Tinned Fish Club for January 2026: La Barca Squid in Ink, Jose Gourmet Sardines, and Queen of the Coast Tuna
La Barca Squid in Ink
Squid ink is made of melanin (the same pigment found in human skin) combined with natural proteins to form a thick, smoke-like cloud. When threatened, squid release this ink to confuse predators, sometimes shaping it into a decoy “phantom squid” while they jet away. It’s one of the most dramatic escape acts in the animal kingdom.
Luckily for us, that same ink is also delicious. Rich in umami with a hint of ocean brine, it has been prized in Mediterranean cooking for centuries. Squid are typically caught at night, when they rise closer to the surface and are drawn to light. This method is both selective and low-impact, helping to protect marine ecosystems.
Easy Arroz Negro
“Black rice” is a traditional Catalonian dish made with squid and its ink. Warm 1T of olive oil in a pan and sauté one chopped garlic clove and a tablespoon of minced shallot until soft. Add the full tin of La Barca Squid in Ink, stirring gently to coat the aromatics. Fold in 1 cup of cooked short-grain rice, letting it absorb all that inky goodness. Finish with a squeeze of lemon, chopped parsley and a touch of lemon zest.
Queen of the coast Tuna and Chickpeas
In recent years, tinned fish has moved beyond being just an ingredient and into the role of a ready-made meal. Producers are increasingly creating thoughtfully balanced tins designed to be eaten straight from the can.
Ramirez & Cª (Filhos) SA has been preserving seafood since 1853, and their Queen of the Coast line leans lighter and more modern, offering tins that feel complete, flavorful, and ready to eat with no preparation required. Pairing tuna with chickpeas follows a long Mediterranean tradition, turning pantry staples into a satisfying, protein-rich dish that is both ancient and timeless.
Tuna Salad and Chickpeas
Tender tuna is combined with chickpeas and lightly seasoned for a balanced meal that is hearty and savory without being fussy. It's designed for real-life eating, whether that's at your desk, on a hike, or straight from the kitchen counter. To lean into that no-cook, snackable spirit, we've included a pack of Zee Zees Roasted Chickpeas. Crunchy, salty, and protein-packed, they're perfect eaten alongside the tin or sprinkled on top for added texture.
Jose Gourmet Sardines in EVOO
José Gourmet has helped usher in a modern revival of Portuguese conservas. At a time when canned fish was often treated as an afterthought, the brand set out to show that sardines could be just as thoughtful and expressive as wine or olive oil.
Rather than owning a factory, the brand partners with small, traditional canneries across Portugal, working only with producers who still rely on time-honored methods like hand-cleaning, gentle pre-cooking, and careful packing. The illustrated tins, each created by a Portuguese artist, reflect that philosophy and celebrate Portugal’s deep relationship with the sea. Inside, you’ll find firm, tender sardines preserved in rich extra virgin olive oil, clean in flavor and quietly luxurious.
Portuguese Sardines on Toast with Tomato & Olive Oil
This recipe is designed to let the sardines take center stage. Lightly toast thick slices of crusty bread until golden. While still warm, rub each slice with a cut garlic clove, then rub with the cut side of a ripe tomato so the pulp melts into the bread. Drizzle generously with the extra virgin olive oil from the tin. Gently lay the sardines on top, keeping them whole. Finish with flaky sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and a small squeeze of lemon. With sardines this good, less truly is more.
The world's best tinned fish, on your table every month.
Three curated tins from small canneries in Portugal, Spain, Denmark and beyond, with the recipes and maker stories that go with them.
Tinned Fish Club for August 2026: Bom Petisco Tuna in Brine, Ati Manel Garfish in Spiced Olive Oil, Fangst Brisling No. 4
Tinned Fish Club for July 2026: Kersen Kipper Fillets, Açôr Sardines in Olive Oil, Threeline Icelandic Cod Liver
