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The sardines are packed very tightly in the can (hence the popular expression "crammed like sardines"), usually in an oil or in plain water. I recommend the olive oil because not only does it make the sardines much more palatable, but olive oil is full of nutritional benefits. Both sardines and olive oil are very, very good for you. These two foods combined make this one of the best foods you can possibly eat.

No, they do not have heads on them! At least not the brand that I buy (King Oscar). No need to debone them. Like canned salmon, the fish is cooked so throughly that the bone literally dissolves in your mouth. In fact, you don't even realize that the bone is still in them. Speaking of salmon, that's another great food.

You can eat these sardines right out of the can. No preparation is needed. Some prefer eating them with crackers as I once did but since crackers are off my menu, I either have them just as they are or with a hunk of cheese. Sometimes when I am home and I have the time, I will have the sardines with cheese, slices of spicy pepperoni and a bottle of German smoked beer that I keep around for just that purpose. Makes a decent meal.

But usually, I bring the sardines to work to have for lunch. While my co-workers are wolfing down meatball subs, fast food tacos, burgers and fries, etc., I open my can of sardines (after my lunchtime walk). It's 150 calories of concentrated nutrition that is surprisingly filling. That's usually the only thing I have for lunch. In my desk drawer at work is a container of plastic spoons and an "emergency" stash of these sardines.

BTW, these tin travel extremely well. I stash them in luggage on trips (which must give the baggage inspectors something to talk about) and so I am never without vital nutrition when I am on the road. Just don't forget the plastic forks because it is very messy eating them with your fingers (I was forced to do that once or twice).