Info about Sardines
Sardines – Healthy and Affordable Food
Named after the island of Sardinia in the Mediterranean, pilchards or sardines are types of fish which belong to the family Clupeidae. The distinction between sardines and pilchards has never been exactly defined because experts are still in disagreement.
• Benefits
Despite the ambiguity in definitions, sardines are affordable food which provide nutrients for a healthy body. They contain a lot of omega-3 fatty acids which have been proven to decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease and which may contribute modest lowering of blood sugar levels. Some studies already suggest that when omega-3 fatty acids are consumed regularly, there is a decreased likelihood of having Alzheimer's disease.
Furthermore, they also contain a variety of vitamins. They provide Vitamin D and Vitamin B12. They also provide calcium and proteins. Unlike other types of fish which accumulate toxic metals, sardines have much lower levels of mercury and are therefore safe for consumption.
• Preparations
Fresh sardines may be pickled, grilled, or smoked but they are more popular as canned food. Canned sardines may vary in sizes and may actually be round herrings. Before packing, their gills and the heads should have been removed and their intestinal contents eviscerated. Usually, the live fish are purged of the contents of their intestines by keeping them in a tank for a time. They are then deep-fried or steam-cooked, then dried. When canned, they may be packed with oil (e.g. olive oil, soybean oil), water, brine or sauces (e.g. tomato sauce, mustard sauce).
The main advantages of the canned preparations are that they are portable and can be brought and eaten anywhere. Since they are non-perishable, one does not have to worry about eating spoiled food. They do not require special handling since the cans survive soaking or dropping. They may serve as stand-alone food or be eaten with staple food.
Among the developing countries, canned sardines are essential in the diet of the poor. These canned goods are much more affordable than other canned varieties. They can also withstand extreme temperatures making them preferable by those who cannot afford meat and other goods.
• Some sardine recipes
Sardine Salsa can be prepared by adding a can of sardines and chopped tomatoes, onions and chilli in a bowl. When cheese is added, this can serve as filling for toast. It can also serve as salsa for Taco shells. Sardine on pasta can be made by sautéing garlic, onions, chopped green onions and parsley and mixing them with cooked pasta and grated cheese. For any pasta recipe, canned varieties can be used as substitute for sausages or ground meat.
• Commercial Use
Aside from being consumed as food, they can also be used for bait. They can be used as animal feed. Sardine oil is used to manufacture varnish, linoleum and paint.
Sardines have many uses. When one is looking for an affordable and easily available food, this type of food is a great choice. While it is light on the pocket, it is heavyweight in terms of the nutrients and health benefits.