2. Meals in a can
Canned seafood is pushing the boundaries beyond the regular supermarket staples of canned tuna, sardines, and salmon. This new surge of artisanal, often hand-packed and locally-seasoned seafood from Europe – anchovies from Spain, dorade from Italy, and sea snails from France – is taking the chef world by storm. Some restaurants and wine bars are surviving on the can alone, paired carefully with wines, spirits, and beers from the same countries.
The Fancy Food show was proof of the success, with canned seafood from many global regions having a significant presence. Matiz Mediterraneo, a company based in Galicia, Spain, was present at many booths; its sardines, octopus, anchovies, and other seafood delicacies adorned tasting plates for eager attendees. Plus distributor A Priori – which previously only handled chocolates and bitters – now has artisanal hand-packed seafood from Italy, Portugal, and Spain among its portfolio. Plump branzino and dorade fillets nestled in water or oil were among the new additions for the firm.
But one entrepreneurial company has decided to put the entire meal into the can. Freshé packs its BPA-free cans with seafood soaked in olive oil, vegetables, and herbs, marketing the product as an “on-the-go” power protein snack for hikers, travelers, schools, and sports enthusiasts. Even though produce is sourced on the Iberian Peninsula, and the tuna from Spain and Portugal, varieties present a taste of the world, including: Sicilian Caponata, with wild tuna, butternut squash, fire-roasted vegetables, almonds, and herbs; and Provence Nicoise, where the tuna is nestled in with peppers, potatoes, and olives.
Inspiration from further afield brings a Thai Sriracha with sweet and sour beans, peanuts, greens, and Asian sauce. From Mexico, an Aztec Ensalada with red beans, corn, and onion is featured. All utilize skipjack tuna, stamped sustainable by Friend of the Sea.
