When we think tinned food, we generally think about canned beetroot for a steak burger, or the never fail tuna for a quick snack. The thought of serving tinned food as an appetiser tends to send us to think of our Aunty Gloria's baby carrots dipped in hummus.
In Spain they do tinned on the especial side of things.
Spain prcenteroduces possibly the highest quality tinned food in the world. For many, tinned food provides both quality and convenience in a can. Spain has a long tradition of carefully preserving seafood in cans. In fact the canned version is often seen as even more delicate than freshly cooked clams, mussels or chipirones. In many tapas bars, they do not have large, extensive kitchens, so beautiful seafood, served straight from the tin is as revered as Gaudi in Barcelona.
Canned seafood also offers maturity and taming of the taste of seafood, and Spain producers are effective at using natural preservatives. One example of this is Bonito Tuna. Every year Bonito del Norte tuna migrate north as far as the Bay of Biscay in northern Spain. During the summer they fatten up for their return journey south. Just when the tuna are in top shape, fishermen harvest them and within 24 hours they are cooked in seawater and packed by hand in olive oil. The result is the most tender, silky canned tuna in the world.
Tinned seafood started in the northwestern region of Galicia- known for its cold and turbulent rivers that never fail to produce speccy seafood. 200 years ago, a clever Galician wanted to preserve these briny bounties, and so a local canning industry was created. This has continued into a thriving industry in which we can all reap the delicate delicious rewards of Spanish seafood.
This tradition has spread to the preserving of Spain's incredible produce.
Here is my list of Spanish essentials for your pantry.Take note- do not take a gamble with cheap products. The quality here really matters.
1. Tuna
I'm not sure how long I would last without tinned Tuna in the pantry!
2. Artichokes
All the wonder of artichokes without all the boiling, peeling & removing the hearts.
3. Pimentos
The deliciously sweet tiny peppers. Tasty on their own, served simply with some tuna will make a delicious meal.
4. Mussels
Perfect to throw through a pasta. So much easier than having to debeard and scrub.
5. Anchovies
Anchovies are always a winner on crusty bread, but can also be used in many marinades and dressings.
6. Razor Clams
Razor clams are delicious and have a wonderful texture. As they are hard to come by in Australia, take advantage of the quality tinned stuff.
7. Sea Snails
Fantastic as a snack along with your Friday arvo brew.
8. Olives (stuffed or plain)
Great to pop through a salad or serve as a tapa.