How to eat sardines?

[Suthseaxa]

Alas, the result was very flavourful, but not that great to eat. There were so many bones that it was cold by the time we got round to eating it. Perhaps I should stick to bigger fish!

 

[Mad Cook]

I am planning on cooking them fresh though. I wondered if canning softens the bones. If I buy them fresh from the fishmonger and grill them, I am unsure if the bones will be as soft.

Yes, canning does soften the bones. You'd probably do better not to eat the bones of fresh sardines. You don't have to bone them before cooking if you are grilling them, although I did see a demo on TV where the chef filleted them first - life's too short.

"They" recommend eating the bones of canned sardines as a health thing - calcium among other things. Especially if you are old. Supposed to help fend off osteoporosis. I love all kinds of fish but I draw the line at sardines - either fresh or tinned/canned - so I'll have to let my bones crumble.