Best Spanish Preserved Fish Types
Caballa de Andalucia are mackerel fillets of the species Scomber japonicus, fresh or preserved in sunflower or olive oil. This particular species has been fished in the south of Spain for three thousand years and is to this day preserved using traditional, non-industrial methods.
Caballa de Andalucia is produced by boiling the mackerel fillets in salted water, skinning them by hand and covering them in oil in glass or metal containers. In spite being labor-intensive, these methods help avoid the use of chemicals, thus ensuring a higher quality product.
Mojama de Isla Cristina is a cured and dried tuna fish loin made in the municipalities of Isla Cristina, Lepe, Cartaya and Ayamonte in the province of Huelva. There are two types of mojama; Extra - which is made from the inside part of the loin, and Primera - made from the adjacent loin parts.
Mojama de Isla Cristina is made from both yellowfin and bluefin tuna. The fish is prepared, salted and washed, and is then left to cure and dry. This slow process allows for all the flavors and nuances to fully develop, creating the complex and characteristic flavor.
Northern Albacore tuna is the prized fresh fish originating from the Basque waters. Also known as hegaluzea and bonito del norte, the tuna is white-fleshed, savory, and aromatic. Its skin is dark blue and almost black, but it fades to white along its underside.
The meat is succulent and has a bit of fat along the belly. This tuna is individually line-caught from small fishing boats in the Bay of Biscay, and the process is important because it ensures that each fish is the right quality and size. Albacore tuna is often packed in tins with olive oil and salt, making it perfect for everyday eating and enjoying it throughout the year, and locals suggest to just top it with lemon juice and freshly ground pepper.
THE BEST Albacore White Tuna Tunas
Anchoas de Cantabria are Spanish anchovies originating from the Cantabrian Sea. These wild anchovies are in season from March through June and they come from San Sebastian's Bay of Biscay. They are filleted and packed in brine and olive oil by hand, then left in the mixture for 5 months.
These anchovies are prized for their umami flavor and meatiness due to the tinning methods and processes. People also like the nice balance of sea salt, fish, and oil. It's recommended to use them in vinaigrettes, sauces, or simply spread over a slice of sourdough bread.
Melva de Andalucia are preserved tuna fillets, produced by hand using traditional methods in the province of Almería. This tuna is packaged either in tins or glass jars and can be preserved using water, or either olive or sunflower oil.
Melva de Andalucia is a gourmet product made by hand-skinning the tuna, lightly salting and canning the meat. Every step of the production, from catching the fish to canning the fillets, must take place in the municipalities of Almería, Adra, Carboneras, Garrucha and Roquetas de Mar in the province of Almería.
Mojama de Barbate is a cured and dried tuna fish loin made in the municipalities of Barbate and Vejer de la Frontera, in the province of Cádiz. There are two types of mojama; Extra - which is made from the inside part of the loin, and Primera - made from the adjacent loin parts.
Mojama de Barbate is made from both yellowfin and bluefin tuna, which is salted and washed, after which it is cured and dried. It is usually sold sliced and vacuumed or covered in olive oil in glass jars. Mojama de Barbate is deep red to brown in color, very smooth and never fibrous in texture.
Best Spanish Preserved Fish Producers
Real Conservera Española is celebrated for its high-quality, artisanal canned seafood, including delicacies like razor clams, mussels, and sardines. Founded in 1920, this family-run company continues to use traditional hand-packing methods, ensuring superior flavor and presentation.
Each product is harvested from the pristine waters of Galicia, renowned for its rich marine life, and is preserved in top-grade olive oil or brine. The brand's commitment to quality has earned it numerous accolades, positioning it as a premium choice in gourmet seafood.
AWARDS
World's 101 Best Canned Products from the Sea - Top 10 Sardines
2024
World's 101 Best Canned Products from the Sea - Top 10 Tuna
2024
World's 101 Best Canned Products from the Sea - Top 10 Mackerels
2024
BEST Real Conservera Española Seafoods
Conservas El Capricho, based in Cantabria, Spain, is renowned for producing some of the world's finest canned anchovies, noted for their premium quality and artisanal processing. This family-owned company is highly selective about its raw ingredients, using only fresh anchovies from the Cantabrian Sea, which are processed by hand to ensure optimal taste and texture.
They emphasize traditional methods, aging the anchovies in sea salt for over a year, which enhances flavor depth. El Capricho’s products are praised for their delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture and balanced saltiness, making them a gourmet favorite.
AWARDS
World's 101 Best Canned Products from the Sea - Top 10 Anchovies
2024
World's 101 Best Canned Products from the Sea - Top 10 Tuna
2024
World's 101 Best Canned Products from the Sea - Top 10 Special Products
2024
BEST Conservas El Capricho Seafoods
Güeyumar is a restaurant located in Playa de Vega, a small village in Asturias, Spain. Established in 2007 by Luisa Cajigal and Abel Álvarez, the restaurant specializes in fresh, high-quality seafood from the Cantabrian Sea. It is situated in a stunning natural environment, just 100 meters from the beach, offering both an outdoor terrace and a private dining area.
