NATIONAL SARDINES DAY
November 24th recognizes these silver little fishes on National Sardines Day. They may not swim right up to your plate, but they sure do pack in the flavor.
While some people are afraid to taste these small, silver fish, others consider sardines a delicious snack enjoyed on their own or with crackers.
Sardines are several types of small, oily fish, related to herrings. While we might be most familiar with sardines packed in cans, some enjoy fresh sardines grilled. This small fish can also be pickled and smoked, too. When canned, they can be packed in water, olive, sunflower or soybean oil or tomato, chili or mustard sauce.
The term sardine was first used in English during the beginning of the 15th century, possibly coming from the Mediterranean island of Sardinia where there was an abundance of sardines.
Sardines are a great source of vitamins and minerals.
From one’s daily vitamin allowance containing:
- 13 % B2
- .25 % niacin
- 150% vitamin B12
- phosphorus
- calcium
- potassium
- iron
- selenium
- omega-3fatty acids
- vitamin D
- protein
– B vitamins are important in helping to support proper nervous system function and are used for energy metabolism.
– Omega 3 fatty acids reduce the occurrence of cardiovascular disease and regular consumption may reduce the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease and can even boost brain function as well as help lower blood sugar levels.
Relative to other fish commonly eaten by humans, sardines are very low in contaminants, such as mercury.
Sardine oil is used in the manufacturing of paint, varnish and linoleum.
The sardine canning industry peaked in the United States in the 1950s. The Stinson Seafood plant in Prospect Harbor, Maine, which was the last large sardine cannery in the United States, closed its doors on April 15, 2010, after 135 years in operation.
HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalSardinesDay
Share a can or two of canned sardines with a friend. See if you prefer the mustard, chili, or tomato-packed ones better! Use #NationalSardinesDay to post on social media.
Look, if you Celebrate Every Day® most years, this is the only holiday on this date. So we’ll offer some extra special tips to help you celebrate.
- Try sardines on a salad. Mash them up and mix them with some Caesar dressing for a start. Add some extra croutons if that improves the experience.
- Toss them with pasta and a spicy marinara sauce.
- Grill them with olive oil. Add lemon, garlic, and tarragon.
NATIONAL SARDINE DAY HISTORY
National Day Calendar® continues researching the origins of this uncanny holiday.
Sardine FAQ
Q. Are sardines the only kind of fish that are canned?
A. No. A variety of fish are sold in canned form. Some of those include:
- Herring
- Salmon
- Mackerel
- Tuna
- Trout
Q. Do you eat the entire sardine?
A. You can and many people do. The bones are edible.
Q. Can you cook canned sardines?
A. Yes. Canned sardines can be cooked in all the same ways that fresh fish are cooked.
November 24th Celebrated (And Not So Celebrated) History
1874
The U.S. Patent Office issues patent No. 157,124 to Joseph F. Glidden for a type of barbed wire fencing that helped signal the end of the cowboy era. It also brought around the era of large scale farming on the range that was not possible before.
1877
Author Anna Sewell publishes her only novel, Black Beauty: The Autobiography of A Horse.
1963
Jack Ruby kills Lee Harvey Oswald, the assassin of President John F. Kennedy.
1993
Mrs. Doubtfire directed by Chris Columbus and starring Robin Williams, Sally Field, and Pierce Brosnan opens in theaters.
November 24thCelebrated (And Not So Celebrated) Birthdays
Grace Darling – 1815
In 1838, a ship collided with rocks along the shore during a storm near the lighthouse Grace Darling’s father kept. In the morning, her family discovered survivors who had found some refuge on the remains of the wreckage. The lighthouse keeper and his daughter set out in a rowboat on the rough seas to rescue them. The legendary story made Grace Darling a British heroine.
Frances Hodgson Burnett – 1849
The novelist is best known for her children’s novels Little Lord Fauntleroy, A Little Prince, and The Secret Garden.
Scott Joplin – 1868
While his exact birth date is unknown, the prolific ragtime composer and singer earned him the title of “King of Ragtime.” His most popular composition, Maple Leaf Rag, also brought him a steady income until the end of his young life.
Robert Sengstacke Abbott – 1870
In 1905, the attorney and publisher established The Chicago Defender. It quickly grew into the most circulated black-owned newspaper in the United States.
Bessie Blount Griffin – 1914
As an innovative scientist, nurse, and physical therapist, Blount used her experience during World War II to improve the lives of veterans. She received several patents, including one that is still in use today.
William F. Buckley – 1925
The editor founded the conservative magazine National Review in1955.
