Sardines as food

Sardines are a nutrient-rich fish commonly consumed by humans. They are commonly served in cans, but fresh sardines are often grilled, pickled, or smoked.

Sardines, or pilchards, are several types of small, oily fish related to herrings, family Clupeidae. The term sardine was first used in English during the early 15th century, and may come from the Mediterranean island of Sardinia, around which sardines were once abundant.