Anchovies from Getaria (Spain)
Facts & Figures
"At sea, I am happy - for 41 years and counting!"
Ansjovis fisherman Emilio Irigoien considers caring for nature crucial, not just at sea, but in life overall. He inherited this ethos from his family, a true lineage of fishermen. Emilio learned the trade from his father and older brother, even buying his first boat from his father. Now, he's been fishing for the finest Cantabrian anchovies for 41 years.
A good catch
The fishermen in Getaria look out for shoals of anchovies from a type of boat known as a purse seine. As soon as they locate one, they circle it with a net, which forms a kind of purse when it’s pulled closed at the bottom.
Traditional gender roles in Getaria
If you see women walking down the quay in Getaria carrying small chairs and sewing kits, chances are that soon after you’ll see a fishing boat coming into the harbor. The Spanish region of Cantabria is still very traditional when it comes to the division of labor. The men do the tough job of finding the best Cantabrian anchovies out at sea, and on their return it’s the women who repair the nets with needle and twine. It’s a family affair!
Gastronomy in the Basque Country
The Basque Country in Spain is known for its rich culinary culture, and anchovies are a staple on every menu. The fishermen themselves are keen cooks, too, and often spend their weekends in the kitchen. They’re all members of a “sociedad gastronómica”, a traditional cooking club. Picture long tables with entire families getting together for lunch or dinner, and recipes being passed down from generation to generation. When it’s not canned, the anchovy is often prepared the traditional way: grilled with garlic and sea salt – mouthwateringly simple!
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EmilioAnchoviesGetaria, Spain
Anchovy
Small but packing a punch – that sums up the anchovy. This little powerhouse looks a bit like the herring and comes from a big family of over 140 subspecies that are found all over the world. It feeds on plankton and newly hatched fry, and like the sardine it’s an oily fish. This Cantabrian variety is a bit bigger than our Argentine anchovy.