Why can't you find fresh sardines in a fish market?!
Answers: put this in two categories
Well, it could be because Jesus passed them all out two thousand years ago, and all that's left are the canned variety. Could be supply and demand economics. I'm really not sure...
i found at chinese market before
Sardines get used as bait for bigger fish. It's like a big sting operation. Then afterward the sardines have to change their identities in the witness protection program. Some of them go to school.
Fresh sardines can be tricky to buy, since the fish are very perishable.Most Americans have only been exposed to sardines in their canned form, yet cultures from around the world have long been appreciating the distinct flavors and health benefits of these fish when purchased fresh and whole.Because Im not sure where you live,I will send you a link to wholesalers and retailers that sell fresh sardines,and seafood.
I agree with "imback_missme" I was a chef and worked for a retail seafood distributor, she is right they are persihable and do not keep and they are also seasonal, we would get a 20 lb box of them and a 20 lb box of fresh anchovies on Saturday morning in Toronto at a large (now defunked)supermarket chain, and by noon both were gone the Italian and Portuguese customers would buy the 5 lbs at time, they need to be cleaned and usually grilled or pan fried in olive oil, they do not keep more than 1-2 days out of the water.
If you were in N.Y.C or Boston MA, Baltimore, Miami or Los Angeles were they come off the boat and are quick sold maybe, but in land and a regular fish shop, it is unlikely, if you can find fresh mackeral, the smaller the better they have a similar oily taste and texture, but keep and travel better.
One of the mysteries of the world. Good question you will get a star for this one.
Fresh Sardines are usually found in Asian Food Markets and
on the Piers that sell bait for fishing in the Bays, Inlets and the
Gulf of Mexico.