Did you know anchovies and boquerones come from the same fish?
If you've tried our Santoña Anchovies and our Cantabrian Boquerones, you've surely been won over by their excellent flavor and texture. But, besides the differences between them, did you know they both come from the same fish species?
That's right. It all starts with the anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus), a species that is the soul of both these Cantabrian delicacies. What makes them such different products is the careful artisanal process each fillet undergoes. Anchovies have an intense, slightly salty flavor, with a firm texture that melts in your mouth. Boquerones, on the other hand, stand out for a milder and fresher flavor, with a delicate and juicy texture.
Anchovies or boquerones: what makes them taste so different?
During the spring fishing season, when anchovies approach the Cantabrian coast to spawn, the fish reaches its optimal point: meatier and with a deep flavor. That's when they are caught.
Anchovies can be eaten fresh, but the true art lies in the transformation process that allows us to enjoy them as anchovies or boquerones.
The key is in the process:
- The first step is to select the best anchovies. Based on their characteristics, we decide which ones to use for anchovies and which for boquerones.
- Anchovies undergo a long process of salting and maturation. We place the anchovies in barrels with salt, where they rest for one or two years. This patience is what gives them their characteristic intense flavor.
- When the time comes, our artisan "sobadora" (rubbing) experts wash each piece, remove the salt, and sort the fish by size. Then, they clean and fillet them by hand, precisely removing all bones and impurities to ensure the highest quality.
On the other hand…
- Boquerones are prepared fresh to preserve their freshness. In this case, they are carefully cleaned, the head and spine are removed, and they are submerged in a special mixture of water, vinegar, and salt for 48 hours. This marinating is what achieves the tender and juicy texture that characterizes them.
- After marinating, each fillet is hand-filleted, ensuring a perfect finish before being canned with olive or sunflower oil.
A flavor that tells a story
The care in every step of the artisanal process is what makes our Santoña anchovies and Cantabrian boquerones unbeatable.
If you want to experience the taste of these delicacies and see for yourself how artisanal preparation makes a difference, visit our online store. Bring the authentic flavor of the Cantabrian Sea to your table... and enjoy every bite!
