Mackerel was not worth much and was not very popular until recently. It is caught near the Basque coastline and even though it is a hardier fish than anchovies, it is still fished daily to ensure freshness.

Anchovies are very sensitive, delicate fish. They are the jewel in the seafood crown. With anchovies, freshness is key. There is no comparison between anchovies caught at midnight with those caught at 6 a.m. this morning on the way back to port. That’s why Basque fishermen catch them every day.