The Cornish sardine season typically runs from August through to February, when the shoals draw close to shore and the boats head out at dusk to shoot their nets.

We usually see the first fish a little earlier, often from Brittany in June or July, before the larger shoals reach the Cornish coast. Once the local season is underway, supply is excellent (weather permitting) and quality is superb.

Fresh sardines are one of the great pleasures of our waters. Rich and deeply flavourful, they are at their very best cooked simply - blistered on the barbecue, grilled with sea salt and olive oil, or baked whole with lemon and herbs.

They remain a firm favourite with #TeamFish for good reason: abundant when running well, and utterly delicious.

Did you know…?
Cornish sardines were once known as pilchards and have been landed along this coastline for hundreds of years, forming a huge part of Cornwall’s fishing heritage.