Top 12 Best Canned Sardines
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Your nutritionist and your mom say again and again that you should add more seafood to your regular diet. I believe you know their reason, but you have such a busy schedule that there leaves no time for you to prepare seafood dishes on your own. Then canned sardine is not a bad choice.
Canned sardines are among the most popular canned product widely consumed across the world. One of the reasons why the people from Asia to Euro eat them every day is because this kind of small fish is a rich source of the crucial nutrient.
Before you go to a choice for the best canned sardines, it will be quite helpful to know some interesting facts about this food.
What Are Sardines?
Sardines is not a single type of fish; it could refer to various small fish in the herring family. It could be herring, pilchard, sprat, or brisling depending on the region they were caught.
The sardines may vary in size depending on the type and the region they are from. No matter its size, nutritionists agree that food made of this fish is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and other crucial nutrients for your body.
There are about 5 types of sardines that are popularly canned for human food, including:
- Brisling sardine (also known as bristling), inhabiting the North Atlantic and considered as the tastiest, highest quality sardines available.
- Pilchard, a small type fished in Europe.
- Herring, a large type found in North Atlantic.
- Slender rainbow sardine, found in the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea.
- Slender white sardine, inhabiting off the Gulf of Thailand.
Health Benefits of Canned Sardine
Though sardine may vary in size depending on its inhabitant areas, the nutritional value of this small fish is never doubted anywhere and anytime. They are a powerhouse of omega 3 fatty acids and a pack of other nutrients.
Omega-3
It is proven that the anti-inflammatory properties in omega-3 fatty acids can prevent heart disease. Scientists suggest the regular consumption of Omega-3fatty acids reduces the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease and can even boost brain function.
Vitamins
The canned sardines are a source of vitamin B. A small serving of sardines provides up to 13% of the RDA value of vitamin B-2 and about 150% of the RDA of vitamin B-12, which helps support proper nervous system function and are used for body metabolism.
Sardine flesh also contains a significant amount of vitamin D to ensure a functional status for your bone.
Minerals
Also, sardines are rich in major minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and some trace minerals such as iron and selenium.
You may concern about contaminants, such as mercury, which often comes with seafood. Sardine, however, are low in the food chain and thus contains much less mercury, relative to other fish.
How to Use Canned Sardines
The most common form of processing and storing sardine is canned sardine. The canned sardine has the oily, fatty flavor of fish. The medium could be water, pure olive or soybean oil, or tomato, chili, or mustard sauce, which cover the sardine to act as a preservation and sometimes enhance the flavor.
You can consume cans of this small but fatty fish in many different ways.
Because the sardines are properly cooked before canned, you can eat them straight out of the can as a snack, especially when you are on the road or camping in the wilderness.
Another more common way is tossing whole or fillet sardines into your favorite veggies to have a fresh savory seafood salad.
If sandwiches often appear on your menu, try some sardines instead of meats along with lettuces leaves, tomato slices, and bread. You could also use canned sardine as a creative part of your favorite recipes like pasta and hamburger.
What is The Best Canned Sardine?
I will take 8 of the top 12 best canned sardines and label them based on the specific demand, which each product can match. Take a look. One of the followings may be just what you are finding.
