Since sardines are featured on our menu, we thought it might be a good idea to give this sadly infamous snack the good press it deserves. Fortunately for us, not everyone hates sardines. You meet two types of people in this world: one type loves sardines and the other absolutely despises them. There is no in between. However, it is more statistically likely that you’ll meet the type that falls into the “despise” category. 73% of people claim not to like sardines, so we’re here to try and change their minds. Not only are sardines one of the healthiest fish around, but they’re also one of the most budget-friendly. If you can accept, and get past, the strong taste and equally strong smell, you’re in for a seriously nutritious treat.
High in Protein
If you’re trying to stay fit and looking for a snack high in protein, sardines are a great option. A three-ounce will give you a solid 23 grams of protein, as well as a bevy of vitamins. Lucky for all of us, sardines are also fairly low calorie.
Lots of Calcium and Phosphorus
Sardines are one of the few foods where the entire fish is consumed, including skin and bones. Now, we understand that sounds horrifying but those bits of the fish have a lot of important vitamins and minerals, including a hefty dose of calcium. This makes sardines a great option for those who are sensitive to dairy or don’t want to supplement with calcium pills.
Low in Mercury
When consuming fish, it’s understandable to be concerned with heavy metal contamination. However, you can toss those fears aside when it comes to sardines. They are considered one of the safest fish to ingest due to their generally small size. Sardines, being at the bottom of the food chain, eat plankton, unlike other, much larger fish. This naturally makes them low in other metals as well.
At the end of the day, sardines aren’t all that scary. Once you’re over the initial hurdle, you’ll find that you absolutely adore this nutritious snack. If you’re a bit iffy about trying them right from the can in your home, stop by Mare Oyster Bar. As an appetizer to your meal, try the Mediterranean Sardines Gratinate on our menu. It’s a great way to dip your feet into the sardine pool, so to speak. We look forward to serving you!