My typical work day lunch is several handfuls of arugula or other sturdy salad green, a tin of sardines or salmon, pistachios and olive oil and vinegar. Some crackers and a piece of fruit too.
I’ve really started to enjoy eating tinned fish! Patagonia Provisions is a little more pricey but they have some really good flavors. I guess you could eat it with some crackers but I just eat it straight out of the tin with a fork.
I eat small fish several times a week when I visit my in-laws in Vietnam. Rightly pointed out an american problem. Whole grilled midskipper with hot pot? Yes please. But you gotta have serious chopstick skills.
I was actually thinking about this the other day! There seems to be a correlation between food size and nutritional density. Maybe something to do with the square cube law (or whatever that law is that makes it so ants are crazy strong). So things like legumes. Seeds, eggs (as opposed to chicken), or small fish all seem to be more nutritional than their "adult" counterparts
Nothing better than avocado toast topped with sardines and Louisiana Hot Sauce (lots of it). I grew up eating sardines out of the can and have continued my love of tinned fish into adulthood. I highly recommend the surprise box from Rainbow Tomatoes Garden if you want to have some fun with tinned fish! Thanks for sharing the love of tinned fish with your readers.
When I was a boy, my mom made pizza with anchovies during Lent and on Fridays. Also she would make spaghetti with olive oil and anchovies. Both were excellent.
Appreciate the detailed info on benefits of eating small fish. I eat two cans of sardines for lunch about 3-4 days a week at the office with a side of frozen vegetables. Super portable and easy lunch.
I know you mentioned fish oils, but where does krill oil rank? I figure that small fish are still superior, but I started taking krill oil on the basis of it being better for the environment and higher bioavailability. Curious as to what you and “fish daddy” can say about it!
I have one theory of why eating small fish instead of taking Omega 3 supplements is better for you, particularly your eyes (avoiding macular degeneration). Small fish is one of the best sources of taurine as well as Omega 3’s. It could be that taking them together can prevent macular degeneration, and there could be synergies with the other nutrients in the fish as well. Studies have shown that taking Omega 3’s doesn’t prevent macular degeneration but eating 2 servings of oily fish a week does. Also Omega 3 supplements have been shown to cause atrial fibrillation (which happened to me). I stopped taking Omega 3’s and now try to eat fish twice a week.
Just picked up a few tins to try from World Market, looking forward to getting into the world of small tinned fish! I don't eat nearly enough fish, this may really come in handy. Appreciate the article, man.
Hi Michael
Love this post. I highly recommend this cookbook https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-magic-of-tinned-fish-elevate-your-cooking-with-canned-anchovies-sardines-mackerel-crab-and-other-amazing-seafood-chris-mcdade/14820769
Thanks for the rec!!
My typical work day lunch is several handfuls of arugula or other sturdy salad green, a tin of sardines or salmon, pistachios and olive oil and vinegar. Some crackers and a piece of fruit too.
Just cracked open a can of sardines from Costco with Italian bread. Bada bing!
I’ve really started to enjoy eating tinned fish! Patagonia Provisions is a little more pricey but they have some really good flavors. I guess you could eat it with some crackers but I just eat it straight out of the tin with a fork.
I love anchovies! Turkish culture cooks with them frequently (mostly as an appetizer) and when marinated correctly, they are delicious.
I eat small fish several times a week when I visit my in-laws in Vietnam. Rightly pointed out an american problem. Whole grilled midskipper with hot pot? Yes please. But you gotta have serious chopstick skills.
I was actually thinking about this the other day! There seems to be a correlation between food size and nutritional density. Maybe something to do with the square cube law (or whatever that law is that makes it so ants are crazy strong). So things like legumes. Seeds, eggs (as opposed to chicken), or small fish all seem to be more nutritional than their "adult" counterparts
Nothing better than avocado toast topped with sardines and Louisiana Hot Sauce (lots of it). I grew up eating sardines out of the can and have continued my love of tinned fish into adulthood. I highly recommend the surprise box from Rainbow Tomatoes Garden if you want to have some fun with tinned fish! Thanks for sharing the love of tinned fish with your readers.
The Trader Joe's Farm Raised Smoked Trout Fillets are delicious on a salad or with crackers.
When I was a boy, my mom made pizza with anchovies during Lent and on Fridays. Also she would make spaghetti with olive oil and anchovies. Both were excellent.
Appreciate the detailed info on benefits of eating small fish. I eat two cans of sardines for lunch about 3-4 days a week at the office with a side of frozen vegetables. Super portable and easy lunch.
I know you mentioned fish oils, but where does krill oil rank? I figure that small fish are still superior, but I started taking krill oil on the basis of it being better for the environment and higher bioavailability. Curious as to what you and “fish daddy” can say about it!
eatfishwife.com is also very good. Their Mackerel is simply fantastic as is their Smoked Rainbow Trout.
I have one theory of why eating small fish instead of taking Omega 3 supplements is better for you, particularly your eyes (avoiding macular degeneration). Small fish is one of the best sources of taurine as well as Omega 3’s. It could be that taking them together can prevent macular degeneration, and there could be synergies with the other nutrients in the fish as well. Studies have shown that taking Omega 3’s doesn’t prevent macular degeneration but eating 2 servings of oily fish a week does. Also Omega 3 supplements have been shown to cause atrial fibrillation (which happened to me). I stopped taking Omega 3’s and now try to eat fish twice a week.
Just picked up a few tins to try from World Market, looking forward to getting into the world of small tinned fish! I don't eat nearly enough fish, this may really come in handy. Appreciate the article, man.
What about the guy who just eats eggs and has perfect bloodwork?