processed products

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

  • Naka Naka
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Since the COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in home cooking, canned food has been experiencing an unprecedented boom.
Among these, canned mackerel is overwhelmingly popular due to its high nutritional value and versatility in cooking.
This time, we will introduce "Sava Can," a hugely successful canned food that has sold over 10 million cans since its launch.

What is a Ça va? can?

Sava cans are Western-style canned mackerel. The brightly colored packaging and cute fish design might make you think it's an imported product at first glance, but it's actually a canned product from Iwate Prefecture using domestically sourced 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 packaging is stylish
    and has a design that you won't be embarrassed to leave out in your kitchen, making it a popular gift. Although you can now find it sold in various places, when it was first released, its stylish appearance made it stand out in souvenir shops in its home prefecture of Iwate.
  • cooking
    . While canned mackerel is often associated with boiled or miso-stewed mackerel, Sava Can offers a sophisticated Western-style seasoning that would take time to prepare at home. It's popular because it allows you to easily enjoy restaurant-quality taste when you need an extra dish for the table or a quick snack.
  • Both the contents and the appearance of the canned goods are of high quality,
    as only mackerel caught in eastern Japan north of Choshi are carefully selected and used, resulting in plump and thick flesh. In addition, some types of canned goods have lids that are difficult to open or that curl up when opening, causing the liquid to splash out at the end, but Sava cans can be opened easily with just a little force. It's a subtle feature, but it's nice to have something that doesn't cause minor stress.
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 varieties of Sava canned mackerel.
This time, I'll share my impressions after trying all of them. They're delicious enough to eat as is, but I also tried adding some variations based on the easy recipes posted on the Iwate Prefecture Co., Ltd. official website, which I'll also share. You can find
recipesherethe

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 tried making a simple recipe that only requires simmering potatoes and canned mackerel. It's
incredibly easy to make, yet looks elegant and instantly brightens up the dinner table. You can really taste the texture and flavor of the mackerel, making it an irresistible dish 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 simple breakfast recipe: "Canned Mackerel with Egg Rice."
The olive oil flavor blends with the mackerel, instantly giving it a Western touch. I tried it with both white and brown rice, and it paired well with both.
If you like, adding mayonnaise will mellow the fish flavor, making it easier to eat even for those 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

This easy recipe, "Garlic Rice with Canned Mackerel," can be made simply by putting the ingredients into a rice cooker.
The combination of garlic chips and mackerel is outstanding. Thanks to the can's juice, which contains plenty of sautéed onions, you can make a delicious garlic rice dish without any special seasoning.

Conclusion

"Sava Can," an original Western-style canned food from Iwate Prefecture, was created as a result of the prefecture's recovery from the earthquake and tsunami. It's a pioneer in the gourmet canned food boom, and continues to lead the canned food trend with its stylish design and delicious taste.
"Sava Can" is a versatile product that can be enjoyed as is or used in various dishes, making it perfect as a gift.
Please try it at least once!

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