If you’ve passed by the canned seafood section at the grocery store, it may conjure less-than-appetizing associations in your mind of tinned fish. Canned seafood is available in a wide range of quality so splurging for high quality conservas is not only a fun way to experience Spanish culture but may also convince even the most staunch cynic that tinned fish can be a truly delicious, crave-able pantry staple.
Health Benefits of Canned Seafood
Whether you eat fresh seafood or preserved fish from a can, there are several primary benefits to incorporating seafood into your diet. An example of nutrient-rich seafood is canned sardines. Sardines pack a hearty amount of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins B-12 and D, calcium, protein, and minerals such as iron, potassium, zinc, and magnesium, to name a few. Better still, sardines contain low levels of mercury which is why canned sardines are often recommended by doctors to pregnant women as a safe, nutritious seafood to eat during the course of their pregnancy.
Canned salmon is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fats are an important component in healthy cell membranes and are foundational building blocks for hormones which regulate blood clotting and arterial wall movement. They are also known to ward off inflammation and may even be associated with improving brain function and cholesterol health!
In comparison, tinned tuna has a relatively low fat-to-protein ratio. This makes it a healthy, satisfactory snack indeed, leaving one feeling sated and full without overeating.
How to Enjoy Conservas
Considered by the Spanish to be a desirable addition to tapas, conservas are best enjoyed at room temperature alongside a glass of dry white wine. Squeeze a lemon wedge over a freshly opened tin to brighten the contents’ natural flavor and spoon over rustic bread or alongside a green salad for a traditional Spanish meal.
Sharing a can of conservas is perfect for appetizers at a small dinner party, as part of a charcuterie board, or on a picnic.
Whether you are feeling adventurous enough for painstakingly preserved barnacles in brine, umami-rich sea urchin, or sumptuous chargrilled octopus, there is a tempting offering for connoisseurs of sea harvests and the seafood-curious alike.
If You Can’t Fly to Spain…
Bring culture to your kitchen through top-of-the-line tinned seafood and experience the flavor of Spain at your convenience. Conservas contribute a flavorful, low-mercury fish option to your meal or aperitif, and also come with an array of nutritional benefits as well. Superior canned seafood ranges in variety spanning from tinned mussels or squid to tuna belly in high quality olive oil; each makes a happy addition to a chilled glass of wine or crusty slice of fresh bread. So call up some friends, uncork a cold bottle, slice up some bread, and savor an authentic Spanish tapas experience!