1. Food & Drink

Discuss in my forum

Anchovy Selection - Buying Anchovies

Fresh anchovies may be difficult to find

By , About.com Guide

anchovies recipes anchovy paste seafood sardines fish receipts food cooking

Anchovies and Anchovy Paste

© 2007 Peggy Trowbridge Filippone

Anchovy Selection - Buying Anchovies

Finding fresh anchovies is difficult for two main reasons: There is not enough demand, and they are highly perishable.

If you do find them fresh, don't expect them to be unblemished. The flesh is very soft and bruises easily. Use your nose to help judge freshness. When anchovies begin to spoil, they begin to really stink. As with any fresh fish, also look for bright eyes.

The most common forms of anchovies are salt-preserved anchovies and those canned in oil. Canned anchovies, both whole and fillets, are readily available in 2-ounce cans in most markets. Salted anchovies can be found in Italian markets.

Since most recipes only call for a tablespoon, if that, anchovy paste is becoming very popular. It comes in a tube making it easy to squirt out small amounts. Be aware that anchovy paste also contains added vinegar, spices, and water.

More about Anchovies:

Anchovy Cooking Tips and Hints
Anchovy Selection - Buying Anchovies
What are anchovies? FAQ
Anchovy Equivalents, Measures, and Substitutions
Anchovy Recipes

Cookbooks

Olives, Anchovies and Capers
The New Legal Sea Foods Cookbook
Fish : The Complete Guide to Buying and Cooking
Go Fish: Fresh Ideas for American Seafood
More Cookbooks

©2012 About.com. All rights reserved.

A part of The New York Times Company.