Tinned sardines used to be top of Britons’ shopping lists but a staggering
£34 million – a seven per cent increase – was spent on the fresh variety in the past 12 months.
Seafish – the authority on seafood – has put this rise down to cost-conscious consumers catching on to fresh sardines representing excellent value for money as well as being incredibly healthy.
In the UK, the majority of sardines are caught by small boats that head out at dusk from an ancient fishery off the Cornish coast accredited as sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council.
Karen Galloway, Seafish Market Insight Manager, said: “Fresh sardines are now widely available in supermarkets and their popularity is growing as the quality is high and their sustainability record is impeccable.
“They are an oily fish rich in Omega-3 and packed with Vitamin D making them the perfect choice as one of your recommended two portions of fish a week. And given they are great value for money it is easy to see why British consumers have spent more than £30 million on fresh sardines in the past year.”
Five fast facts about sardines:
• The Cornish sardine fishery dates back to 1555.
• Sardines are classed as a superior source of Omega 3 with 2,660 milligrams of Omega-3 per 140g serving. Omega-3 can help reduce the risk of heart disease and boosts development of unborn babies brains.
• A sardine is smaller than six inches while if the fish is larger it is a pilchard.
• Morocco is the sardine capital of the world with hundreds of thousands of tonnes of the species caught off its shores each year.
• Notorious B.I.G rapped about eating sardines on the track Juicy.
