Fiel Amigo

As early as the 1960’s when Portugal was engaged in wars in its former African
territories. Portugal had mandatory military service which often required the
men to deploy to these war zones. At this time Portugal’s leader was
resolved in fostering Portuguese symbols pride like the Portuguese historical relationship with the sea and therefore supporting the Bacalhau fleets.

It was said that at the time the Portuguese government gave these young men
with mandatory service the option to serve their countries either on
these boats fishing for Bacalhau or in the military where most certainly meant going into a dangerous warzones.

Given those options many preferred the risks and dangers of warfare to the
hazards and difficult conditions of living and working on these boats.

The Portuguese discovered Bacalhau around the 15th century during the age of
exploration and discovery. At this time they provisioned their ships in
preparation for the long voyages with nonperishable food rations. Bacalhau was
integral part source of nourishment on those expeditions.

That led them to attempt curing various other types of fish available along the
Portuguese coast but no other fish preserved as well as Bacalhau.
Then it was that Bacalhau was given the nickname of “Fiel Amigo” or “Faithful
Friend” as it was always available since it would not deteriorate or go bad.
Since it was also inexpensive it quickly became popular in Portugal and the
Portuguese became the biggest consumers of it in the world. It maintains its
central position in Portuguese traditions and cuisine today.

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Bom Petisco Solid Tuna in Olive Oil [BULK] 30 Cans (Free Shipping this Item) EXPIRE 4 2027

Store/Tinned Seafood

Product Details

UPC: 033428008006

The history of Portugal’s most popular canned food brand, Bom Petisco, is as special as its tuna.

Over 50 years of Bom Petisco

On the island of São Miguel, the production of Bom Petisco has a history which is over 50 years old. This is the story written by the hands of our employees, who, every day, prepare the fish, to make the best petisco* available to all – our tuna. It is thanks to them that every can contains a guarantee of Azorean tradition – unbeatable fish, prepared following the recipe passed through generations.

The Tuna.

There are several types of tuna that inhabit the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Amongst them, the Skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) is favoured by Bom Petisco.

A great swimmer, tuna stands out for its elongated and fusiform body. The ancient Greeks called tuna thynō, which means “to rush”, because of its speed. Today, we know that some species of tuna can reach speeds of 70km/h and can travel up to 170km a day, always in schools of fish. Even more than whales!

Bom Petisco preserves the good stuff

In our factory, skillful hands prepare and cook the tuna, which is then preserved in oil, olive oil or brine, and sterilized. Without the use of any preservatives, the result is 100% natural canned fish, highly nutritious and with a flavor that lasts over time.

*Petisco – a small dish; snack

Preserving the ocean.

Because sustainability in fishing is important at Bom Petisco, fishing in the Azores is regulated by strict criteria for the protection of the marine ecosystem. Fishing takes place in collaboration with the POPA – the Azores fishery observation programme – a project for monitoring and controlling fishing. The aim is to ensure that no dolphin is harmed by our fishing activity. The protection of dolphins and sustainability of the sea are guaranteed by the “Friend of the Sea” status, which aims to reduce the human impact on the marine ecosystem.