- Best Overall: Wild Planet Wild Canned Sardines Extra Virgin Olive Oil
“This healthy, delicious combination of the freshest sardines from Pacific and healthy extra virgin olive oil, being gluten-free, Paleo-friendly, keto-friendly, is the most be-loved canned sardine.” - Best With Olive Oil: Crown Prince Skinless & Boneless Canned Sardines in Olive Oil
“Wood-smoked skinless and boneless pilchard fillet packed fresh in pure olive oil is a perfect choice for a palatable and healthy meal for the entire family.” - Best With Brisling: King Oscar Canned Sardines in Extra Virgin Olive Oil
“Wild-caught brisling in the medium of extra virgin olive oil makes the food more delicious and healthy, coming with a pack of Omega-3 fatty acid, protein, calcium and other nutrients.” - Best With Water: BRUNSWICK Canned Sardine Fillets in Spring Water
“The chunkiest, most flavorful fillets are packed in pristine spring water. BRUNSWICK Canned Sardine is the tastiest canned sardines in water that exist on the market.” - Best Budget Pick: Season Canned Sardines in Water
“The freshest pilchards canned in water to ensure the purest and cleanest flavor of the sea is the most premium product you can enjoy at such a compelling cost.” - Best With Bone: Season Canned Sardines in 100% Olive Oil
“Season cans the sardine in the way real sardines should be, with all their bones and skin, preserving traditional flavor and the highest nutritional value.” - Best for Omega 3: King Oscar Canned Sardines in Tapatio Hot Sauce
“Providing 2,900 mg of Omega-3 fatty acid, this great blend of oily fish taste and fiery Tapatio Hot Sauce makes your dish at their best flavorful level.” - Best From Spain: Matiz Canned Sardines in Spanish Olive Oil
“The sardines are caught off the coast of Galicia and then dipped in Spanish olive oil. A traditional and typical flavor from Spain is fresh delivered to your dinner tables.” - Best for Breakfast: Brunswick Canned Sardine Fillets in Olive Oil
“Delicious and healthy, convenient and ready-to eat, Brunswick canned sardine fillets in olive oil is a quick meal for a filling breakfast.” - Best From Portugal: Bela-Olhao Lightly Smoked Sardines in Olive Oil
“Bela offers us the best tasty canned sardines of Portugal: lightly smoked sardines blended with a high-quality olive oil in a premium product.” - Best Without Bones and Skin: Ruby Skinless and Boneless Canned Sardines In Soya Oil
“Perfectly filleted and chilled sardines dipped in fatty soybean oil ensure an excellent texture and a premium taste. There is no better choice for those who do not like fish bones and skin.” - Best for Dog: Ocean Prince Canned Sardines in Water
“At a very affordable price, this is a good supply of nutrients and great treat for you and your pet. You both can enjoy the fresh and flavorful sardines together.”
Canned Sardine Comparison Chart
Before reviewing the top 12 best canned sardines, I summarize the highlighted features of each brand in a comparison chart below. It is quite useful to identify which product will be fit your taste and dietary demand the most.
Top 12 Best Canned Sardine Reviews
I will give you more detailed reviews on taste, health benefits, and other product specifications of the top 12 best canned sardines that I list on the chart above. Do not hesitate anymore, read and make in-time decision for your dinner.
1. Wild Planet Wild Canned Sardines Extra Virgin Olive Oil
(Best Overall)
Wild Planet Wild Sardines wins the no. 1 on this list for its premium quality at a great cost. This is among the best and most popular canned sardines on the market today.
The fishes have the typically fresh flavor of seafood harvested from Pacific, seasoning with sea salt and pepper for a savory taste. The meaty sardines coming with rich olive oil bring the unforgettable taste of the sea to your dinner table.
When it comes to the nutritional contents of sardines, Wild Planet is not inferior to its rivals on the market. Each serving is a nutritional powerhouse that contains 18g of protein, 11g of total fat, and up to 1,800 mg of Omega-3.
People who are on medical dietary needs can be confident to consume this brand as it is gluten-free, non-GMO, and Kosher certified. Furthermore, the sardines are wild-caught, which is suitable for Paleo-friendly, keto-friendly diet.
Key Features
- Features Sardinops fished from Pacific
- Use extra virgin olive oil as a medium
- Cleared of heads and tails, some bones in and scale on
- Gluten-free, Non-GMO Certified, Kosher, Paleo-friendly, keto-friendly
- Contains 1,800mg Omega-3
Pros
- Very healthy flavorful ingredients
- Unforgettable taste
- Most suitable for people on a medical diet
- Easy to blend with other recipes
- Great price
Cons
- Not for those who like big sardines
Product Specifications
Brand | Wild Planet |
Ingredients | Sardines (Sardinops), Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Water, Sea Salt, Aqueous Natural Smoke. |
Nutrient content | Protein 18g Total Fat 11g Omega-3: 1,800 mg Cholesterol 35mg |
Package size | 12 |
Weight | 4.2 pounds |
Serving per container | 1 |
2. Crown Prince Skinless & Boneless Canned Sardines in Olive Oil
(Best With Olive Oil)
From the label of sardine cans, it is clear to understand whether the bones and skin are removed from the fishes. This also applies for Crown Prince.
