Sardine
The “modest” sardine is regarded as the “people’s” fish in the Greek seas
Sardine
Three-dimensional Illustration of sardine
Sardines are a group of fish found worldwide, all belonging to a single subfamily within the larger and more complex group of clupeoid fish, which includes over 300 species in total.
Sardina pilchardus is a small pelagic fish in the Clupeidae family of the Clupeiformes order. It lives in the Mediterranean Sea and parts of the eastern Atlantic, playing a significant role in nutrition and trade. Adult fish tend to swim close to the coastal zone and exhibit diurnal vertical movement to find food. They primarily feed on planktonic shellfish but can also consume larger organisms. The fingerling stage takes place in the open sea, and the larvae remain in the plankton for an extended period.
Sardina pilchardus thrives in coastal areas, forming tightly-knit shoals. It’s an aquatic species, but also neritic. Reproduction in the Mediterranean typically occurs from September to May.
Sardina pilchardus can grow to a maximum length of 25 cm (10 inches). Fresh sardines are excellent when grilled, but they can also be deep-fried, as they are naturally oily· so deep-frying is preferable to pan-frying.
Ambracian Gulf sardines are rich in proteins, supporting the proper function of vision, cardiovascular health, and the nervous system. They also contain a substantial amount of leptin, a hormone that regulates body weight and is associated with fertility.
The Ambracian Gulf sardines contains 1,003 proteins of which 556 are exclusively expressed in them. This means that 50% of their body is different from the rest. The 556 proteins contained in these sardines, half differentiate the sardines of the Ambracian Gulf from the common sardines (Sardina pilchardus) and can be used for their identification, traceability, and distinctiveness.
Additional Benefits of Sardines:
- Sardines provide a substantial number of high-quality proteins, known for their ability to enhance muscle function.
- Sardines contain all the essential amino acids required by the body and are easily digestible.
- Their unsaturated fatty acids contribute to improved cardiovascular health.
- Sardines offer an exceptional blend of nutrients, making them highly beneficial for overall health.
- Sardines are also packed with various vitamins and minerals.