Stuffed squid in vegetable oil, 110 g

In Galicia, canned seafood means something far more significant than simple preservation. In the Rías Baixas region, high-quality conservas are an integral part of the local gastronomy: mussels, sardines, octopus, and baby squid are tinned in such a way that they stand on their own as a highlight on any tapas table.

This Mariscadora preserve contains stuffed baby squid, or chipirones, in vegetable oil. The small squid are cleaned and stuffed, resulting in tender, pleasantly meaty bites with a subtle, salty, oceanic flavor.

What is a chipirón?

Chipirón is the common name for baby squid in Spain. It is particularly popular in the northern part of the country: you can often find it grilled (chipirones a la plancha), served in its own ink (chipirones en su tinta), or as a canned product.

The stuffed version is a true Spanish classic: the body of the baby squid remains intact, making it almost naturally sized for tapas.

Mariscadora – three generations from Galicia

The story of the Costas y Miñán family cannery behind Mariscadora began in 1966 in Vilaxoán, right next to the Ría de Arousa. Today, the business operates in nearby Cambados, and the third generation is continuing the tradition of canning.

The name itself refers to Galician maritime culture: mariscadoras are the women who gather shellfish and other seafood delicacies along the coast. The brand name pays tribute to them and the work of several generations.

How to eat it?

The simplest way is at room temperature, with good bread. On a tapas platter, it pairs excellently with olives, picos, guindilla or other pickled peppers, and a squeeze of lemon.

A glass of dry Albariño is an especially good companion – incidentally, Cambados and the Ría de Arousa are also the heart of the Rías Baixas wine region.

And don't leave the oil in the tin: mopped up with a piece of bread, it might just be the last and best bite!