Crown Prince canned sardines come with skinless & boneless fishes in pure cold-pressed olive oil. The highest quality pilchard sardines are firm in texture and delicate in flavor. The oil guarantees that you get moist meat and a richer flavor.
Each serving comes loaded with 1,700 mg of Omega-3 fatty acid, 21g of protein and 10g of fat to your meal. It is really a shot of energy for your body and a wonderful treat for your taste.
Key Features
- Wood-smoked Pilchard Sardines
- Olive oil as medium added salt
- Contains 1,700 mg Omega-3, 21 g protein
- Kosher certificated
- Skinless & boneless
Pros
- Dense, chewy and mild smoky flavor
- High calories and rich in healthy nutrients
- Skinless & boneless meaty fillets
- A great choice for daily diet
Cons
- Can-opener is needed to open
Product Specifications
Brand | Crown Prince |
Ingredients | Wood-smoked Pilchard Sardines, Olive Oil, Salt |
Nutrient content | Protein 21g Total Fat 10g Omega-3: 1,700 mg Cholesterol 15 mg |
Package size | 12 |
Weight | 4 pounds |
Serving per container | 1 |
3. King Oscar Canned Sardines in Extra Virgin Olive Oil
(Best With Brisling)
King Oscar features the wild-caught fish, wood-smoked for a light flavor with the medium of olive for oily taste and moist. It is seasoned with little pepper and salt to make the food hotter, savory, and less fishy smell.
Backbone and skin are still in and on, which is not only to prevent the meat from falling off among your forks but provide your body with more calcium.
A serving of King Oscar Canned Sardines provides your body with 2,200 mg of Omega-3 fatty acid, 16g of protein and other essential nutrients. It makes a perfect addition to a salad, pasta, sandwich, or as ready-to-eat snacks with crackers.
Key Features
- Features lightly smoked brisling sardines
- The medium is extra virgin olive oil
- Contains 2,200 mg of Omega-3
- 240 calories per serving
Pros
- Rich in protein and fat, high energy
- Rich flavor and less fishy smell
- Ideal addition to healthy diet
- Easy-open pull-tab
Cons
- The sardines are small brisling, not ideal for those who love big fish
Product Specifications
Brand | King Oscar |
Ingredients | Lightly smoked brisling sardines, extra virgin olive oil, salt. |
Nutrient content | Protein 16g Total Fat 18g Omega-3: 2,200 mg Cholesterol 65 mg |
Package size | 12 |
Weight | 2.82 pounds |
Serving per container | 1 |
Watch this video for more canned sardine of Kinh Oscar:
4. BRUNSWICK Canned Sardine Fillets in Spring Water
(Best With Water)
I love eating sardines after consuming this excellent product of BRUNSWICK. It is the tastiest, most delicious fillet sardines in spring water that exist on the market.
The chunkiest, most flavorful fillets are packed in pristine spring water as the medium for a clean, natural taste. Added is no salt, no olive to preserve the purest taste of sardines.
Try these beautiful sardines with your crackers, bread, or salads to create a truly unforgettable taste.
Each can is an excellent source of protein, omega-3, calcium, and other healthy minerals. Just experience the natural gift of the North Atlantic sea right in your kitchen.
Key Features
- North Atlantic herring
- Pristine spring water as a medium for the purest flavor
- No salt added
- Boneless
Pros
- Meaty and fatty
- Natural and clean taste
- Best for a keto-friendly diet
- No bone, convenient for many recipes
Cons
- Not ideal for individuals like whole sardines with backbone
Product Specifications
Brand | BRUNSWICK |
Ingredients | Herring Sardines, spring water |
Nutrient content | Protein 18g Total Fat 8g Omega-3: 1,000 mg Cholesterol 65 mg |
Package size | 18 |
Weight | 4.2 pounds |
Serving per container | 1 |
5. Season Canned Sardines in Water
(Best Budget Pick)
Season Canned Sardines in Water is for individuals who don’t like the olive oil as a medium. Fresh pilchard sardines are stored in water with no salt added. This way of canning ensures the pure sardine flavor and makes the meat firmer at the same time.
Neither the scales nor the skin or the bones are removed. They, however, are so tiny and tender that you are almost unaware of them. The flavor is absolutely decent and delicious though no salt and oil is added.
At a reasonable price, this product is a great option for housewives to boost their family’s seafood intakes.
