Canned anchovies

When buying canned anchovies, we must know the characteristics of each format so that we can choose the can of anchovies that best suits our needs. In this respect, we must bear in mind that the price of the can of anchovies will vary according to the size of the fillet inside each can, as the larger the anchovy, the higher the price to be paid at the fish market..

Octavillo or RR50 can: small-sized anchovies but with the same traditional production and quality as the larger anchovies. It is, therefore, our best-priced can of anchovies, the most economical. It contains 7-9 fillets per tin..

Can of anchovies double octavillo or RR80: with a larger and more fleshy anchovy, it is a can of anchovies of unbeatable quality-price. Highly recommended for consumption by 3-4 people, as each can of anchovies contains 11-13 fillets..

Can of anchovies 00 (double zero) special edition “Hansa”: the largest anchovies are found in this limited edition can. It contains 10-11 extra-large fillets per tin..

If you want to buy large tins of anchovies, we recommend:

Can of anchovies RO180: it contains 30-35 small anchovy fillets, so it is an economical can of anchovies for meals or snacks with several people.

Can R365: this is the largest can of anchovies in our catalogue, both in terms of the number of fillets it contains (approximately 50 anchovy fillets in each can) and the size of the anchovies, only surpassed by the Hansa special edition anchovies.

A canned anchovy retains all the nutritional properties of the fish, and these can also be enhanced by the curing process and the benefits of olive oil. In the case of canned anchovies, we are talking about the proteins, vitamins and other minerals typical of Cantabrian anchovies. Furthermore, as it is an oily fish, it has very high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, a healthy fat that helps to prevent cardiovascular diseases and to control cholesterol levels.

Yes, canned anchovies are as healthy as any other canned or semi-canned fish.It is true that because the anchovy has been maturing in barrels or large cans with salt for several months, it sometimes raises doubts about its sodium content among consumers. In this respect, the way we prepare the canned anchovies once they have matured is very important, as we must wash them very well to remove excess salt before filleting the anchovies and placing them in the cans. At Arroyabe we soak the Cantabrian anchovies in water several times before filleting and canning.

Canned anchovies, being semi-preserved, should be kept cold for as long as possible, both before opening the can of anchovies and afterwards. This is because they have not been subjected to a sterilisation process and are therefore preserved by the salt. The can of anchovies must be free of dents and rust. In case the can is swollen or releases air when opened, we would discard them because the product could be contaminated. We should also reject any tins of anchovies that have a suspicious taste or smell. Once the can of anchovies has been opened and if not all the contents have been consumed, the anchovies can be kept in the refrigerator. It is important to cover the anchovies well in olive oil so that they do not oxidise. To do this, we can store the anchovies in a tupperware container and cover them well with oil; or pour the oil into the can of anchovies itself.

If you do not know where to buy canned anchovies and you want to ensure the quality of the product, this is your place. At Arroyabe we only work with top quality Cantabrian anchovies, as we take care of the entire production process, starting with the purchase at the fish market, their maturation, filleting and the introduction of the anchovies in tins. In our online shop you can buy canned anchovies with direct factory shipment.A product that is easy to consume and saves us a lot of preparation time, to enjoy as an aperitif or as a starter at a meal. Don’t miss our catalogue of canned anchovies at competitive prices. If you are looking for large tins of whole salted anchovies, to fillet at home to your liking, you can consult our catalogue of salted anchovies.

Canned anchovies are a healthy source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, iron and B vitamins. They also contain low levels of mercury, making them a healthy choice of fish to consume on a regular basis. However, it is important to note that canned anchovies often contain high levels of sodium due to their preservation process, so it is recommended to consume them in moderation. In summary, canned anchovies can be a healthy and nutritious option if consumed in moderation and as part of a balanced diet.

To make a can of anchovies, the first thing we do is buy anchovies from the fishermen’s market of the right quality and size for each format. The fish is then transported to the factory and salted fresh. After two days, the anchovies are beheaded and gutted and sorted by size, all by hand. The anchovies then go on to the maturation process. For this purpose, they are placed in barrels with salt, to which a lid and weights are attached for pressing. After about 4-5 months, the anchovies have matured and have taken on the appropriate colour and aroma. Once they have reached the optimum point of maturity, we begin the process of canning the anchovies. To do this we remove the skin from the anchovies by rubbing or scraping each piece by hand. Each anchovy is then drained and separated into its two muscular parts, along the backbone. Each of these two muscular parts is called an anchovy fillet. Finally, the anchovy fillets are manually placed in tins and selected olive oil is added, thus obtaining canned anchovies that are healthy, tasty and of unbeatable quality.

Canned anchovies are a product that keeps well out of the fridge due to the way they are made and preserved in salt and olive oil. In general, a can of anchovies can last up to 2 years if kept in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. However, once the can is opened, it is advisable to store the remaining anchovies in the fridge and consume them within 2-3 days to ensure freshness and quality.