Frequently Asked Questions
General:
How do I place an order?
- Send an email with your name, address and phone number to info@blugalleon.com, include the product name, SKU number and how many cases (12 units) you would like to order.
- You will receive an email response with the cost breakdown including shipping.
- Blue Galleon does not accept credit cards; you will be invoiced for the product.
How do you pronounce BELA-Olhão?
- It is said “Bella, Ol- yow”
What about mercury levels in fish?
- Burning fossil fuels has contaminated the water of the world. This means that fish are absorbing heavy metals such as mercury. There are, however, factors that can lead to higher levels of mercury certain fish.
- Cleaner water means cleaner fish. The fishing waters are protected in Portugal so that the fishing communities can thrive. There are no factories polluting the air and no barges floating by, this keeps the waters in Portugal pristine.
- A fish that eats less fish consumes less mercury. Mercury does not leave a fishes body once it has been absorbed. When fish eat other fish they absorb that fish’s mercury too. Sardines eat mostly krill and plankton, thus are less likely to obtain high mercury levels.
- The older the fish the more mercury it absorbs.
Are BELA-Olhão products kosher certified?
- Yes, by the Orthodox Union (OU).
Sardines:
Where do BELA-Olhão sardines come from?
- The beautiful and clean waters of Portugal.
Is it true “sardine” is a generic term?
- Yes, in America any small soft boned fish can be marketed as a “sardine.” When in fact true sardines come only from Portugal and Morocco. Other “sardines” are actually different fish, Herring from Canada and Maine, and Brislings from Norway or Sweden are some examples.
Are BELA-Olhão sardines canned fresh?
- Yes, they are canned within hours of the catch. This is what makes them outstanding in taste and texture.
Where can I find BELA-Olhão products?
- In your local natural foods store
Is it true sardines are healthy?
- Yes, sardines are among the healthiest canned food. They are plentiful in calcium, Omega-3, B12, and coQ-10!
Are the fishing practices sustainable?
- Yes, Portugal depends on the sustaining of their fishing community. Fishing waters are protected and fish population is carefully monitored.
- Tuna is caught with pole and line to help monitor fish population and avoid catching and killing other species.
What about toxins?
- Our fish are laboratory tested and have no traceable levels of pesticides or histamines.
Do BELA-Olhão sardines have heads or tails?
- Heads and tails are removed prior to cooking.
Do BELA-Olhão sardines have skin or bones?
- Yes! The cooking process softens the bones, and that’s where the calcium is!
- Omega-3 fatty acids are most plentiful just beneath the skin!
Tuna fish:
Are the dolphins safe from your fishing practices?
- Yes, The tuna are pole and line caught. Each fish is species identified, so we only catch the species we are trying to catch, no Dolphins and nothing else either.
What is Skipjack?
- Skipjack is a small surface swimming species of tuna that feeds mostly on krill and plankton. Its flesh is tender, slightly pink and flavorful. It is a very plentiful fish and often used in Portuguese cooking.
Does Blue Galleon carry other products?
- Please visit mybela.com for other available products.