Key Features
- Features pilchard sardines
- The medium is water
- No salt added
- Inbone and onskin
- Contains 1,700mg Omega-3
- Free of GMOs, BPAs, gluten and Kosher certificated
Pros
- The natural and traditional flavor
- Very high in protein and Omega-3
- Tender and fatty fish meat
- Great price
Cons
- Not for those who do not like small sardines
Product Specifications
Brand | Season |
Ingredients | Pilchardus Sardines, Water |
Nutrient content | Protein 22g Total Fat 9g Omega-3: 1,700 mg Cholesterol 56 mg |
Package size | 12 |
Weight | 4.5 pounds |
Serving per container | 1 |
6. Season Canned Sardines in 100% Olive Oil
(Best With Bone)
The sardines are eco-friendly harvested from the coast of Morocco and fresh canned to preserve its natural flavor and nutritional value. The fishes come packaged in high-quality olive oil with all the bones and skin that add to the taste and nutrition.
Each 4.375-ounce tin is full to the top, loading your body with heart-healthy omega-3 and bone-healthy calcium. Furthermore, it is free of GMOs, BPAs, gluten, and contains no preservatives.
Try these nice fishes with your favorite recipe to get the crucial nutrients into your daily diet.
Key Features
- Features fresh sardines harvested from the coast of Morocco
- The medium is 100% olive oil
- Inbones and onskin
- Free of GMOs, BPAs, gluten
- No preservatives
Pros
- All bones in and skin on for extra nourishment
- Most fresh and natural taste
- High in Omega-3
- Great combination with other recipes
Cons
- Not for those who don’t like to eat fish scales and bones
Product Specifications
Brand | Season |
Ingredients | Sardines, olive oil, salt |
Nutrient content | Protein 13g Total Fat 8.5g Omega-3: 1,700 mg Cholesterol 45 mg |
Calorie | 130 |
Package size | 12 |
Weight | 4.6 pounds |
Serving per container | 1.5 |
7. King Oscar Canned Sardines in Tapatio Hot Sauce
(Best for Omega-3)
King Oscar, a well-respected canning company, provides consumers with the lightly smoked tasty brisling sardine in authentic Tapatio hot sauce.
Brisling are tinier sardines inhabited in pure waters like Norway, so this type is often lower in mercury than other average types. 8-12 fishes with bones in and skin on per each can could contain up to 2,900 mg of Omega-3 fatty acid, 16g protein, 860 mg sodium, and 25% of daily calcium (based on the RDA value).
The spicy flavor of Tapatio sauce blends well with the canned sardines to be a great addition to tacos, tostadas, savory nachos. Anyone who likes sardine can’t help eating this food again and again.
Key Features
- Lightly smoked flavorful brisling
- Whole fish with bones in and skin on
- The medium is Tapatio hot sauce
- Non-GMO, Gluten-free, Kosher-certified, Certified BPA-NI cans
- No additives or preservatives, no sugars added
Pros
- Great taste of fish blending with hot sauce
- Very rich in omega-3, calcium, and other nutrients
- Healthy, high-quality ingredients
- Ideal for traveling
Cons
- The sauce detracts sardine flavor
Product Specifications
Brand | King Oscar |
Ingredients | Lightly smoked brisling sardines, Tapatio Hot Sauce (water, red peppers, salt, spices, garlic, acetic acid, xanthan gum). |
Nutrient content | Protein 16g Total Fat 11g Omega-3 2,900 mg Cholesterol 75 mg |
Package size | 12 |
Weight | 3.6 pounds |
Serving per container | 1 |
Watch this video to know more:
8. Matiz Canned Sardines in Spanish Olive Oil
(Best From Spain)
For a can of Matiz, you have only three plump sardines because these fishes are large type caught off the coast of Galicia, Spain. Spanish olive oil adds more rich, natural bold flavors to sardine fillets.
People who have tried this brand really like its dense, chewy texture and the integrity of the sardines. Though fish chunks have skin on and bones in, they will be deboned easily to serve with veggies, pasta, or sandwich. Being packaged in a can with pull-rings for quick and easy access, Matiz Canned Sardines is also the great choice for an enjoyable snack if you are on a go.
