COCKLES IN BRINE
The best tins in its category due to the size and selection of the cockles
The Berberecho or cockle has probably been one of the least appreciated molluscs or shellfish for many years. They have currently become popular once again, due, among other reasons, to their high nutritional content which has made them an extremely healthy food to eat. And as is the case with other shell food and certain fish, their preparation and conservation in tins makes it possible to enjoy them all year round and maintain levels of maximum quality. This is the case of the Frinsa company, whose products have convinced even the most demanding gourmets. Opening the tin and dipping in a spoon to taste the berberechos is a true delight. In order to assure this exceptional quality, Frinsa selects the very best cockles and then tins between 15 and 20 pieces, which are prepared with the maximum care.
1. The cockles do not need to be refrigerated although they should be kept in a cool area.
2. Open the tin carefully so as not to spill any of the liquid.
3. If you are going to eat them alone, it is best to eat them directly out of the tin, with a spoon.
4. If they are taken out of their juice, they can oxidize quickly.
They can be used as an accompaniment or a side dish, especially with fish dishes, to which they add a special touch of flavour and texture but do not affect the overall personality of the dish.
The cockles can best be accompanied with young white wines, Albariños Ribeiros and Godellos,as well as the Selection of Añada Pazo de Señorans, an Albariño wine with greater body. They can also be enjoyed with Cruzcampo Gran Reserva Beer or with the Rosé wine Petjades of Torelló and, of course, with the Brut Allier de Sumarroca cava.
By the Equipo Team, headed by María Isabel Mijares. Secretary of the International Union of Oenologists. Vice-president of the Spanish Association of Sommeliers. Founder of the Laboratory of Sensorial Analysis.
The cockles are characterized by their low fat content and so it furnishes low calorie content and an average portion of approximately 360 g of berberechos with the shells contains only 26 kcal. Furthermore, the amount of cholesterol it contains is low, as compared with that of other seafood.
The cockles also stand out due to their iodine and iron content. As regards the iron, the edible portion of a serving of this bivalve mollusc covers 74% of the recommended daily intake for women and this portion exceeds the RI/day described for men. In view of this fact, consumption of these molluscs is especially recommended in cases of iron-deficiency anaemia.
They also furnish minerals, though in a lesser amount, such as selenium, phosphorous and calcium. Regarding the vitamin content, especially significant are the hydro-soluble ones, such as niacin; and, among the liposoluble ones, vitamin A.
By Emma Ruiz Moreno, José Manuel Ávila Torres, Teresa Valero Gaspar, Susana del Pozo de la Calle and Gregorio Varela Moreiras. Spanish Nutrition Foundation.
