It’s no secret that we love tinned fish here at Bon Appétit. Writing an 800-word love poem to your favorite smoked trout, canned tuna, or luxury anchovies is a rite of passage for our editors, a ritual that concludes with Test Kitchen manager Gaby Melian bestowing a key to the secret conservas closet on the fortunate inductee. (I await my invitation, Gaby!)
If you're not yet among the converted, now, with trips to the fish counter limited, is the time to embrace these shelf-stable small bois. Not only are they delicious, but also they're packed with omega-3s and good-for-you vitamins and minerals. Plus, as far as seafood goes, anchovies, sardines, mackerel, and other little fellas are among the most sustainable options. If tinned fish really aren't your thing, we've thrown in a couple of our favorite smoked fish options too; they won't last forever, but they'll keep in your fridge longer than the fresh stuff.
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Producers
Donostia Foods
This importer of Spanish specialty foods has a robust selection of conservas, including staff writer Alex Beggs’ favorite ‘chovies. Their product page reads like a bottle of Dr. Bronner’s: “Animosity toward anchovies is endemic, thanks to the prevalence of poor quality examples cursing supermarket shelves. THESE ANCHOVIES ARE THE ANTIDOTE.” Free shipping on orders over $65.
Mercado Little Spain / José Andrés
When José Andrés’ name pops up in the news these days, it’s usually because his non-profit organization, World Central Kitchen, is feeding the hungry in the wake of disasters, from Hurricane Maria to COVID. It would be easy to forget that he’s also a chef who very much knows his seafood.
Patagonia Provisions
Yes, that Patagonia. Eat their Savory Sofrito Mussels while wearing your most normcore fleece and astral project yourself to the Galician coast. Free shipping on orders over $49.
Drifters Fish
Unless you live in Western Washington, you won’t be able to sign up for this Alaska salmon CSF (community supported fishery), a favorite of It’s Alive! host Brad Leone. But you can still stock up on their smoked and tinned sockeye, which we highly recommend you do.
Catsmo Artisan Smokehouse
There may not be a lot of wild salmon spawning in the rivers of the Catskill Mountains, but they’re still home to a salmon smokehouse that we can get behind.
Wild Planet
Sustainably caught tuna, salmon, sardines, yellowtail, mackerel, and anchovies. A grocery store option you can feel good about, Wild Planet placed first in Greenpeace’s ranking of canned tuna brands. Free shipping within the continental U.S.
Ekone Oysters
In 1982, an oyster farmer Nick Jambor built his wife a smokehouse for her birthday. Their marriage survived, and Ekone smoked oysters were born. These sturdy beauties come in punchy brines like teriyaki and habañero and are sustainably raised in Willapa Bay, Washington.
Russ & Daughters
The incomparable Russ & Daughters—the first business in the United States to have “& Daughters” in its name—has primo smoked salmon, sable, and whitefish for all your appetizing needs.
Purveyors
haley.henry
We may not be able to sip on a funky pét-nat at Boston’s haley.henry right now, but a few tins of their Da Morgada mackerel and a bottle from our local wine shop is the next best thing.
Preserved States
Associate editor Christina Chaey tore through her supply of El Capricho tuna sometime during month one of quasi-quarantine. See what all the fuss is about.
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