Sol Mar Torreznos Pork Scratchings Review
These Sol Mar Torreznos are described as Iberian-style pork scratchings and are available from Lidl in a generously sized 100g bag.
Although they sit alongside traditional pork snacks, these are quite different from the traditional hard pork scratchings commonly found in British pubs. Instead, every piece is tightly curled, with none of the flat or straight pieces you sometimes find in a bag of scratchings.
What Are They Like?
The pieces are consistently medium-sized. There are no disappointing little fragments, but no magnificent teeth-breaking monsters either.
The fat is remarkably light and avoids the unpleasant oiliness that can affect some pork scratchings. Unfortunately, there were no hairy pieces in the bag, which is always a disappointment here at Hairy Bar Snacks.
The ingredients list (in a world of ultra-processed foods) is pleasingly short:
- Pork rind
- Salt
- Paprika
- Antioxidant
That simplicity sounds promising, but it is also where these Sol Mar pork scratchings fall short.
Where Has All the Flavour Gone?
Despite salt and paprika both appearing on the ingredients list, neither makes much of an impression. The scratchings barely taste salty, while the paprika is virtually undetectable.
They are not unpleasant, but they lack the seasoning and bold porky flavour needed to make them genuinely moreish. A stronger hit of salt and a little extra spice would make a considerable difference.
Not Even the Crumbs Could Save Them
There were very few tiny pieces left at the bottom of the bag, which is generally a good sign. However, those final crumbs contained no more seasoning or flavour than the larger pieces.
Sometimes, the best flavour falls from the scratchings and collects at the bottom of the packet. That did not happen here, suggesting that the flavour was never particularly strong in the first place.
A Big Bag of Mild Scratchings
At 100g, this is a substantial bag for one person. Given the mild flavour, I would struggle to finish the entire packet in one sitting.
These could, however, be good candidates for a little home experimentation. Adding your own seasoning might give them the lift they need. Warming them gently in the oven could also release some of the fat, crisp them up and help additional seasoning stick.
The Verdict
Sol Mar Torreznos have a pleasant texture, consistently sized pieces and none of the excessive greasiness found in some pork snacks. Sadly, they are let down by a noticeable lack of salt, paprika and overall flavour.
They are perfectly edible, but unlikely to satisfy anyone looking for a powerfully seasoned bag of traditional pork scratchings.
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