## Description **Conservas** is the Spanish word describing all of the varieties of tinned fish and seafood originating from the Iberian peninsula. These tinned seafood goodies include - Sardines (Sardinas/Sardinhas) - Mackerel (Caballa/Cavala) - Anchovies (Anchoas) - Mussels in Escabeche (Mejillones) - Cockles & Clams (Berberechos & Almejas) - Squids (Calamares) *Conservas* are used in a variety of ways. They can serve as mains to snacks as well as bases for sauces and enhancers for vegetables. In the United States we only have varieties packed in factories, but the packers in the Iberian peninsula usually do it by hand and focus on preserving the beautiful, natural qualities of the product. As a result, those that originate from the Iberian peninsula stand head and shoulders above their American counterparts. ## Mains These tinned seafood delights often shine as centerpieces to charcuterie boards. A general template could look like the following - Bread or crackers - Tinned sardines or mackerel - Avocado - Cheese - Cornichons - Nuts - Dried fruit - Fresh fruit like cherries or grapes - Olives