Rio Mare Tuna Fillets in A Glass Jar, 180g

Product Information

Pasta and tuna are a match made in heaven – and there’s loads of ways you can add your own twist to our tasty pasta bake recipe! When it comes to canned tuna, the terms "white" and "light" refer to different species of tuna. White tuna, also known as albacore tuna, is a larger species that tends to have a milder flavor and a firmer, flakier texture. It typically has a lighter color and higher fat content, making it richer and more buttery in taste. White tuna is often used in dishes where a meatier texture is desired, such as tuna steaks or salads. You can also look for certifications such as the MSC (the Marine Stewardship Council) seal or look at lists compiled by Seawatch.org and seek out tuna that is designated by them as “Best Choice” or “Good Alternative.” Steer clear of those with the “Avoid” stamp.

Nutrition facts: Consider the nutrition label, and notice nutrition factors like protein content, omega-3 fatty acids, and sodium. Tuna caught anywhere else in the world can be called dolphin safe with a simple declaration from the ship’s operator. This raises the question of what their credentials are or what their motivations are. Relying on self-reporting makes this a flawed moniroring system. Bigeye tuna: Bigeye tuna is a large kind of tuna and may contain increased levels of mercury compared to other species. According to AboutSeafood.com, tuna is considered “an excellent source of the essential omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA, proven to help maintain a healthy heart.”

Thawing

Albacore not only contains a healthy serving of protein, but it is also an excellent source of vitamin D, several B vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids. In fact, the American Diabetes Association includes albacore tuna in its list of "superfoods" (which it defines as "good for overall health and may also help prevent disease"). This tuna is cooked only once in natural juices in the can and requires no draining. American Tuna’s albacore is caught young so that it isn’t subject to mercury accumulation, but the fish are also tested by a third-party lab to ensure their integrity. The environmental issue with tuna is how it is fished. The worst-case scenario is that the tuna is fished using the “purse seine method.” With this technique, large nets are cast, and while tuna might be the target fish, many other fish and sea creatures might get caught up in the net, including endangered or protected species.

Today, if someone were to hand me 25 lbs. of tuna. I would first ask where and how it was caught. There is a scarcity, a serious sustainability issue, with tuna. I don’t eat much, and I am willing to pay premium prices for line caught fish. For sustainably fished tuna. And a fishmonger who knows the answer to the question – where is this from and how was it caught. Let’s get one thing clear: “dolphin-safe” doesn’t mean ocean safe. The World Trade Organization (WTO) has been battling this issue for years, attempting to bring clarity to the consumer.

Pack the jars

Canned tuna might be what most of us envision when we think about prepared tuna, but some tuna comes in glass jars, and, newer on the scene, there are now pouches, too. Canned Tuna Cut the tuna into batons the height of your jars less one inch headspace, and into other chunks. Get the entire piece of tuna cut up and ready to go. Assume 1″ headspace. Whole Foods has had a policy enacted for years that states that any tuna they sell will be traceable from the boat and all the way to the can. They will only sell tuna sourced from fisheries that use pole, troll, or handline catch methods and are certified by the Marine Stewardship Council or rated a “Best Choice” or “Good Alternative” by the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which created Seafoodwatch.org.