How to preserve anchovies?

As we discussed in the post about Spring Anchovies, these are caught at the beginning of that time of year, always referring to those we sell at Anchoasdeluxe, this time we will explain something obvious but often overlooked by many people, the Santoña anchovies must be kept in the fridge.

Should anchovies be kept in the fridge?

Given that anchovies are a semi-preserve, we need to understand that this product requires cold to stay in optimal condition. Products in semi-preserves are perishable, which means they need specific cold storage conditions, as indicated on each package. In the case of anchovies, the required temperature ranges from 5º C to 12º C.

A good anchovy, caught in the Bay of Biscay and crafted by expert hands in Spain, is a small delicacy that requires special care. Therefore, even if the tins are unopened, they should be stored in a refrigerator until the day you plan to serve some splendid anchovies.

As a semi-preserve, anchovies have a more limited shelf life than traditional preserves, which can vary from 6 months to a year. This period is determined by the producer, depending on how the anchovy is prepared.

The shelf life is determined by the salt curing process, which acts as the preservative. If anchovies are kept at high temperatures for an extended time, it accelerates the fermentation process within the tin, thus significantly reducing their shelf life.

If you have kept a tin of anchovies at room temperature during the summer for a few weeks, you may even notice the tin has swollen, caused by the gases formed inside due to heat exposure. This tin should be discarded immediately.

Anchovies in the fridge or outside?

Considering anchovies need to be stored at temperatures between 5º C and 12º C, when purchasing this product, you should check that they are stored in the refrigerated section of a specialised shop. 

If you're buying this product from a different type of shop, pay attention to where the semi-preserves are located, as this can lead to the infamous complaint: “they were so salty...” This may be due to eating poor-quality anchovies or, even worse, excellent anchovies that were improperly stored, resulting in poor condition.

Frequently Asked Questions about Storing Anchovies

After explaining the correct storage method for anchovies, let’s answer some of the most frequently asked questions about this product.

Do anchovies spoil outside the fridge?

As we’ve mentioned, anchovies should be kept at temperatures between 5 and 12 degrees. If the time outside this range is brief, there may be no effect, but if during this short time they are exposed to significantly higher temperatures than recommended, it could severely impact their quality and condition.

Thus, anchovies spoil if exposed to high temperatures or left outside the recommended temperature for too long. To avoid an increase in saltiness or spoiling, we advise not leaving them out of the fridge for too long.

In short, being a semi-preserve, anchovies can stay out of the fridge for some time, even several days, without harm, though the shelf life will reduce, depending on the temperature they're exposed to. If exposed to temperatures above 30º for an extended period, the product may become saltier or the shelf life shortened. Direct sunlight or placing them near a heat source is the worst thing you can do.

As long as the tin isn't swollen, they are safe to eat, but the qualities will have changed.

How long do anchovies last once opened?

The best advice is to consume all the anchovies from the tin at the moment or on the day you open it. 

Once the tin is opened, anchovies begin to oxidise as they come into contact with oxygen, so it’s always best to consume them immediately to enjoy their freshness. Over time, they will soften, and the saltiness may increase.

If you need to store them for later, ensure they remain covered in the tin's oil, as any exposed anchovies will dry out and lose their quality. Don’t store opened anchovies for more than three days.

Remember, canneries offer different tin sizes to suit varying consumption needs, ensuring that none go to waste. For example, if there are just two of you, the most recommended size is the octavillo (8/10 fillets).

Should anchovies be taken out in advance before consuming?

As you know, anchovies are preserved in oil, which tends to solidify slightly at the low temperatures of the fridge, forming small beads. Therefore, to avoid these oil pearls being a nuisance while eating, it’s recommended to remove the tin of anchovies 20 minutes before consumption at room temperature to allow them to warm slightly.

We hope these brief explanations have helped you better understand and appreciate the incredible world of anchovies.

In our online shop, you will find the best Santoña anchovies, directly from the factories, ready to enjoy at your table within 24/48 hours.

View Santoña anchovies