Horse Mackerel

What is horse mackerel?
From our Atlantic coast.

Horse mackerel is an oily fish traditionally associated with the Atlantic coast and with Galician fishing and cooking. The species used for our product is Atlantic horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus). Its flesh is firm yet succulent, with a characterful flavour that works particularly well in a tin.

In Galicia, this fish is commonly known as jurel or chicharro, while the smaller fish used for these preserves are referred to as jurelillos.

At Conservas Rias Baixas, we pack each fish by hand. Our tinned horse mackerel is available in different preparations, including sunflower oil, spicy oil and traditional escabeche, as well as in several sizes for both retail and catering.

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Our Tinned Horse Mackerel

We prepare our horse mackerel carefully to preserve its flavour and texture. The range includes fish in sunflower oil, spicy oil and escabeche, with formats for different occasions and professional requirements.

REFERENCIA	FORMATO	PESO NETO	PESO ESCURRIDO	LATAS/CAJA	ENLACE
JURELILLOS EN ACEITE DE GIRASOL	RR-125 F.A.	115 GR.	78 GR.	50	ficha técnica
JURELILLOS EN ACEITE PICANTE	RR-125 F.A.	115 GR.	78 GR.	50	ficha técnica
JURELILLOS EN ESCABECHE	RO-280 F.A.	270 GR.	175 GR.	48	ficha técnica
JURELILLOS EN ACEITE DE GIRASOL	RO-280 F.A.	270 GR.	175 GR.	48	ficha técnica
JURELILLOS EN ESCABECHE	RO-250 F.A.	232 GR.	163 GR.	48	ficha técnica
JURELILLOS EN ACEITE DE GIRASOL	RO-500	470 GR.	330 GR.	12	ficha técnica
JURELILLOS EN ESCABECHE	RO-550	515 GR.	321 GR.	12	ficha técnica
JURELILLOS EN ACEITE DE GIRASOL	RO-900	855 GR.	600 GR.	12	ficha técnica
JURELILLOS EN ESCABECHE	RO-900	855 GR.	600 GR.	12	ficha técnica
JURELILLOS EN ACEITE DE GIRASOL	RO-1000	925 GR.	650 GR.	12	ficha técnica
JURELILLOS EN ESCABECHE	RO-1000	925 GR.	650 GR.	12	ficha técnica

Frequently Asked Questions About Horse Mackerel

What is horse mackerel?

Horse mackerel is an oily fish found in Atlantic waters. The fish used in our preserves is Atlantic horse mackerel, Trachurus trachurus, a species traditionally eaten in Galicia and valued for its firm, succulent flesh.

Is horse mackerel the same as mackerel?

No. Despite the name, horse mackerel and mackerel are different fish. Our Atlantic horse mackerel is Trachurus trachurus.

Can you eat horse mackerel?

Yes. Horse mackerel has a long tradition as a food fish in Galicia. In a tin, it is fully prepared and ready to eat, either on its own or as part of a meal.

Is horse mackerel good to eat?

Its firm texture and pronounced but balanced flavour make it particularly well suited to preserving. It works well with oil, escabeche and spicy preparations and can be eaten both cold and in warm dishes.

What is Atlantic horse mackerel?

Atlantic horse mackerel is Trachurus trachurus, the species associated with the Galician Atlantic product described on this page.

Atlantic Horse Mackerel:
a Fish with Galician Identity

Atlantic horse mackerel has long been part of everyday fish cooking in Galicia. Abundant in Atlantic waters and traditionally sold in Galician fish markets, it is known for its firm flesh, juicy texture and characteristic flavour.

It moves in shoals and feeds on small fish and crustaceans – its close association with the Atlantic means that it belongs not only to Galicia’s fishing tradition, but also to its domestic cooking culture.

See our tinned horse mackerel

Three Reasons to Choose Tinned Horse Mackerel

Valued for combining three essential qualities:

A naturally nutrient-rich oily fish

Horse mackerel provides protein and omega-3 fatty acids as part of its natural nutritional profile.

Firm, succulent flesh

Its texture remains pleasantly firm after processing, making it well suited to tinned preparations.

Ready to eat and easy to use

It can be enjoyed directly from the tin or added to toast, salads, warm dishes and other simple meals.

Nutritional Properties of Horse Mackerel

A complete food from a nutritional point of view:

Omega-3 fatty acids: a source of omega-3 fatty acids, as identified in the original product content.

High-quality protein: protein of high biological value, important for the maintenance of muscle and body tissues.

Vitamins and minerals: magnesium, iron, iodine and calcium among the minerals present in the fish.

A firm but easy-to-eat texture: soft enough to eat easily while retaining the firmness that makes it particularly suitable for preserving.

Horse Mackerel in
Galician Tradition

In Galicia, horse mackerel is more than just a fish: it is part of the family recipe book. In empanadas, traditional fish stews or simply grilled and served with cachelos, this modest Atlantic fish has been present in homes, local festivities and preserves for more than a century.

Today, many Galician canneries continue to work with horse mackerel according to the same principles: freshness, careful hand preparation and respect for the product.