Delicious albacore tuna is cooked in pork fat, which is a tradition on Ile d’Yeu, off of France’s West Coast. This tuna is then combined with the classic Italian cheese, Parmesan. What this unique combination gives us is a delicate tuna flavor enhanced by the nutty, fruity taste of Parmesan.
The La Belle-Iloise Tuna and Parmesan Rillettes is best enjoyed with bread or crackers, especially for aperitifs or starters. Or as a spread for sandwiches and flat breads. You could also use it to top salads or pastas.
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.
Store your tin in a cool, dark, and dry pantry. Unopened, it will last up to 2 years. Once opened, consume your preserved meat within one or two days and keep leftovers with the oil in a sealed container in the fridge.