Summary
Murcia has a special relationship with seafood. The Region of Murcia boasts over 200 kilometers of coastline between the Mar Menor and the Mediterranean, and this seafaring culture is evident at the dinner table. In this guide: Mediterranean anchovies vs. Cantabrian anchovies: which to buy in Murcia, Shops and markets where to buy anchovies in Murcia city, The best alternative: buying anchovies in Murcia online.
Anchovies in Murcia: Where to Buy the Best
Murcia has a special relationship with seafood. The Region of Murcia boasts over 200 kilometers of coastline between the Mar Menor and the Mediterranean, and this seafaring culture is evident at the dinner table. Still, when it comes to premium anchovies, the ones that truly make a difference are from the Cantabrian Sea, and finding them with guaranteed quality in Murcia city or other regional cities requires knowing where to look. If you're looking for the best anchovies in Murcia, this article provides a clear map of options: from specialized stores to online shopping with refrigerated delivery. At Bacalalo, we work with selected Cantabrian anchovies from Barcelona's Mercat del Ninot, and we ship throughout the Iberian Peninsula, including Murcia, within 24-48 hours with guaranteed cold chain.
Mediterranean anchovies vs. Cantabrian anchovies: which to buy in Murcia
Murcia is Mediterranean boquerón (anchovy) territory. The Murcian coast, especially in areas like Mazarrón, Águilas, and Cartagena, has a tradition of fresh and marinated boquerón that is part of the local tapas culture. But preserved Cantabrian anchovies, which are what is understood in the rest of Spain when "anchovies" are mentioned, are a different product both in species (the same Engraulis encrasicolus but raised in different waters and with a higher fat content) and in the production process.
The main differences that justify why to seek Cantabrian anchovies when you want quality:
- Fillet thickness: Cantabrian boquerón, caught in the Bay of Biscay between April and June, has more fat and muscle. This translates into thicker, meatier fillets.
- Maturation process: Cantabrian anchovies are salt-cured for 6-18 months, compared to 3-4 months for those from other origins.
- Flavor: more complex, less salty but more umami, with a persistent aftertaste that lower quality ones lack.
- Oil: the best are packed in extra virgin olive oil, not refined sunflower oil.
The anchovies in Murcia that you find in supermarkets are generally of standard quality, often with fish of foreign origin (Morocco, Peru) processed in Spain. For true Cantabrian anchovies, you need to look in specialized stores or buy online.
Shops and markets where to buy anchovies in Murcia city
Murcia city has a network of municipal markets and food stores that may have quality anchovies, although the specific offering of premium Cantabrian brands is not as extensive as in cities like Madrid or Barcelona.
The Mercado de Verónicas, Murcia city's main municipal market, is the natural starting point. Its fish and delicatessen stalls stock preserves and seafood products, and some have quality anchovies among their offerings. The market has undergone renovation in recent years, attracting vendors with a more gourmet focus.
In the center of Murcia, grocery stores and delicatessens around Calle de la Trapería and the pedestrian streets of the historic center have access to distributors of quality preserves. In these areas, it's possible to find anchovies from renowned brands, though the selection may vary.
In Cartagena, the region's second city, the municipal market and shops in the historic center also offer preserves, with a greater presence of Mediterranean products but also access to good brands of Cantabrian anchovies.
In coastal towns like Mazarrón, Águilas, or around the Mar Menor, specialized stores selling local seafood products have marinated boquerones and Mediterranean fish preserves, but finding Cantabrian anchovies can be more difficult.
Bacalalo Products
Cantabrian Anchovies in Olive Oil - 50g...
3,95 €
"Cantabrian Deluxe" Assortment
67,00 €
Artisanal Cantabrian Anchovy Gilda Handmad...
9,90 €
Northern White Tuna Belly in Olive Oil...
16,95 €
Refrigerated shipping 24-48h to all of the Iberian Peninsula
The best alternative: buy anchovies in Murcia online
For those who want access to the best Cantabrian anchovy brands without relying on what is available in local shops, online shopping is the most practical solution. From Bacalalo, we ship to Murcia and throughout the Region with refrigerated delivery within 24-48 hours, which guarantees that the anchovies arrive in the same conditions as if you picked them up at our store in Barcelona's Mercat del Ninot.
The specific advantages of buying anchovies in Murcia online are:
- Access to artisanal brands from Santoña, Laredo, or Castro Urdiales that do not have distribution in Murcia.
- Detailed information on maturation time, type of oil, and fillet size.
