Sardine Delivery or Pickup

A sardine is a small and very nutritious fish. They are typically canned in oil, water, or marinade, but you can also buy them fresh in some locations. Some types of sardines are smoked for additional flavor. They have a strong meaty texture and a distinctive smell.

Sardines include important nutrients, such as B vitamins, minerals, and choline. The vitamin B12 found in sardines supports a healthy cardiovascular system, while vitamin D contributes to healthy bone structure.

Like other types of oily fish, they contain omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to support good cardiovascular health and prevent inflammation. These fatty acids also play an important part in reducing the risk of blood clots and lowering blood pressure. Sardines are also a great source of calcium, which helps maintain strong bones, and iron, which is critical to produce energy and help circulate oxygen around the body. Other minerals found in sardines are zinc, potassium, and magnesium. Studies have shown that including oily fish, like sardines, in your diet can contribute to healthy brain function.

Sardines are a good source of protein, which keeps your immune system strong and ensures good bone and muscle development.

Fresh sardines can be sold with the head and tail intact or as fillets. When purchasing fresh sardines, look for fish with bright eyes and shiny skin with the scales intact. The flesh should have a pinkish color and appear firm. Discolored skin can be a sign that the fish is not of good quality.

Canned sardines are already cooked, so you can mix them straight into a salad or eat them on toast. Another option is to mix them with a sauce, like a tomato sauce, and eat it with fresh pasta. Alternatively, grill the sardines for a minute or two with some salt and pepper for a more crispy texture. Sardines can also be a great option for a pizza topping in place of other seafood items, like tuna or shrimp.

Fresh sardines can be grilled, pan-fried, or cooked on the barbecue. If you're frying or barbecuing sardines, cook them on each side for two to three minutes. You can tell that sardines are done when the flesh is firm and easily comes away from the bone. Some recipes using the oven call for sardines to be cooked with a marinade or sauce for 15 minutes.

Whether sardines are canned or fresh, they are particularly popular in Mediterranean dishes. They can be roasted in the oven with garlic and herb seasoning, used to make fish cakes, or used as the nutritious ingredient in your favorite salad recipe.

Whatever you want to do with this versatile fish, you can order exactly the type of sardine you need via the Instacart app. Let our shoppers put your order together, and they can have your sardines delivered to you the same day!