📋 Table of contents
Types of preserves
Spanish canned seafood is internationally recognized as the best in the world. Galicia produces 80% of European canned seafood. The main types:
- In natural brine: in water with salt. Preserves the purest seafood flavor
- In olive oil: the most versatile. The oil takes on the flavor of the seafood
- In escabeche: marinated with vinegar, spices, and oil. More complex flavor
- In sauce: with tomato, marinara, Galician. Ready to eat directly
| Preserve type | Best format | For what |
|---|---|---|
| Mussels | Mild escabeche | Appetizer, tapa |
| Cockles | In natural brine | Pure appetizer, pasta |
| Anchovies | In EVOO | Montaditos, salads, pasta |
| Razor clams | In natural brine or EVOO | Elegant appetizer |
| Octopus | In Galician sauce | Over potato, with bread |
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View product →How to read the label
The labeling of preserves reveals a lot about their quality:
- Net weight vs drained weight: the important weight is the drained weight (seafood only)
- Number of pieces: fewer pieces = larger pieces = higher quality. 8/10 mussels per can is premium; 25/30 is industrial
- Country of origin: for mussels, Galicia or the Netherlands. For anchovies, Spanish Cantabrian Sea
- Ingredients: extra virgin olive oil is better than "olive oil" alone
Quality indicators
- Glass jar > can: allows you to see the product before buying
- Artisan manufacturers > industrial supermarket brands
- Recent manufacturing date (anchovies are an exception: they improve with time)
- Price: above €4-5 per 100g of drained product begins the premium range
🛒 Products mentioned in this article
⭐ 4.9/5 · Cold shipping 24-48h · Since 1990 at Mercat del Ninot
Frequently asked questions about canned seafood
Do preserves lose nutritional properties?
Are "BPA-free" preserves important?
How long do unopened preserves last?
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Cantabrian anchovies, mussels, cockles, razor clams, caviar and much more. The quality you won't find in the supermarket.
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