Ortiz Traditional Sardines (Pilchards),140g (Fish)

Since the beginning, their history has been linked to traditional fishing and respect for the sea. At the beginning of the 20th century, Conservas Ortiz began to make its mark worldwide. Ortiz have been hand preparing their tuna since 1891. Anchovies were the star product of Ortiz. In 1942, José Ortiz and his son, José Antonio Ortiz, created the limited company which would later become Conservas Ortiz S.A. in 1956. The fifth generation of the same family manages the company today. At Conservas Ortiz they have great respect for tradition, coastal fishing based on the tides, and the exclusive purchase of north coast spain’s tuna which are line-caught, one-by-one. And there careful handling of the fish they use yields a product distinguished by its high quality. The result can be seen in the exquisite flavor and unmistakable texture of their products that make the difference. It is known as coastal when a fish is in the best conditions of size and flavor to be caught. There deep respect and love for the sea leads them to firmly believe in traditional fishing methods. Ortiz source their sardines from the fresh fish auctions held along the north coast of Spain. The fish themselves come from the fertile waters of the Bay of Biscay. The fish are processed on the same day to ensure freshness. The Sardina pilchardus is a gregarious species, which makes considerable movements during its life. These migrations allow us to catch them at their best time and place. The European or common Sardine (Sardina pilchardus) is one of the most popular blue fish consumed in preserved form. This species is gregarious, moving in large shoals, and travels extensively throughout its life. Despite its small size, this blue fish packs a huge amount of nutrients and is a true wonder of the sea. It is rich in omega 3 fatty acids, phosphorus, selenium, iodine, magnesium and vitamins B, D and E. At Conservas Ortiz they have been committed to methods that do not harm the marine ecosystem, respect the natural environment, and maintain the population levels of the species to guarantee their survival in the future for 130 years. Our Ortiz Sardines have an unmistakable flavor thanks to the way they are prepared, using traditional methods and carefully hand-packed, one by one. Just like wine, you can create a cellar of preserved Sardines, since their flavor and quality improve over time, becoming more tender and delicate. The time when a fish is in the best conditions of size and taste to be caught is known as the fishing season. Sardines are caught between August and November. Interestingly, they are best caught at dawn, which enhances their flavor. Sardines are caught using the technique known as seine fishing. This is a traditional selective fishing method passed down over generations and 100% sustainable. Respect for the fishing season is fundamental to ensure the future of the species. This way we guarantee their survival and we are certain that the fish that reaches our table is always the highest quality possible. Like good wine, the years are kind to preserved Sardines. A trick that Sardine lovers already practice is to store tins in their cellars. The idea is to store preserved sardines and let time do the rest. The products improve with time, so we can leave the fish to mature in its container for years. Once opened, in order to maintain their flavor for up to two days, we recommend keeping the sardines in the refrigerator, preferably covered and completely submerged in their olive oil, adding more if necessary. They are absolutely delicious as part of a seafood platter.

Sardines are an oily fish full of health benefits:

• High biological value protein source.
• High content of OMEGA 3 fatty acids, which our body does not generate by itself.
• Contains vitamins E and D.
• Our Traditional Sardines are packed in olive oil, rich in oleic acid, which helps regulate harmful levels of cholesterol in the blood.