Key Features
- Large sardines wildly caught off the coast of Galicia, Spain
- The medium is Spanish olive oil
- Three plump sardines per can
- Inbone and onskin
- Gluten Free and Non-GMO
Pros
- Firm texture and fatty flavor
- High calories
- High-quality oil of Spain
- A great source of protein
Cons
- Not for those who don’t eat skins and bones
- Costly
Product Specifications
Brand | Matiz |
Ingredients | Wild Caught Sardines, Spanish Olive Oil, Sea Salt. |
Nutrient content | Protein 18g Total Fat 14g Cholesterol 34 mg |
Package size | 5 |
Weight | 2 pounds |
Serving per container | 1 |
9. Brunswick Canned Sardine Fillets in Olive Oil
(Best for Breakfast)
Herrings, a large type of sardine, are thoroughly cleaned with tails and head removed and packed in olive oil. Boneless and skinless dried fillets are very meaty and delicately soft.
Many consumers come for this Brunswick canned sardine because it has little fishy smell or taste. Carefully prepared and packed, these fillets are convenient and easy to eat directly out of the can, or to add to your favorite recipes.
For me, I like to sauté the sardines with onions and hot peppers, plus some drops of fresh lemon juice, then serve it with rice.
Key Features
- Juvenile North Atlantic herring
- Skinless and boneless fillets
- The medium is olive oil
- 200 calories per each serving
Pros
- Meaty and soft fishes
- Little fishy smell or taste
- Very convenient for at-home meal or on-way snack
- Great price
Cons
- Only three fishes per can
- Not the ideal for people who like the bones still inside
Product Specifications
Brand | BRUNSWICK |
Ingredients | Herring sardines (Clupea harengus), olive oil, salt |
Nutrient content | Protein 16g Total Fat 15g Cholesterol 60 mg |
Package size | 18 |
Weight | 5.4 pounds |
Serving per container | 1 |
The following video shows you the process of canning sardines in Brunswick:
10. Bela-Olhao Lightly Smoked Sardines in Olive Oil
(Best From Portugal)
Bela is the best canned sardines from Portugal featuring lightly smoked sardines packed in a light flavor olive oil. There are bones in and skin on.
But do not worry about the unpleasant feeling of eating bones, because they are so soft that you may probably not notice them. In case you still want to remove these bones and skin, it is effortless to pop them right out.
The fishes are large sardines, so each can have only 3-4 chunks. Each serving of Bela-Olhao canned sardines is an excellent source of protein, sodium, calcium, and particularly Omega-3.
The food is also Gluten Free and Non-GMO certificated for anyone who has gluten issue and concerns about GMO ingredients.
Key Features
- The fishes are large sardines from Portugal
- The medium is extra virgin oil
- Inbone and onskin
- Gluten Free and Non-GMO certificated
Pros
- Lightly smoke flavor
- High-quality oil
- Plump and delish
- Bone is on but very soft
- High-quality product packed in Portugal
Cons
- Not for those who don’t eat skins and bones
- Costly
Product Specifications
Brand | Bela |
Ingredients | Lightly smokes Sardines, Extra Virgin Oil, Sea Salt, Natural Smoke flavor |
Nutrient content | Protein 13g Total Fat 7g Cholesterol 60 mg |
Package size | 12 |
Weight | 4 pounds |
Serving per container | 2 |
To be clear, just watch this video:
11. Ruby Skinless and Boneless Canned Sardines In Soya Oil
(Best Without Bones)
My list of the best canned sardines cannot exclude Ruby Skinless and Boneless Sardines In Soya Oil. The fishes are fished from the cold waters off the coast of Morocco, deboned and skinned before being packed in soybean oil. To keep the natural flavor of fishes, added was only salt.
Wild-caught fishes are perfectly filleted and chilled, ensuring the tenderness and premium taste of the food. Soybean oil enhances the fatty taste of fish.
Serving of this canned sardine is a great supply of Omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and Vitamin B for your family.
Just enjoy Ruby Sardines with a salad, as part of your main recipes, or right out of the canned!
Key Features
- The sardines are harvested from the coast off Morocco
- The fishes are skinless and boneless
- The medium is Soybean Oil
- Contains Omega-3: 1,400 mg
- Kosher certificated.
