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| The factory has been in service since 1928. |
Anchovies and sardines are supposed to be tastes that you grow to love, but I adored them even as a small child. In fact, I think this belief is propounded by a conspiracy of adults so that they don't have to share their precious tins with the kids!
In addition to being delicious, sardines are also incredibly nutritious. They can be eaten fresh or tinned and prepared in many ways.
In Turkey, tinned sardines are synonymous with the Alâeddin Konserve Sanayi (Alâeddin Tinned Goods Industry). The company was founded in 1928 by Alaeddin Kemerli. At first, Alaeddin produced salt-cured fish, moving into tinned sardines later. Today, Alaeddin has 60% of the Turkish tinned sardine market. Alâeddin's sardines come from the waters of the Marmara and the Aegean and are tinned using traditional methods.
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| Sardines in all shapes and forms are sold in the salesroom. |
The ''Kizli'' (little girl) brand
The company's small salesroom in Gelibolu is filled with fascinating memorabilia from its history. Old tins dating back to 1928 are displayed in a small glass showcase while award certificates from the 1930s hang on the walls. This room is more of a museum, serving as a potted history of the sea and sardines.According to research conducted in England, sardines are a great source of Omega 3 oils as well as vitamins B12 and D.
A great way to cook fresh sardines is to wrap them in vine leaves and then grill them. Sardines are at their best at the end of August and September when their flesh is the fattiest. At this time of year, sardines can be grilled without being wrapped. Leave their scales on to keep the fish moist.
Alâeddin produce over 1000 tons of sardines annually. Their product range is as follows. Alaeddin tinned sardines are sold under the "Kizli" (little girl) brand name in a 125 gram oval easy-open tin and under the GELÝBOLU brand name in a 120 gram tin.
Alâeddin tinned sardines in sunflower oil or tomato sauce come in 3 sizes: 100 gram, 160 gram and 200 gram round, easy-open tins.
Alaeddin's salted sardines and anchovies are salt-cured in casks and then sold in 275 gram and 1000 gram tins, 180 gram glass jars and 280 gram and 400 gram plastic containers. The fish are skinned, boned and lined up in tins filled with sunflower oil.
Fans of seafood simply must try Alâeddin's delicious anchovies and sardines. If you have a chance, visit their salesroom in Gelibolu and learn more about their trade.
Address: Liman Cad. No: 4 Gelibolu-Canakkale. Tel: +90 286-566 10 16. Fax: +90 286-566 3276.
