La Belle - Iloise Boneless Sardines With Olive Oil And Lemon

TASTING NOTES FROM THE CURATOR

It takes years of study and practice to attain the expertise to remove the bones from the sardines without damaging or even opening the fish. The sardines remain intact, tender and soft. It’s soaked in rich olive oil, and the infusion of lemon gives it a wonderfully bright, summery flavor.

PREPARATION AND PAIRINGS

This is wonderful with summer salads, or combined in a dish with colorful vegetables. Use it in lemon-based pastas, or mashed up for simple dips and spreads. It’s also great for open-faced sandwiches, try it on top of a bed of mashed avocado and topped with arugula and cherry tomatoes.

THREE GENERATIONS OF QUALITY

La Belle-Iloise Conserverie was founded in 1932 near Quiberon, a fishing port in Brittany, France. Georges Hilliet was a son of a fisherman, and it seemed a natural thing to work with something close to his heart. The easy access to the sea also guaranteed fish that was fresh and quality.

Hilliet opened a direct sales store in 1967, after firmly distancing himself from the pressures of mass distribution. In 1982, under the leadership of his sons Georges and Bernard, La Belle-Iloise Conserverie began distance selling (or mail order selling). By 2011, they had over 50 stores. This is, at its heart, a family business. And now, helmed by Bernard’s daughter, Caroline Hilliet Le Branchu, they continue to be at the top of their game, selling only the best quality canned fish.

Storage Instructions

Keep your canned sardines in a cool, dry, and dark area, like the pantry or a cupboard. Unopened, they will keep for about 1 year. Once opened, transfer into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. Consume within 2 days.