Processed goods

[Iwate Prefecture] The Secret to the Popularity of the Stylish Western-Style Canned Mackerel "Ça va?" and a Review of All Varieties

  • naka naka
  • Last updated: 2024.04.8

Since the COVID-19 pandemic has led to more people cooking at home, there has been an unprecedented boom in canned foods.
Among these, canned mackerel has been overwhelmingly popular due to its high nutritional value and ease of preparation.
This time, we will introduce "Sava Can," a smash hit canned food that has sold over 10 million cans since its release.

What is a Ça va? can?

Sava Can is a Western-style canned mackerel. With its brightly colored packaging and cute fish design, you might think it's an imported product at first glance, but it's actually a canned product made in Iwate Prefecture using domestic mackerel.
Recently, it's been sold not only in supermarkets but also in department stores and convenience stores, so many people have probably seen it.

The secret behind the popularity of Sava cans

We have summarized the features of Sava cans to explain why they are so popular

  • The stylish packaging
    means you won't be embarrassed to leave it out in your kitchen, making it a popular gift. Nowadays, you can see it being sold in many places, but when it was first released, its stylish appearance made it stand out in the souvenir section of the local Iwate prefecture.
  • even when eaten as is
    and are delicious without cooking. While canned mackerel is often thought of as boiled or miso-marinated, Sava Cans are seasoned with elaborate Western-style seasonings that take time to make at home. They are gaining popularity because they allow you to easily enjoy restaurant-quality flavors when you need one more dish for the dinner table or a quick snack.
  • The canned goods are of high quality both inside and out,
    and are made using only carefully selected mackerel caught in eastern Japan north of Choshi, resulting in plump, thick flesh. While some canned goods have lids that are difficult to open, or that curl up when opened, causing the juices to splash out, Sava cans open easily with just a little force. It's a subtle feature, but it's a welcome relief from the stress of opening them.
Domestically produced mackerel with just the right amount of fat

What does "Sava" mean?

The name of the can, "Ça va?", means "How are you?" in French. It was jointly developed by the General Incorporated Association of Food in the East and Iwate Prefecture companies Iwate Canned Food Co., Ltd. and Iwate Prefecture Products Co., Ltd., in order to promote original brand processed foods from Sanriku, an area that was severely damaged in the Great East Japan Earthquake

It is said that the name was chosen with the image of Iwate sending a message to the whole country, as it received support from all over Japan during the earthquake disaster

All varieties reviewed and recipes

As of October 2022, there are five types of Sava cans.
This time, I'll share my impressions after trying all of them. They're delicious enough to eat as is, but I've added some variations based on the easy recipes posted on Iwate Kensan Co., Ltd.'s official website, so I'll introduce
them here .

Olive oil pickled

The first in the series, the mackerel pickled in olive oil, is the simplest and easiest to adapt of the five varieties. The olive oil reduces the fishy smell typical of mackerel, making it a versatile dish loved by many

◆Canned Mackerel Ajillo

I made a simple recipe that only requires boiling potatoes and canned mackerel.
It's very hassle-free, looks stylish, and instantly brightens up your dinner table. You can really taste the texture and flavor of the mackerel, making it a must-try for mackerel lovers.

Paprika chili sauce flavor

This is a seasoning made with habanero peppers for adults. One bite and you'll feel a gentle spiciness that hits you right in the throat. It's not super spicy, but children and those who don't like spicy food should be careful. It's not just spicy, but the skillful flavor that's also savory will become addictive

◆Sava canned aquapazza

The only seasoning is the juice from the canned mackerel. Thanks to the chicken bouillon in the juice, it's super easy to make, yet the flavor is consistent. The clams and shimeji mushrooms also add a natural broth, creating a synergistic effect of deliciousness

Lemon basil flavor

The moment you open the can, you'll be hit with the refreshing aroma of basil, making it delicious enough to eat as is. Its refreshing flavor also makes it a great addition to salads and pasta dishes

◆Canned Sava egg rice

I made a quick breakfast recipe, "Canned Mackerel with Egg on Rice."
The flavor of olive oil blends with the mackerel, instantly giving it a Western flavor. I tried it with both white and brown rice, and it matched well with both.
If you add mayonnaise to taste, the mayonnaise will mellow out the fish flavor, making it easier to eat even for people who don't like fish.

Acquapazza style

The rich flavor rivals that of a restaurant. The mackerel marinated in seafood stock and white wine absorbs plenty of flavor, and you can easily enjoy the izakaya atmosphere by simply transferring it to a plate and serving it at the table

◆Sava canned bread omelette

I tried my hand at making a bread omelet, which can be used as a main dish or a side dish. I was worried that it would end up smelling fishy, ​​but the finished dish was fishy and had the delicious flavor of the juices from the canned mackerel. The baguette makes it very filling, and I think it will become a staple in my home

Black Pepper Flavor

The latest addition to the series, the Black Pepper flavor, is an adult flavor with a spicy kick of pepper that stimulates the appetite. It's delicious enough to eat as is, and you won't be able to stop eating it. It pairs well with beer, making it a great accompaniment to an evening drink

◆Sava canned garlic rice

"Canned Saba Garlic Rice" is a simple recipe that can be completed by simply adding the ingredients to a rice cooker.
The garlic chips and mackerel go perfectly together. Thanks to the juices from the can, which are filled with sauteed onions, you can make highly-prepared garlic rice without any special seasonings.

in conclusion

"Sava Can" is an original Western-style canned food from Iwate Prefecture that was created as a result of the recovery efforts following the earthquake disaster. It was a pioneer in the gourmet canned food boom, and continues to lead the canned food boom today with its stylish design and delicious taste.
"Sava Can" is a versatile product that can be eaten as is or arranged in various ways, making it the perfect gift.
Please give it a try!

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