Güeyumar focuses on providing an exceptional gastronomic experience, combining fresh fish and seafood with the serene, magical atmosphere of the region. It is known for its commitment to quality and its breathtaking surroundings near Ribadesella.
BEST Güeyu Mar Seafoods
Conservas La Brújula is a premium Spanish brand known for its high-quality, artisanal canned seafood, sourced primarily from the Galician coast. Each can includes meticulously selected fish and shellfish, such as sardines, mackerel, tuna, and razor clams, which are hand-packed to preserve texture and flavor.
The brand’s commitment to sustainable, local sourcing ensures fresh, peak-season products that meet international gourmet standards. Using minimal processing, La Brújula maintains the natural taste and quality of its ingredients, making it a favorite among chefs and food enthusiasts.
AWARDS
World's 101 Best Canned Products from the Sea - Top 10 Sardines
2024
World's 101 Best Canned Products from the Sea - Top 10 Anchovies
2024
World's 101 Best Canned Products from the Sea - Top 10 Tuna
2024
BEST Conservas La Brújula Seafoods
Established in Galicia, Ramón Peña specializes in gourmet offerings such as mussels, sardines, and tuna, sourced sustainably from the Atlantic Ocean. The brand’s products are hand-prepared and packed, following artisanal methods that enhance natural flavors and texture.
Their dedication to quality has made them a top choice for chefs and seafood enthusiasts worldwide. With a focus on flavor and heritage, Ramón Peña has earned a reputation as a luxury seafood brand representing Spanish gastronomic excellence.
AWARDS
World's 101 Best Canned Products from the Sea - Top 10 Sardines
2024
World's 101 Best Canned Products from the Sea - Top 10 Anchovies
2024
World's 101 Best Canned Products from the Sea - Top 10 Mackerels
2024
BEST Conservas Ramón Peña Seafoods
Conservas Zallo, based in Bermeo, Spain, specializes in high-quality canned fish, particularly anchovies, tuna, and bonito del norte (albacore tuna), known for their sustainability and flavor. This family-owned company, established in 1926, maintains traditional canning methods, focusing on locally sourced fish from the Cantabrian Sea to preserve authentic flavors.
Zallo is celebrated for its artisanal touch, using hand-filleting techniques and sustainable fishing practices that align with both environmental and culinary standards. Their products are popular across Europe, showcasing Spanish seafood traditions and quality.
AWARDS
World's 101 Best Canned Products from the Sea - Top 10 Sardines
2024
World's 101 Best Canned Products from the Sea - Top 10 Anchovies
2024
World's 101 Best Canned Products from the Sea - Top 10 Tuna
2024
BEST Conservas Zallo Seafoods
Conservas Ortiz is a prestigious Spanish company specializing in the production of high-quality canned seafood, with over 130 years of tradition. Founded in 1891, the company has become synonymous with top-notch quality and a passion for preserving the best fishing traditions.
All products are carefully processed using the oldest and most precise canning techniques, ensuring an unmistakable flavor and a high level of freshness. Ortiz is best known for its Bonito del Norte, one of the most highly regarded products in the industry.
AWARDS
World's 101 Best Canned Products from the Sea - Top 10 Anchovies
2024
BEST Conservas Ortiz Seafoods
Don Bocarte is a renowned gourmet seafood producer based in Santoña, Spain. They are pioneers in the conservation of fish and seafood in olive oil, focusing on sustainable and controlled fishing practices. Their products, particularly anchovy fillets in virgin olive oil, are known for their high quality and exceptional taste.
The anchovies are caught between April and June, ensuring the best quality, and are gently cleaned by hand. Don Bocarte is celebrated for its commitment to traditional methods and premium quality seafood offerings.
BEST Don Bocarte Seafoods
Rooftop Smokehouse is a culinary venture that specializes in traditional smoking methods to produce a variety of smoked seafood products. The company operates from a rooftop setting where they sustainably source and handcraft their offerings, emphasizing quality and artisanal techniques.
The smokehouse is also known for its commitment to using natural ingredients without artificial preservatives. Additionally, they offer workshops and events to educate consumers about the smoking process and the intricacies of seafood preparation.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2024
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2023
BEST Rooftop Smokehouse Seafoods
Founded by Jesús Lorenzo in the 1990s, the Los Peperetes is celebrated for its commitment to traditional, artisanal methods that enhance the natural flavors of its seafood. Known for products like octopus, razor clams, mussels, and sardines, Los Peperetes sources locally from the Galician coast, where the seafood is cleaned, cooked, and packed by hand.
Their meticulous preparation process ensures high-quality taste and presentation, appealing to gourmet and culinary markets worldwide. The brand has become emblematic of Spanish culinary heritage and is recognized in international canned fish rankings.
AWARDS
World's 101 Best Canned Products from the Sea - Top 10 Sardines
2024
World's 101 Best Canned Products from the Sea - Top 10 Tuna
2024
World's 101 Best Canned Products from the Sea - Top 10 Seafood
2024
BEST Los Peperetes Seafoods
Best Spanish Preserved Fishes
These sardines are hand-packed in high-quality olive oil, preserving their natural flavor and enhancing their delicate texture. Real Conservera Española uses artisanal methods, ensuring the sardines retain their freshness and nutritional value. The brand’s commitment to quality and traditional preparation has earned its products recognition in gourmet circles and competitions worldwide.
