Saga- Pt. 2!

Time for Tinned Fish Saga Pt. 2! The January tins.

I am working on roughly one tin a week to experience and write about. My orders from Rainbow Tomatoes Garden (not sponsored) all come individually wrapped in newspaper so by the time I get to them it’s a surprise what I am pulling on a given day and that adds some excitement! I have turned this into a fun little foodie game. 

So, first up for January!

Jose Marlene Couceiro- Small Sardines in Tomato

I’ve had a few different types of sardines now and these ones were a little more fishy than most others I have had- Zodiac was very keen on the smell. It wasn’t off putting but it didn’t leave me wanting more like they often do. They were also a little firmer than others I have had and, apparently, I prefer softer fish. The tomato puree was nice but I am a sucker for tomatoey things. The important part was that it wasn’t too acidic,  but it did seem a little unbalanced.

I think these would be better with a garlic bread or similar, rather than just on their own (and they are probably meant to be eaten with something else).

For me, this one is middle of the road. 5/10

Next up! Ohh,the garfish

Mariscadora Agujas en Escabeche- Garfish in vinegar pickle.

I’m just gonna say it. It is the lowest rated fish I have had so far and I think it was mostly the pickle that hurt it. This one is not for me. Zodiac was also the least impressed with these. The fishies themselves were fairly meaty but the vinegar pickly flavor was overpowering for me. I am not much of a vinegar person so maybe that is a “me” problem.

Although, something to soak up that vinegar and provide complementary flavors would probably help. Many of these tins are intended to be eaten with other things, not just straight out of the can like an animal. But typically they are eaten with carby things and I don’t do that, so I will need to find alternatives and in the mean time…. 2/10. Unlikely to try it again any time soon. 

Redemption with the number three of the month though! 

Mariscadora Pulpo en Salsa Marinera- Octopus in marinera sauce. 

Deliciousness! I love octopus and was actually surprised that this tinned octopus was nice and tender and had a really rich flavor. The sauce was not overpowering and complimented the octopus really nicely. However, maybe the richness of the flavor was a little too much towards the end? It didn’t leave me craving more but I didn’t feel overdone on it either.

7/10, will probably try this again with rice or something like that. Zodiac was very vocally demanding for this one, he likes octopus too!

Final new taste for the month of January!

Mariscadora Zamburiñas en Salsa Viera- small scallops in scallop sauce (olive oil, tomatoes, and onions). I did have a little white rice with these as well as it was suggested by the little info card included and this was at the end of the month, approaching my birthday in early Feb, and I was splurging a little on dietary restrictions. 

So worth it! These ended the month on a definite high note and they were my favorite of the month! These small species of scallops are eaten whole, like mussels, and they have a rich mussel-like flavor. The sauce is smooth and tomatoey, as mentioned, this is a good thing. And they were definitely good enough to eat on their own but having that rice to soak up the sauce was a nice touch. A little less rice or a little more sauce would be perfect though! 

8/10, want more and will have again! Zodiac also wants more.

I  haven’t started my February tins yet as I have been busy with birthday stuffs but I will be getting caught up next week! Stay tuned for Pt. 3!