TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Tuna Types in the World
Akami is a part of bluefin tuna that refers to lean red meat. This is the main part of the fish, so it's more readily available than the other parts, called chūtoro and otoro. It has the least fat out of the whole tuna, which makes it the most affordable.
Akami is typically used atop rice in sashimi or nigiri. In a sushi restaurant, if you order maguro (a broad term for tuna), you will get akami from whichever species of tuna they have on hand. This part of tuna also has the most umami tuna flavor of all other, fattier cuts.
Otoro is a part of bluefin tuna that is the most desirable. It comes from the inside of the belly and it's the fattiest part of the fish. The texture is often described as intensely rich, marbled, and having melt-in-the-mouth properties. Due to these facts, it's traditionally the most expensive part of bluefin tuna.
It's often used in sashimi and nigiri, giving the dish a sweeter flavor. Otoro is the best during winter, once the tuna acquires additional body fat. It should always be consumed fresh as it doesn't last too much when frozen. This part of tuna is rarely found outside of Japan.
Chūtoro is a part of bluefin tuna that refers to medium fatty cuts when served as a part of nigiri or sashimi. The tuna yields otoro (fatty parts from the belly), akami (red meat), and chūtoro, which is a combination of both that's found near the skin on the back and belly.
It's a mix of otoro's sweetness and a deep, slightly bitter flavor of akami. This part of bluefin tuna is usually a bit more on the expensive side, and it's typically served on special occasions or festivities. Specifically, the part of the back near the head is called sekami, the center of the back is senaka, and the part near the tail is called seshimo.
Northern Albacore tuna is the prized fresh fish originating from the Basque waters. Also known as hegaluzea and bonito del norte, the tuna is white-fleshed, savory, and aromatic. Its skin is dark blue and almost black, but it fades to white along its underside.
The meat is succulent and has a bit of fat along the belly. This tuna is individually line-caught from small fishing boats in the Bay of Biscay, and the process is important because it ensures that each fish is the right quality and size. Albacore tuna is often packed in tins with olive oil and salt, making it perfect for everyday eating and enjoying it throughout the year, and locals suggest to just top it with lemon juice and freshly ground pepper.
THE BEST Albacore White Tuna Tunas
Called atún de almadraba in Spanish, wild almadraba bluefin tuna refers primarily to Atlantic bluefin tuna (atún rojo in Spanish) that is caught using an ancient artisan method of fishing known as almadraba.
The method uses an intricate maze of interconnecting trap nets that lead the tuna fish to their final destination - a circular central trap surrounded by boats, where only the largest adult tuna are caught and lifted from the nets, while the smaller and younger ones are set free into the ocean, making this technique of fishing sustainable.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Tunas in the World
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2022
Filetti di Ventresca di Tonno from Callipo are premium products made from the finest yellowfin tuna, known for their rich flavor. These fillets are prepared from the ventral muscles of the tuna, the most prized part of the fish, and are carefully hand-cut into fillets.
The tuna is steamed, then manually packed into glass jars with olive oil and salt. All production processes, from the selection of raw materials to packaging, take place in Italy, following the distinctive Calabrian tradition, ensuring high quality and food safety.
Smoked Albacore Tuna by Fishwife is a high-quality smoked tuna that offers an exceptional flavor experience. This product is made from fresh chunks of tuna, carefully smoked over a wood fire to achieve the perfect balance between the rich taste of the fish and the smoky notes.
Albacore tuna is known for its mild yet flavorful taste, which beautifully complements the smoky undertones that give it a deep, aromatic texture. Fishwife takes pride in its sustainability approach, using only tuna caught through responsible methods.
Albacore Tinned Tuna in Olive Oil from Shines Seafood is a premium product made from wild-caught Albacore tuna, carefully packed in extra virgin olive oil. This tuna comes from the pristine waters of Ireland and is recognized for its light, delicate texture and outstanding flavor.
Shines Seafood takes pride in using sustainable fishing methods, ensuring that the tuna is responsibly caught, contributing to the preservation of marine resources and environmental protection. The meat of Albacore tuna is light, almost white, tender, and rich in omega-3 fatty acids, making it perfect for healthy and nutritious meals.
John West's Tuna Steak is a premium product made from high-quality, sustainably sourced tuna. It is typically available in convenient, ready-to-eat formats, offering a delicious and healthy option for those looking for a protein-packed meal. The Tuna Steak is usually packed in a can or jar, preserving its freshness, and it can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes, from salads to sandwiches or as a main course.
John West’s Tuna Steak products often highlight the brand's commitment to sustainability, with tuna sourced using responsible fishing methods, ensuring minimal environmental impact. This makes it a great choice for environmentally-conscious consumers who want to enjoy the nutritional benefits of tuna while supporting sustainable practices.
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