Cantabrian anchovies

Cantabrian anchovies are one of the great treasures of the northern sea. They are caught in season, matured in salt, and cleaned by hand, one by one, to obtain firm, flavorful fillets with just the right amount of salt .

In this collection we bring together:

• Salted Cantabrian anchovies , for those who enjoy the traditional process of cleaning and filleting at home.
  
• Glass jars and containers with anchovies already cleaned , ready to open and serve, made in a handcrafted way.
  
• Formats designed for everyday use , as well as for gourmet snacks and the hospitality industry.
  

We work with canneries that respect the salt maturation times, manual cleaning and the use of quality olive oil , so that each can or jar has the deep and elegant flavor expected of a good Cantabrian anchovy.

They are perfect to eat on toast, in gildas, in salads or accompanying other appetizer products such as olives, piparras, mussels or cockles.

Authentic Cantabrian anchovies come from anchovies caught in the Cantabrian Sea in spring, when the fish are at their peak in terms of fat and flavor. They are then cured in salt for months and cleaned by hand to obtain compact, boneless fillets with an intense yet balanced flavor .

At Bacalalo you will find:

• Salted anchovies : whole, with bones, in salt. Ideal for those who enjoy the process of cleaning, deboning, and preparing the anchovies to their liking.
  
• Anchovy fillets in a glass jar : already cleaned, boneless and in olive oil , ready to open, plate and enjoy in seconds.
  

Thus, each customer chooses between total tradition or maximum comfort.

The glass jar allows you to see the product, ensures good preservation, and is often associated with more refined, artisanal formats . The anchovies are placed by hand, one by one, resulting in a very aesthetically pleasing presentation and a uniform texture throughout the jar.

Some simple ideas:

• On toasted bread , with butter or mild olive oil.
  
• In homemade gildas , along with olives and piparra peppers.
  
• In warm potato or seasonal tomato salads .
  
• As a final touch on thin pizzas, cokes or roasted vegetables.

The important thing is not to mask its flavor : simple and high-quality accompaniments are best.

Anchovies must be kept refrigerated . To enjoy them at their best:

• Take them out of the refrigerator a few minutes before serving.
  
• Open them and let them breathe a little so they can warm up.
  
• Try not to subject them to sudden temperature changes.

This way you can better appreciate its texture and salt level.

We work with Cantabrian anchovies (Engraulis encrasicolus) for their firm flesh, sheen, and balanced fat content. Careful sizing ensures uniform fillets and a consistent bite, whether salted (anchovy) or marinated (white anchovy). This approach facilitates clean plating and a consistent experience on boards and toast.

The anchovies are carefully treated with hand-cleaning and rubbing, controlled salt maturation, and filleting that respects their texture and color. We aim for an elegant, subtle saltiness and a clean bouquet that allows them to be enjoyed on their own or with mild butter or oil. The result is a meaty, silky fillet with a uniform color.

Serve chilled (not ice-cold) and let it come to room temperature for 5-7 minutes. Anchovies are delicious on warm toast with butter or mild olive oil; whitebait pairs well with citrus, fresh herbs, and mild pickles. In salads, balance them with bitter greens and a touch of sweetness (ripe cherry tomatoes). On charcuterie boards, alternate salty and acidic flavors with neutral elements.

Store between 0-4°C and adhere to the best before date shown. Once opened, consume within 24-48 hours, keeping the product well covered and the packaging sealed to prevent oxidation. Delivery takes 24-48 hours with thermal packaging and ice packs to maintain the cold chain.

As a guide, allow 30-50g per person as an appetizer (anchovies) and 80-100g if it's the main ingredient in a salad or on toast. Each product description includes size, saltiness and acidity levels, weight per serving, and pairing suggestions to make your purchase quick and easy.