These sardines are celebrated for their simplicity, nutritional benefits, and rich taste, ideal for fine dining or as a luxurious tapas option.
AWARDS
World's 101 Best Canned Products from the Sea - Top 10 Sardines
2024
Rosalita smoked Cantabrian anchovies in olive oil, RR90, are produced by CHEF MARKET SL. These delicately smoked anchovies are sourced from the Cantabrian Sea, known for its rich marine biodiversity. The anchovies are carefully selected and packed in high-quality olive oil, which enhances their flavor and preserves their freshness.
The RR90 designation typically refers to the can size, ensuring a portion that is both practical and gourmet.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2023
TRUCHA AHUMADA, or smoked trout, is one of the artisanal products offered by Rooftop Smokehouse. Rooftop Smokehouse is known for creating high-quality smoked foods using traditional methods and locally sourced ingredients. The company emphasizes craftsmanship and often smokes their products in small batches to ensure the finest quality and flavor.
The TRUCHA AHUMADA is typically prepared with careful attention to the smoking process, which imparts a rich, smoky flavor while preserving the delicate texture of the trout. This makes it a gourmet addition to a variety of dishes, ranging from appetizers to main courses.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2023
ANCHOA DEL CANTÁBRICO AHUMADA is a gourmet product made from Cantabrian anchovies. These anchovies are smoked to enhance their rich, natural flavor, providing a unique and exquisite taste. Known for their high quality, they are carefully selected and processed using traditional methods.
This delicacy is often enjoyed as a tapas, paired with bread, olives, or cheese, and is a favorite among seafood enthusiasts for its tender texture and robust flavor.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2021
The product "Rezumar Anchoas del Cantábrico Gran Reserva" is a premium selection of anchovies from the Cantabrian Sea. These anchovies are renowned for their exceptional quality and are carefully hand-packed in olive oil to preserve their rich flavor and firm texture.
Rezumar prides itself on using traditional methods to ensure the finest taste, making these anchovies a gourmet choice for culinary enthusiasts.
AWARDS
Crystal Taste Award - 3 stars
2025
Anchoas Hazas are premium quality anchovies, meticulously hand-cleaned and deboned using tweezers. These anchovies are sourced from the Cantabrian Sea, particularly during the spring season when they have the optimal fat content. The process includes cold water washing and a traditional curing method, ensuring an exceptional taste and texture.
Each tin contains 13 to 15 fillets of these gourmet anchovies.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2023
Sardinas en Aceite de Oliva by Los Peperetes is a premium canned product from Galicia, Spain, featuring hand-selected sardines preserved in high-quality olive oil. Known for its meticulous artisanal preparation, each can captures the authentic, rich flavors of the Atlantic.
The fish are processed and packed fresh, preserving their delicate texture and flavor, and providing a nutritional source of omega-3 fatty acids. The brand emphasizes traditional methods and sustainable practices, showcasing the expertise of Galician seafood preservation.
AWARDS
World's 101 Best Canned Products from the Sea - Top 10 Sardines
2024
Sardinas en Aceite de Oliva from Real Conservera Española are premium, hand-packed sardines known for their rich flavor and quality. These sardines are sourced sustainably from the Atlantic waters off Galicia and preserved in high-grade olive oil, enhancing their natural taste and texture.
Each fish is carefully selected and cleaned before canning, ensuring a traditional, artisanal touch that reflects Spain’s long heritage in seafood preservation. Their flavor profile is balanced, combining the mild savoriness of the sardine with the smooth richness of olive oil.
AWARDS
World's 101 Best Canned Products from the Sea - Top 10 Sardines
2024
Sardinillas en Aceite de Oliva by Zallo are renowned for their premium quality and artisanal preparation. These small sardines are hand-selected, cooked, and preserved in high-quality olive oil, which enhances their natural flavor and texture. Zallo emphasizes sustainable fishing practices, sourcing these sardines from the rich waters of the Cantabrian Sea, known for producing some of the world’s best sardines.
The olive oil not only complements the delicate fish flavor but also preserves its nutrients and freshness.
AWARDS
World's 101 Best Canned Products from the Sea - Top 10 Sardines
2024
Extra Tito Sardinas by Conservas Tito are premium canned sardines renowned for their artisanal preparation and rich flavor. They are packed in high-quality olive oil, enhancing their natural taste and smooth texture. Each sardine is carefully selected and hand-packed to preserve its integrity and freshness.
This product, popular in Spain and beyond, is a favorite among gourmet enthusiasts who enjoy the brand's traditional approach, focusing on minimal processing and high-quality ingredients. The sardines are ideal as a tapas dish or accompaniment to various Mediterranean dishes, offering a taste of authentic Spanish seafood heritage.
AWARDS
World's 101 Best Canned Products from the Sea - Top 10 Sardines
2024
TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.