A canned product originating from the Algarve was voted the best among more than 50 preserves tested by American experts. According to the American newspaper, Açor brand canned sardines stand out for their balance of flavor, freshness and texture, winning over the palate of those looking for a nutritious and versatile snack.
According to the same source, the evaluation was carried out by Wirecutter, a project by the North American newspaper, which considered these sardines “slender, yet fleshy, and carefully preserved in olive oil”. “These sardines with their mild and delicate flavor received the highest score of all the ones we tried,” adds the newspaper.
Quality and freshness
The team responsible for the test was surprised by the “impeccable” appearance of the sardines, the newspaper notes. The preserves featured well-trimmed sardines, shiny skin and firm texture, with bones so small you don’t even notice them during the meal. According to the same source, these details reflect the quality of the catch in the Algarve and the care taken in preparing the product.
In addition to the visual aspect, the balanced flavor was highlighted. “The flavor was as close to ideal as possible, making it equally suitable for eating on toast, mixing with pasta, tossing on top of a salad or enjoying straight from the can,” writes the publication.
American experience
According to Wirecutter, Kathleen Squires, the journalist responsible for the analysis, guarantees that, even before the consumption of sardines became popular on social media, such as TikTok, she already considered it a reference in food. According to the same source, Squires and his team tasted 59 different types of canned sardines, many without seasoning, to find the best ones.
The characteristic flavor of the Portuguese sea was also mentioned. “One of the people who tasted it even commented that it tasted ‘like Portugal’, given its taste of the sea”, highlights the New York Times, highlighting the authenticity of the Açor preserve.
Versatility and packaging
The American newspaper also highlights the product’s vintage packaging, suggesting that it could be an excellent gift option or souvenir from Portugal. The publication adds that the aesthetics of the can contribute to the charm of the experience, in addition to the quality of the content.
In terms of ranking, the Açor brand appears in first place, followed by the Spanish Donostia, from Patagonia, also from Spain, Brunswick, from Poland, and José Andrés, again from Spain.
The Portuguese legacy
These preserves reflect the Portuguese tradition in fishing and preparing sardines, which continues to be valued internationally. The website explains that the combination of freshness, texture and delicate flavor puts the Algarve on the global gastronomic map, highlighting the care taken with a culturally iconic product.
The Wirecutter assessment reinforces the international recognition of Portuguese sardines, highlighting the importance of maintaining sustainable practices in fishing and fish processing.
According to the same source, the quality and unique flavor of these preserves make them competitive on the world market, while at the same time promoting Portuguese gastronomic heritage.
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