Anchovies and sardines are different species. Anchovies are smaller than sardines—4 to 10 inches versus 6 to 12. Anchovies are more likely salt cured; the tiny dark-brown filets sold canned or jarred in olive oil.
Sardines are native to the southern Mediterranean. They’re larger than anchovies and related to herring. Although over 140 anchovy types exist, the main commercial one is the European.
Sardines have thicker bones and flaky texture; they taste salty like tuna. When canned, their texture and flavor are preserved. Anchovies sell with darker, reddish-grey flesh from curing.
Both fish types are low mercury and high omega-3. For sodium conscious, sardines make a better choice than salty anchovies.
It’s not a good idea substituting anchovies for sardines or vice versa. These fish behave differently when cooked. Anchovies melt away, flavoring dishes with savory saltiness. Sardines’ thick flesh won’t dissolve like anchovies.
Another reason people don’t enjoy eating anchovies or sardines is their association with healthy eating. Like most fish, they contain healthy nutrients and fatty acids. Their oiliness makes them good for grilling or frying. Even when dried, they keep some oiliness.
Sardines have round dark spots and live in oceans and seas worldwide. Anchovies have greenish-blue coloring and some freshwater species. Their classifications and uses are very different too.
What do anchovies taste like?
These fish taste pretty fishy and salty. Anchovies also have a fifth taste – umami, a savory taste found in foods high in the amino acid glutamate. Anchovies are typically filleted, salt-cured and canned in oil. Many people have no idea what anchovies taste like. They have a strong fishy flavor and are often used in salad dressings. You should try them if you’re unsure about the taste. If you’re a true fish lover, anchovies are an excellent choice for your next meal.
Anchovies are small silver fish found in the Mediterranean, Atlantic, Pacific and Black Sea. The best ones usually come from the Med. The form you’re most likely to find anchovies in is tinned and submerged in olive oil or salted. When you eat them this way, they’re filleted which means there are no bones. Once they’re caught, anchovies are usually filleted, salt-cured and packed in oil or salt in tins and jars, and this salt curing process is what gives them their unique flavour.
Anchovies have a strong, salty, and savory flavor. They are often described as intense and pungent. The texture of anchovies is soft and tender, with a slight chewiness. If you’re a fan of anchovies and want to try making them at home, it’s surprisingly easy to do so.
While anchovy fillets are undeniably fishy, the salty funkiness of these little fish is their strength. Anchovies have a rich, umami flavor that adds a layer of complexity when dissolved into a sauce or emulsified into a dressing.
Why do people eat anchovies?
Protein-rich anchovies benefit cell metabolism and connective tissue repair. High protein foods may help weight loss, blood sugar, bones, muscles, cartilage and tissues, boosting the body’s ability to heal itself.
Some people like anchovies for their seductive, creamy, almost sweet flavor. They are the very expression of umami, triggering hunger. Used in small quantities, anchovies flavor dishes like Worcestershire and fish sauces, pizza, butter, and more. They taste fishy and salty.
Widely available anchovies uplift foods like pizza, pasta sauce adding umami flavor. But some don’t like the strong, intense flavor. Anchovies may reduce cardiovascular risk, maintain healthy heart, bones, teeth and aid weight loss thanks to omega-3s, proteins and nutrients.
If anchovies offer health benefits, how to get around the flavor? Life’s better when healthy foods taste good too. High-quality anchovies are tender, meaty and clean briny. Their strength means a little goes a long way to balance flavors.
Anchovies pep up fiery pasta, gnocchi bakes, garlic spaghetti. Whole anchovies can be added to pizza or French onion tart. Many Caesar dressings start with anchovies and garlic creating an emulsion with egg yolks, mustard and oil. Both sardines and anchovies are low mercury, high omega-3. But sardines may be better choice for lower sodium.
It’s ok to eat anchovies daily. They provide major benefits like omega-3s for brain and heart health. Selenium may reduce some cancer risks. But excess sodium may increase blood pressure.
What fish are anchovies made from?
Anchovies are small, common forage fish. Most species are found in marine waters. They are eaten by other fish, birds and mammals. Anchovies eat plankton and newly hatched fish. They run in large schools similar to herring. Anchovies are very popular in local cuisine as they are native to the Mediterranean and Black Sea.
When well integrated into a dish, anchovies enhance the flavor rather than stand out. There are many ways to use anchovies in cooking. Canned anchovy fillets in oil are readily available. If only using a few, the tall resealable jars keep them fresh. When choosing good quality anchovies, opt for fillets packed in oil.
These oily fish contain omega-3 fatty acids essential for heart and brain health. Eating anchovies boosts energy, strengthens immunity and contributes to overall health due to high protein, vitamins and mineral content. The bones are edible due to the small size. Anchovies can be used whole or added to recipes.
As filter feeders, anchovies open their mouths to eat plankton. The enzyme glutamate provides a savory umami taste. They are wild caught in large schools near the surface. Oiliness contributes to the strong flavor. Anchovies average 15 cm in length. Their high fat content distinguishes them from other small fish.