- Pull top can
Pros
- Tender and fatty flavor
- Oily flavor enhanced by soya oil
- Having no bone and skin for people cannot eat these
- Very easy to open with pull-tab
Cons
- Not ideal for those who like the whole fish
Product Specifications
Brand | Ruby |
Ingredients | Sardines, Soybean Oil, Salt. |
Nutrient content | Omega-3: 1,400 mg |
Package size | 4 |
Weight | 1.6 pounds |
Serving per container | 1 |
Watch this video to see more about canned sardines:
12. Ocean Prince Canned Sardines in Water
(Best for Dog)
Ocean Prince canned sardines feature pilchards, which are smaller sardines but have a firm texture and a pleasing mild flavor. Using water as the medium is believed to be the best way to ensure the fishes at the purest and cleanest flavor.
At a very compelling price, Ocean Prince offers us a healthy food, which contains 900 mg, is high in calcium, protein, iron. These canned sardines are Kosher, 100% gluten-free, non-GMO, and packed in BPA-free aluminum cans.
The can is designed to be recycled and easy to open with a pull-rings.
Key Features
- Using the whole pilchard
- The medium is water
- Contains Omega-3: 900 mg
- Kosher, 100% gluten-free, non-GMO, and BPA-free aluminum cans.
- Pull-ring can
Pros
- Very affordable
- Firm texture and mild flavor
- Recycled can
- Certificated Kosher, gluten-free, and non-GMO
Cons
- Not for those who like to eat the whole fish
Product Specifications
Brand | Ocean Prince |
Ingredients | Pilchard sardines, Water |
Nutrient content | Protein 10g Total Fat 7g Omega-3: 900 mg Cholesterol 30 mg |
Package size | 12 |
Weight | 4.8 pounds |
Serving per container | 1.5 |
Factors to Consider When Purchasing Canned Sardines
There are so many canned sardine brands on the market that this fact causes a headache whenever you have to go to a decision. Here is a short shopping guide to take the best canned sardines recipes.
Type of Fish
As I mentioned above, the word of sardine does not refer to a single type of fish. Knowing what type of sardines are and where they come from is quite useful when buying canned sardines.
The bigger the fishes are, the meatier and chewier the texture is. On the other hand, bigger fishes also have bigger and more solid bones. On the contrary, small fish like brisling, for example, might be tastier, richer in nutrition.
There are places which are well-known home to high-quality sardines, such as North Atlantic, the coast of Morocco, the Portuguese sea, or Galicia of Spain. Depending on the characteristics of seawater, the taste and nutritional value of fish may vary in a significant range.
Watch this video if you want to see more about types and sizes of fish:
Medium
Sardine is always canned with a medium for storage and flavor enhancing. The commonly used mediums are olive oil, water, or sauces made from various ingredients like soya oil, pepper, tomato, or mustard.
If you prefer the rich flavor, the oil medium will be the choice for you. Pure olive oil or extra virgin olive oil keeps the fish meat moist and tender.
In case you like sardines with a pure and clean taste, go for water as the medium. The taste is nearly unchanged, while sardines will stay a little firmer.
And when you need something palatable enough to lure your kids to seafood, choose sardines packed in tomato, mustard, or Louisiana hot sauce to weaken the fishy smell. The flavorful sauce is also the most suitable one when you want to eat the canned sardine directly out of the can.
Skinless and Boneless
Many people have trouble eating bones, while some do not like scale. At the same time, many think that only canned sardines with all bones in and skin on keep the freshest, most natural flavor and maximize the nutrition. Few like canned sardine with head.
Fortunately, there are several options to meet individual preferences. To make sure if the sardine you pick from shelves is skinless and boneless, check the prints on the package where it is clearly stated by most brands.
FAQ
Here I give my answers for some questions that people frequently asked me. If you have any other questions, let me know and I will find the answer for you as soon as I can.
My Top Pick
Having tried many canned sardines, I am still loyal to Wild Planet Wild Canned Sardines Extra Virgin Olive Oil. I love the fresh, oily taste of wood-smoked fishes. The medium of extra virgin olive oil can be used to substitute the cooking oil or marinade when combining the canned sardines with other recipes. Wild Planet Wild Canned Sardines are delicious and suitable for preparing most types of seafood meals.
My reviews certainly have some unsatisfactory points. I hope to receive your contribution via comments left below.