Arriving in Matosinhos at dawn, the gleaming, just-caught sardines — Sardina Pilchardus — display satin bellies and dark backs. They are quickly soaked in sea-salt brine to enrich their flavor before beginning a process that has remained almost unchanged since 1920. From the very beginning, experienced women have been at the heart of NURI’s production — placing fish in tanks, gutting and beheading each sardine with a speed and precision passed down through generations. The floor sparkles with scales as their practiced hands perform movements reminiscent of a magician’s sleight of hand.

The cleaned sardines are vertically arranged on wire griddles, washed in fresh water, and steamed to perfection in large metal cabinets. This careful cooking method preserves both the meat’s texture and its natural oils — key to NURI’s unmistakable flavor. After cooling, the sardines are laid into tins by hand, usually three or more per can, depending on size. Each step is carried out with meticulous care, making every tin a small masterpiece of craftsmanship.

Along the assembly line, workers add fresh vegetables and spices — cucumber, clove, and bay leaf — by hand, ensuring each can has its own subtle variation. Then comes the final touch: golden olive oil poured to envelop the fish, allowing the flavors to blend and evolve gracefully over time. Like a fine wine, NURI sardines mature beautifully in their tins, developing a depth and complexity that fans around the world treasure.

Experience the NURI Factory Tour in Matosinhos

Step inside the world of NURI and witness where tradition meets craftsmanship. From The Timeless Tin, we invite you to discover this remarkable experience if you ever visit Portugal — the Conservas Pinhais Factory Tour in Matosinhos. Here, visitors can explore one of the last remaining sardine canneries still operating entirely by hand. From the arrival of the fresh sardines to the meticulous packing and wrapping process, every moment reflects over a century of artisanal expertise. You’ll even have the chance to wrap your own tin and taste our sardines at the end of the tour.

Immerse yourself in the heritage of Portuguese canning — book your visit and experience the living history of NURI.