If buying the sardines from the fish counter in store, you can ask the fishmonger to gut the fish for you. Alternatively, insert a sharp knife into the base of each fish approximately 2cm (1in) from the tail, run the knife along the base finishing at the head. Open-out a little, then starting at the head end – run your thumb along the inside (wear disposable rubber glove, if you like) to remove the guts and discard. Rinse the cavity under cold running water to clean thoroughly. (If there are any scales on the fish remove by running a blunt knife over the skin, then rinse under running water.)