Santoña anchovies are a true gastronomic gem that deserves to be enjoyed to the fullest. But, to ensure that they maintain their unparalleled freshness and flavor, it is essential to know the best preservation and storage practices.
To enjoy your anchovies in the best conditions, follow these tips:
1. Purchase and initial storage
Maintaining the right temperature is crucial to preserving the freshness and flavor of anchovies from the moment they leave the factory until they reach your table. Therefore, at Pujadó Solano, we ensure strict adherence to the cold chain for all purchases made in our online store, carrying out all our shipments by refrigerated transport. This guarantees that the product arrives at its destination in the best conditions.
Once you have the anchovies at home, whether in a can or a jar, you should remember that anchovies are a semi-preserved product, meaning they are perishable and need to be stored under special cold conditions specified on each package. It is advisable not to expose the anchovies to direct sunlight or sudden temperature changes.
High temperatures will make your anchovies too salty, as heat can increase the salt level, and will reduce their expiration date, causing them to spoil sooner.
Therefore, although canned anchovies can be kept at room temperature in a cool, dry place, such as in a cupboard or pantry, it is preferable to store them in the refrigerator, just like jarred anchovies, as the best temperature for preserving them is between 5ºC and 12ºC.
It is also important to pay attention to the expiration date, which in the case of anchovies is determined by the salting process (which is what keeps them fresh). Generally, anchovies can have a shelf life of between six months and a year if stored correctly. Check the date indicated on the package and make sure to consume your anchovies before then.
Once opened, anchovies should be consumed within one week.
Remember that anchovies are best when consumed fresh. Try not to store large quantities for a long time to always enjoy their best flavor.
2. How to store anchovies once opened
Once you have opened a can or jar of anchovies, you should know that exposure to air can cause the anchovies to oxidize and lose their flavor. Therefore, it is best to consume them all as soon as you open the package.
But if you have leftover anchovies and want to keep them for a few days, to ensure they stay fresh and retain all their flavor, you should place the leftover anchovies in the refrigerator immediately.
If you decide to keep the anchovies in their original container, cover it with plastic wrap. This will provide an additional layer of protection against air and moisture.
If you prefer to transfer the anchovies to another container, you should bear in mind that the type of container you use to store the anchovies can also make a big difference in their freshness and flavor. That's why we advise you to use airtight glass or plastic containers to store the anchovies in the fridge. Make sure they are well sealed to prevent air from entering and the absorption of odors from other foods.
Finally, you should know that, so they don't dry out, anchovies must be covered either with oil (in the case of anchovies in olive oil or vegetable oil), or with salt in the case of salted anchovies. So, if you change the anchovies to another container, make sure they are completely covered. If they are anchovies in oil, cover them completely with good quality oil, which will not only keep them fresh but also intensify their flavor. If, on the other hand, they are salted anchovies, you should cover them with salt and brine.
