This 'poor man’s fish' is hailed as a protein powerhouse

Sardines, often called the poor man’s fish, are also hailed as a superfood by culinary experts all over the world. A powerhouse of protein and other nutrients, sardines earn a good income for the fishermen, too. Kerala used to receive up to 4 lakh tonnes of sardines, but last year it dropped drastically to just 30,000 tonnes. Peter Mathias, state president of the All Kerala Fishing Boat Operators Association, says that the availability of sardines has increased this year primarily due to favourable weather. 

A chakara-like phenomenon (a massive shoal of fish) has been observed along Kerala's Kollam coast in recent days. Fishermen and merchants from Tamil Nadu to Bengal have been coming here, as the trolling ban is now in effect in four states. Sardines that belong to the category of herring in the family of Clupeidae are the most available fish, not just in Kerala, but all over the world. 

From Sardinia
Sardines got their name from the Italian island of Sardinia, as the fish is available in abundance in these coasts. Meanwhile, the African nation of Morocco is the world's largest producer of sardines. Interestingly, the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans are home to the largest sardine population. The Kerala coast will get fatty or oil sardines when the monsoon begins and the coast cools. The fishermen from the Port to Thanni areas got tonnes of sardines the other day. 

Protein powerhouse
A powerhouse of protein, sardines also contain omega-3 fatty acids that can fight heart disease and lower blood pressure. Besides, sardines also contain vitamin D, B12 and phosphorus. Sardines are also often termed as one of the safest seafood choices due to the low possibility of mercury content in them. 

'Chaala' and 'mathi' 
The Indian oil sardine is darker, with a greenish tint on its back. It also has silvery scales and transparent fins. The coasts of Kerala get Indian oil sardines mostly from mid-May to September. Meanwhile, June–July is the breeding season for Indian oil sardines. Sardines caught during this time would have roe. The sardine flesh is soft and extremely tasty. The fish most often seen on the surface will lose its fat from October onwards. These sardines do not enjoy much demand in the market, as they lack flavour. 

Meanwhile, 'mathi' is flatter and is available mostly during November – December when the coastal winds are stronger. In southern Kerala, this is also called kari chala. Big sardines or Oman chala are also rarely available in the southern coasts. Compared to regular sardines, Oman sardines are bigger in size and might even look as big as mackerels. A basket of Oman sardines would fetch up to Rs 12000 – 13000.  

How to store sardines
Sardines should be cleaned and stored in a freezer in containers filled with water. Storing sardines like this would keep them fresh and tasty for days. Make sure to store small portions required for each day. Although sardines are storehouses of nutrients, they are cheaper than other fish. A kilo of sardines now costs Rs 150 – 200