Sardines may be small, but they're having a moment. Once seen as an old-fashioned pantry item, these little fish are now popular with chefs, home cooks and people looking for affordable, nutritious protein. National Sardines Day, on November 24, celebrates a food that's rich in flavor, sustainable and incredibly versatile. Eat them on toast, toss them in pasta, grill them fresh, or simply enjoy them straight from a beautifully designed tin.
History of National Sardines Day
'Sardine' is a common name for several small, oily fish in the herring family. The name is often linked to the Mediterranean island of Sardinia, where these fish were once plentiful.
Sardines have been eaten for thousands of years, but canning transformed them into a global food. In the early 1800s, French inventor Nicolas Appert developed a method of preserving food in sealed containers, and France soon became a leader in canned sardines packed in oil.
In the United States, the sardine canning industry grew in the late 1800s, especially in Maine and later in California. Monterey's Cannery Row became famous for sardine processing in the early 20th century before overfishing caused the Pacific sardine population to collapse in the 1950s. The last major sardine cannery in the United States, in Prospect Harbor, Maine, closed in 2010.
Today, many tinned sardines come from Portugal, Spain, Morocco and other countries, and tinned fish has become a stylish food trend. The founder of National Sardines Day is not documented.
Why National Sardines Day Matters
Sardines are a nutrition powerhouse. They're rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, and because the soft bones are edible, they also provide calcium. They're low on the food chain, which means they tend to contain less mercury than large predatory fish.
They're also affordable and shelf-stable, making them a practical choice for quick meals and emergency pantries.
How to Celebrate National Sardines Day
- Make sardine toast: mash sardines with lemon and herbs on toasted sourdough.
- Toss with pasta: combine sardines, garlic, chilli, lemon and breadcrumbs.
- Grill fresh sardines: brush with olive oil and cook quickly over high heat.
- Build a tinned fish board: serve sardines with crackers, pickles and mustard.
- Try a new brand: compare sardines in olive oil, tomato sauce or with spices.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, host a tinned fish tasting with a few varieties and crackers, and note that some colleagues may prefer to skip it, so offer a vegetarian option too. In classrooms, sardines are a good entry point for lessons on marine food chains, sustainable fishing and how canning preserves food. Students can read about Cannery Row and discuss what happens when a fish population collapses. At home, make a quick weeknight pasta or sardine toast and challenge family members to try 'just one bite'. Kids who are unsure about fish often prefer sardines mashed into a spread with lemon and a little mayonnaise, served on crackers.
Fun Facts About National Sardines Day
- The name 'sardine' is often linked to the island of Sardinia.
- Monterey's Cannery Row was a major sardine-packing center in the early 1900s.
- Sardines' edible bones are a good source of calcium.
National Sardines Day FAQs
When is National Sardines Day?
National Sardines Day is November 24.
Are sardines healthy?
Yes. They're high in protein, omega-3 fats and calcium, and generally low in mercury.
Can you eat sardine bones?
Yes. In canned sardines the bones are soft and edible.
How should I store opened sardines?
Transfer leftovers to a sealed container, refrigerate and eat within one to two days.