The lowdown on... SARDINES
CJ JACKSON IS SEAFISH UK AMBASSADOR AND PRINCIPAL OF THE SEAFOOD SCHOOL AT BILLINGSGATE (SEAFOODTRAINING. ORG). SHE TEACHES KEY SKILLS IN PREPPING FISH AND SEAFOOD
• You can follow CJ’s latest updates on seasonal fish and shellfish, including virtual preparation classes from The Seafood School, at seafoodtraining. org/blogs
These little oily fish were caught in abundance around Sardinia centuries ago, hence the name, but they’re popular in lots of other countries, including the UK
WHAT SPECIES ARE THEY?
Sardines are a ‘pelagic shoaling fish’, meaning they swim in large shoals near the surface. A true sardine is officially under 15cm in length – above that it becomes a pilchard.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
You can buy them fresh or frozen. Very fresh sardines are shiny with loose, bright silver scales, and their bodies are rigid and curled. They have a hint of gold around the eyes, which should be clear, black and beady. The gills should be bright red. Eaten fresh, sardines have sweet, delicately flaky flesh. The flavour becomes more prominent if they’re left for a day or two. For the most sustainable option, look for Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification.