We all know that we are a conservative people in customs. What is certain is that times have changed, and so have mentalities. But even more certain is the fact that in every pantry of every Portuguese home there is a little preserved sardine, a razor clam, or the famous tuna, which often comes to fruition, and brings delicious dishes to the table that are delicious. Not to mention delicious starters with or without guests.
The issue of Portuguese preserves is not that remote, and not long ago factories were still operating in full force. I say "very little time" in reference to 30 years.
Every good Portuguese person who travels to the Algarve has certainly seen the factories on the banks of the estuary, in ruins, closed, and if you go there you will still find small belongings from the time.
Now, the story of the remote conservation in the 1900s and changing pace... Lies. The first Portuguese factory (and now the oldest in Europe) was founded in 1853 in Vila Real de Santo António. Later, other factories appeared in Setúbal, Algarve, Matosinhos, for the production of sardines in olive oil. .
New century, new technology, and thus the can sealing machines appeared, with this more factories opened and more canned goods were sold.
Rationing was the objective, so soldiers had food that was easy to transport, nutritious and had a long shelf life.
Years passed, some wars ended, and preserves were no longer necessary. Factories closed and many were laid off, creating crises.
Today it's fashionable, and it has a vintage feel.
Explore our canning suggestions in our store, and tell us what you think of them!