Anchovies & Boquerones

In the vast variety of seafood fish is definitely one of the most valuable, affordable, versatile and nutritious gifts we have received from the World Ocean for thousands of years. Today it invariably remains a key ingredient in original cuisines across continents and islands, as well as a nice product to experiment with in case you want to create something absolutely special. Regardless of its type, origin, size or shape, in gastronomy fish always leaves room for a cook’s fantasy. So, here we are going to help you discover the grand culinary options provided by a relatively small fish, known as Anchovy. The flavor of the most delectable seafood always has some delicately piquant notes of cool and salty breeze, blowing your imagination away to the sandy seashore of Neverland. So, let your fantasy turn your every meal into something absolutely fabulous with our gourmet Boquerones, made by skillful processors using traditional and time-tested artisanal techniques.

Comparing to other sea water migratory fishes, anchovy is rather small. The average length of its body rarely exceeds 6 inches (or 15 cm). Anchovies inhabit temperate waters of the Mediterranean and North Atlantic, where they are fished from the middle of spring till the middle of fall. During this time period anchovy schools rise from a depth of 100 meters to the sea surface, therefore creating favorable conditions to begin a traditional fishing season. Sparkling in the sunlight, these silver-green fishes seem like emeralds or diamonds, gently rocking in the shallow water waves.

Due to the fact that anchovy food value is quite high, the fish has been successfully pickled since ancient times. The Romans used it to prepare a briny sauce. They called it garum, and it had an impressively long shelf life.

Nowadays, the diversity of anchovy preserves will amaze the most discerning aficionado. Even when you already know where to buy anchovies, still you may feel a little lost deciding what kind of them you actually want. Their incredible diversity includes filleted and non-filleted versions, dried, cured or packaged in olive, sunflower or vegetable oil, sometimes with garlic, herbs or spices added. Also, there is a famous Spaniard-style fish treat boquerones, which is considered a must-have for traditional Spanish tapas. Generally, a boquerone is an anchovy fillet soaked in vinegar.

Before buying anchovies, most chefs recommend to decide in advance what exactly you need them for. The thing is that, for example, pickled anchovies are meant more for eating, while their salt- and oil-packed counterparts also hold rightful places among other ingredients for different dishes.

Despite the fact that in recent years the average price of anchovies has increased, this fish is still held in high esteem, especially by those who prefer piquant and umami flavors in their meals. Moreover, anchovy refers to naturally oily-rich fish, so most of its varieties will benefit to any diet. It contains a large number of essential vitamins and minerals, along with vital omega-3 fatty acids and special healthy fats that are claimed to reduce the level of bad cholesterol.

Marky’s Gourmet Store is here to answer your question! Please, check our anchovies price range and avail yourself of the option to order and buy anchovies online. Besides, we are glad to offer you the high quality anchovies for sale. Among our premium selection you can also find the sublime white anchovies for sale at discount prices.

Originally, the fish treat boquerones (it should be pronounced as boh-kay-rohns) is a classic Spanish appetizer. It consists of fresh anchovy fillets marinated in white wine vinegar either for just a couple of hours or for several days. Before serving, they are lavishly napped with prime olive oil. As a rule, chopped garlic or onions, parsley and other fragrant herbs can be sprinkled over the pickled fillets. As a result of the pickling process, anchovy’s flesh gets some nice white color. That is why Spanish boquerones in vinegar are more widely known as white anchovies.

As for the anchovy, this fish is quite popular in Mediterranean cuisine. For hundreds of years it has been fished along the present-day coasts of the Balkans, Italy, Spain, as well as northern Africa. Despite its small size (the average length of its body is 6 in or 15 cm), anchovy is a plump, meaty fish, easy to cook in different ways and very nutritious. Indeed, it is a generous source of essential minerals and vitamins, along with omega-3 oils and proteins.

Comparing to other varieties, marinated anchovies possess a much milder and smoother flavor. Their natural saltiness just gives them a slight pleasant tang, which also makes them a great thing to heat up your appetite.

After you buy boquerones, especially if it is your first time, you will be invariably surprised by their culinary ubiquity. Whether you are going to throw a picnic or party, or have a warm and cozy family dinner, or it is just your simple weekend lunch, they will successfully and unobtrusively fit into any occasion.

Serve them as Spanish tapas or pinchos. These are light and quick savory snacks, accompanied by a drink, usually by a glass beer. But many chefs also recommend choosing red wine or Asturian cider as the most suitable beverages.

Laid on a crusty slice of your favorite bread and paired with olives, boquerones will turn into a wonderful starter.

Mix them ground with some butter, herbs and spices to make a pungent velvety anchovy butter.

Experiment with adding them into versatile egg salads or exotic pizzas.

So, here we are at Marky’s Gourmet Store for you not to take a guess at where to buy boquerones of premium quality. For our imported boquerones anchovies from the sunny Mediterranean are carefully selected and filleted before being soaked in prime vinegar and packed in fragrant oil.

Treat yourself with sublime boquerones, so easy to enjoy right after the first bite.