- Possibility of ordering packs and assortments, ideal for gifts or trying several brands at once.
- More competitive prices than in gourmet stores in the region, especially for large formats.
- The controlled cold chain from warehouse to door ensures product quality.
How to use anchovies in Murcian cuisine
Murcian gastronomy has its own anchovy dishes, although preserved Cantabrian anchovies are easily incorporated into local cuisine. Here are some ideas for integrating anchovies in Murcia into your meal:
- With roasted peppers: a classic combination throughout Spain, especially potent with piquillo peppers or Murcian vegetable garden peppers roasted in the oven.
- With tomatoes from the Murcian garden: Murcian tomatoes, famous for their intense flavor, with anchovies and a drizzle of olive oil, is a dish that needs no further elaboration.
- In a salad with olives: Murcian olives, especially the gordal or manzanilla varieties, seasoned, pair perfectly with Cantabrian anchovies.
- As a rice topping: over a soupy vegetable rice or a Murcian baked rice, a few anchovies added at the end provide a very interesting depth of marine flavor.
- In Basque-style gildas: the anchovy, olive, and pickled guindilla pepper appetizer works just as well in Murcia as in the Basque Country, especially with a good wine from the Region.
Recommended anchovy brands to order for delivery to Murcia
If you're placing an online order, these are the most recommended brands to receive in Murcia:
- Bacalalo Gourmet: large fillets in extra virgin olive oil. Good value for money for everyday use.
- Conservas Ortiz: the most widely distributed, with consistently good quality and presence across all channels.
- Codesa: artisanal Santoña anchovies, highly valued by chefs. Minimum maturation of 8 months.
- Olasagasti: a Basque company with high-quality anchovies and also northern white tuna belly, perfect to complement your order.
- La Catedral de Navarra: extra thick fillets, long maturation, for those who want the best regardless of price.
Bacalalo Products
Cantabrian Anchovies in Olive Oil - 50g...
3,95 €
"Cantabrian Deluxe" Assortment
67,00 €
Artisanal Cantabrian Anchovy Gilda Handmad...
9,90 €
Northern White Tuna Belly in Olive Oil...
16,95 €
Refrigerated shipping 24-48h to all of the Iberian Peninsula
🛒 Products mentioned in this article
⭐ 4.9/5 · Cold delivery 24-48h · Since 1990 at Mercat del Ninot
Frequently asked questions
Is there any store in Murcia specializing exclusively in Cantabrian anchovies?
There are no stores exclusively dedicated to this product in Murcia, but delicatessens in the city center and some stalls at Mercado de Verónicas do carry anchovies from renowned brands. For a wide selection and artisanal brands, online shopping is the best option with refrigerated delivery within 24-48 hours.
Are Murcian Mediterranean anchovies good?
Fresh boquerón from the Murcian coast, especially from Mazarrón and Águilas, has an excellent reputation. Marinated or fried, it is excellent. For the long-matured preserved format, Cantabrian anchovies have an advantage due to the higher fat content of the fish and the longer curing times applied in Cantabria and the Basque Country.
How much do Cantabrian anchovies cost in Murcia?
In gourmet shops in Murcia, quality anchovies range from 5 to 15€ per 50g can. Online, prices are usually similar or slightly lower, with the advantage of greater variety. Packs or larger formats reduce the unit price.
Are canned anchovies very salty?
Anchovies are cured in salt by definition, but a quality anchovy has a controlled salt level. Sodium is present, but the intensity of flavor they provide allows for small quantities to have a big impact. If you follow a low-sodium diet, consult your doctor, but in moderate consumption (4-6 fillets per serving) they are a condiment and not a main food in terms of volume.
Can I make gildas at home with anchovies bought online?
Of course. The gilda is perhaps the best use for a good anchovy: together with a manzanilla olive and a pickled guindilla on a toothpick, it's made in seconds and the result is directly proportional to the quality of the anchovy. With quality Cantabrian anchovies, the result is incomparably better than with supermarket ones.
How long do canned anchovies last once opened?
Once the can or jar is opened, transfer the anchovies to a glass container with a lid, covered in olive oil. They will keep well in the refrigerator for 5 to 7 days. Ideally, they should be consumed within the first few days to enjoy the best texture.
Is it worth paying more for "00" size anchovies?
For everyday use on toast or in salads, standard size anchovies are perfect. For a special occasion or to appreciate the differences between brands, the "00" size (larger fillets, longer maturation) is worth it. The flavor is more concentrated and the texture is meatier, which makes them a distinct product, not just a larger one.
