What is a ‘semiconserva’? Discover the exquisite world of anchovies from Real Conservera Española

Semiconserva anchovies are one of the most cherished delicacies in Spanish cuisine, with a history that dates back centuries. At Real Conservera Española, we have perfected the art of crafting anchovies, undertaking a meticulous process to create authentic marine delights. In the crafting process, we achieve high-quality semiconserva anchovies, ensuring their flavor and durability.

The art of semiconserva: anchovies that captivate your palate

A semiconserva is a food preservation technique which combines elements of freshness and salting to extend the shelf life of certain products, such as anchovies. The difference between “conserva” and “semiconserva” is that in the former, the food is fully cooked or sterilized to extend its preservation. However, semiconserves are characterized by maintaining a higher proportion of salt and a higher moisture content.

In the case of anchovies, the semiconserva technique is particularly delicate, as it allows preserving their freshness and original flavor while enhancing their unique characteristics. The combination of a meticulous selection of ingredients and the use of high-quality olive oil ensures that the anchovies maintain their smooth texture and exquisite aroma.

Semiconserva is a way to maintain the organoleptic qualities of food, and through Real Conservera Española, it allows gastronomy enthusiasts to enjoy exceptional Santoña anchovies that capture the essence of the Cantabrian Sea in every bite. With semiconserva, each tin of anchovies becomes a culinary gem that stands out for its authenticity and flavor.

Anchovies and semiconserva: the maritime tradition of savoring the Cantabrian Sea

Anchovies, small fish from the Engraulidae family,are captured in the Cantabrian Sea, a nutrient-rich environment that provides them with their characteristic flavor and texture. The most common species used for the production of anchovies is the European anchovy(Engraulis encrasicolus), which is abundant in this coastal region of Spain.

The anchovy process is a delicate technique of salting and curing that involves the preparation and transformation of the European anchovies into anchovies. At Real Conservera Española, we follow traditional methods passed down through generations to ensure the highest quality of our anchovies. The freshly caught anchovies are meticulously cleaned and deboned by hand before being immersed in brine for a period of time. Subsequently, the anchovies are left to cure in wooden barrels to develop their distinctive flavor and reduce their moisture content.

In every bite of our anchovies, you’ll discover the heritage of a centuries-old tradition and the dedication of those who work day by day with love and respect for the sea and its treasures.

The Costera season is a period of significant importance and anticipation in the fishing world. This period extends throughout the spring and summer months, when a natural phenomenon of massive migration of anchovies to the waters of the Cantabrian Sea occurs for their spawning process.

The massive migration of anchovies in search of warmer and suitable waters for their reproduction showcases these small fish in their prime, offering their best quality and flavor. It is during this optimal capture moment that artisanal fishermen and skilled sailors prepare to set sail in their traditional boats, ready to take advantage of the abundance and richness of the sea.

However, despite the economic and gastronomic significance of this season, it’s crucial to remember the responsibility that comes with sustainable and responsible fishing.

Once the anchovies are caught, they immediately go through the anchovy processing, where they transform into the delicious anchovies of our online gourmet store.

When you savor our anchovies, you not only enjoy an authentic culinary delight but also join us in our commitment to sustainability and respect for nature.

Santoña anchovies: authentic semiconserves at Real Conservera Española

The anchovies in olive oil from Real Conservera Española are the result of a meticulous selection of ingredients, rooted culinary traditions, and a deep respect for the marine environment. From the anchovy processing to their presentation as semiconserves, every step is carried out with dedication and love for the authentic flavor of the anchovies. They are characterized by their ideal size, smooth texture, and exquisite aroma. Each tin contains carefully hand-selected pieces preserved in the highest quality olive oil, which further enhances their flavor and properties.

One of the distinctive features of our Santoña anchovies is their impeccable presentation. From the moment the anchovies are carefully hand-selected to their placement in the semiconserva tins, we ensure that each anchovy is clean, smooth, and of an ideal size to guarantee an unforgettable sensory experience.

They are presented in a RO-170 format, an elegant and sophisticated round tin that reflects the importance we place on aesthetics and presentation. Each anchovy piece is carefully arranged in this tin, ensuring a top-notch visual experience.

Furthermore, for those seeking a smaller and exquisite variety, we offer our Santoña anchovies in the RR-45 format, a rectangular tin with more delicate pieces, perfect for those special moments when a touch of distinction is desired on the table.

Each tin is the result of the dedication and love with which we work at Real Conservera Española to bring the flavor of the Cantabrian Sea to your palate.

The preservation of our Santoña anchovies

Our passion for delivering anchovies in olive oil at their best state leads us to follow strict protocols to ensure that each tin that reaches your hands preserves its exceptional freshness and flavor. Our anchovies, being semiconserva, require a special care in their transportation and preservation to ensure they arrive at your table in all their splendor. This is one of the differences between canned and semi-preserved products.

Once carefully crafted and presented in our iconic tins, our anchovies are shipped using cold transportation, an essential practice to keep their quality and freshness intact. Cold transportation ensures that the anchovies are kept at an optimal temperature throughout the journey, preventing alterations in their flavor and texture.

During cold transportation, the olive oil used in our anchovies may partially solidify due to low temperatures. This is completely normal and doesn’t affect the product’s quality at all. Once you receive your Santoña anchovies, it’s important to consider their proper storage. Since they are a semi-preserved product, our anchovies should be kept cold.

It’s possible that when taking the anchovies out of the cold, the olive oil may still be partially solid. For this reason, we recommend tempering the anchovies at room temperature for approximately 10 minutes before consumption. This way, you’ll allow the olive oil to return to its liquid state, while also being able to fully appreciate the richness of its flavors and aromas.

This tempering process not only enhances the gastronomic experience but also allows you to enjoy our Santoña anchovies in all their richness and delicacy. With each bite, you’ll be able to taste the outcome of our dedication and the care with which we treat every tin that reaches your table. Enjoy the pleasure of every bite, tempered and ready to delight you with its unparalleled flavors!