Christmas Sardines

We’re not reinventing tinned fish here. We’re just making it cuter—and more festive—for the holiday season.

In Portugal, during the summer when fresh sardines are at their fattest and best, folks love to get fresh sardines and grill them up. But even at the height of sardine season, the Portuguese still love to buy and eat tinned sardines. It’s a bit like the difference between a fresh ham and a cured one: they’re different, but they’re both delicious.

Here, we’ve got a tin of four to five plump, silver Portuguese sardines, packed in good olive oil. But what’ll really draw you in is the box, decorated with an adorable Santa sardine drawn by longtime Zingerman’s artist Ryan Stiner. No wrapping needed, it’s ready for its spot under the tree or stuffed in a stocking.