Sardines in Olive Oil

Acor is a small, quality-focused Portuguese conservas producer with a commitment to doing things simply and doing them well. This tin is as straightforward as it gets: Atlantic sardines, olive oil, salt. Three ingredients. No shortcuts, no additions — just the natural quality of the fish and the oil speaking for themselves.

Portuguese sardines are among the finest in the world — caught in the cold, rich waters of the Atlantic along the coast of Portugal, where the confluence of currents produces fish of exceptional flavour, fat content, and texture. Packed in olive oil and left to rest, the sardines mellow and develop over time in the tin, their flavour deepening and integrating with the oil into something that is far greater than the sum of its parts. At $16 for 120g, this is a step up from everyday conservas — a tin that rewards attention and a little good bread. Serve at room temperature with butter and sourdough, over pasta with capers and lemon, or simply eaten straight from the tin with a glass of cold white wine.