Anchovy paste facts for kids

An open pot of Gentleman's Relish anchovy paste

Anchovy paste is a savory fish paste made mostly from tiny fish called anchovies. People use it like a condiment (something that adds flavor to food, like mustard) or as an ingredient in many different meals. For hundreds of years, anchovy paste has been used to make food taste better and to add important nutrients. You can find it in the cooking of places like Great Britain, Italy, the Philippines, and Vietnam. Morocco is a big exporter of anchovy paste to other countries.

What is Anchovy Paste?

Anchovy paste is a popular way to add a salty, savory kick to your food. It's used both as a condiment you can spread or mix in, and as a key ingredient in many recipes.

How is it Made?

The basic ingredients for anchovy paste include mashed anchovies, vinegar, spices, and water. Some companies make it with just these simple things. Sometimes, butter is also used as a base. When butter is added, the product is sometimes called "anchovy butter." In France, they call it beurre d'anchois.

A Look Back in Time

Anchovy paste has been around for a very long time. People have used it for centuries to add flavor to their meals and as a source of nutrients.

Ancient Roots

Did you know that a food product called allec from ancient times was similar to anchovy paste? Allec was a paste left over from making a sauce called liquamen. Liquamen was an ancient sauce made from oily fish, including anchovies. So, anchovy paste is like a modern version of these ancient fish sauces!

How Anchovy Paste is Made Today

Anchovy paste is made in large amounts, which is called mass production. Sometimes, it's even made using anchovies that are left over from other anchovy processing factories. These leftover anchovies are then processed, mixed with other ingredients, and put into tubes.

Famous Brands

• Gentleman's Relish: This is a well-known brand of spiced anchovy paste that first came out in England in 1828.
• Other Companies: Many other companies also make and sell anchovy paste. Some of these include Roland Foods Corporation, Crown Prince, and General Mills. General Mills makes a spread called Peck's anchovette, which started in 1891.
• Italian Brands: In Italy, a brand called Cesare Balena, from a town called Peretola near Florence, also makes anchovy paste.

Cooking with Anchovy Paste

Anchovy paste is very versatile in the kitchen! You can use it in many different ways.

Common Uses

• On Toast or Eggs: It's great spread on toast or mixed into egg dishes.
• Appetizers: It can be an ingredient in some hors d'oeuvre (small snacks served before a main meal).
• Italian Cooking: In Italy, anchovy paste is a common food. It's served on top of canapés (small pieces of bread or crackers with toppings) and vegetables. It's also used in sauces and pasta dishes.
• Asian Cuisines:

* In the Philippines, anchovy paste is called bagoong balayan. * In Vietnam, it's known as mam nem.

• Anchovy Sauce: You can also use anchovy paste to make a delicious anchovy sauce.

Scotch Woodcock

One classic British dish that uses anchovy paste is called Scotch woodcock. This savory meal is made with scrambled eggs served on toast. The toast is first spread with anchovy paste or Gentleman's Relish. Sometimes, whole anchovy fillets are also placed on top of the dish.

Images for kids

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  Bigoli in salsa (bigoli with anchovy sauce) at a restaurant in Venice, Italy

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  Scotch woodcock garnished with anchovy fillets and parsley. The anchovy paste is beneath the anchovy fillets.