Mackerel might be a small fish to fry, but they are mighty in many other ways. Found mainly in the cold waters of North America and Europe, mackerel swim in large schools in the open ocean. Today, we’re going to demonstrate that these might morsels have a lot to offer. 

Health Benefits

Mackerel is packed full of nutrients. Did you know that, pound for pound, canned mackerel has more omega-3 fatty acids than other fish? In 3 ounces of cooked mackerel you will find 1.1 grams of omega-3 fatty acids! These good fats are an important part of nutrition and a balanced diet. Omega-3s are known for their many health benefits including reducing inflammation and potentially lowering the risk of cancer, and arthritis. According to the AHA, just 2 cans of mackerel a day they can help protect against heart disease by lowering cholesterol and improving hypertension. 

That’s already a sizable amount of benefits from this little fish, but there’s even more. Canned mackerel is a fantastic source of vitamins and minerals. It is rich in B vitamins, especially vitamin B12, which is important for bone health and red blood cell formation. That same 3-ounce (84 grams) serving of Mackerel provides nearly 700% of the recommended daily amount of vitamin B12. On top of all that, canned mackerel is also a fantastic source of selenium, a mineral that helps reduce the signs of aging by protecting our cells against damaging free radicals.

Taste & Convenience

One thing to note: due to its high oil content, fresh mackerel has a relatively short shelf life. It’s important to eat fresh mackerel the same day you buy it and store no more than 24 hours. So, considering the delicate nature of this fresh fish, the canned alternative is the way to go. Canned mackerel comes boneless and skinless, so there is no messing around with any parts you don’t enjoy. Not only is it incredibly convenient, it tastes great and can be stored easily! When cooking, you can add canned mackerel anywhere you’d normally use salmon or tuna.  On its own, canned mackerel has a delicious light taste and wonderful texture which makes it a nutritious and delicious snack the whole family can enjoy.

If you’ve never tried mackerel, you might need a little recipe inspiration to get you started with this tasty little fish. Not to worry, we’ve got you covered with our three most popular mackerel recipes:

Wild Mackerel Salad

Rich, hearty, and colourful, this salad makes the perfect weeknight dinner. It’s easy to prepare and full of healthy ingredients that will keep you satisfied.

Mackerel Soup

Sweet, creamy coconut milk balances acidic tomato in this delightful mackerel soup. It’s the perfect comfort food on a cold evening.

Mackerel-Stuffed Mushrooms

Entertaining? Impress your guests with our twist on classic stuffed mushroom caps. Tender Mediterranean style canned mackerel combines with nutty parmesan, creamy ricotta, and a host of flavourful spices to create this delicious appy.

So, next time you are at your local grocer, try something new and pick up some delicious canned mackerel. It’s the tasty little fish that packs huge health benefits!