Tinned Fish are Underrated

I didn't gow up a big fish kid. My earliest memories of fish were white cod with blanched broccoli. Not a bad memory, but one I wasn't looking forwards to around dinner time. Later in life, like many adults, we discover the luxury of salmon fillet or a rustic whole baked trout. But even recently, I wouldn't go near tins of tuna.

I will return to Canada a changed man.

Between Portugal and Spain, I have discovered a passionate obsession with high quality preserved fish. Sardines and anchovies basking in silky olive oil. A pungent mackerel pate over a crispy piece of bread. The concentrated flavors are stunning.

Highlights

La Cooperativa del Mar (Valencia) - Colorful tins of preserved small fish are stacked in tall columns up the wall, while the staff await your order to crack open a can and plate it for your consumption. Delicious.