| Market Names |
Albacore, Tuna |
| Where Caught |
North and South Pacific |
| How Caught |
Troll, Longline |
Albacore Tuna
Albacore (Thunnus alalunga) is a Tuna and a member of the Mackerel family, Scombridae. It is known as white meat Tuna, the only species that may be labeled so. Canned Tuna constitutes much of the production but fresh and frozen Albacore production is increasing. Albacore can be found in most tropical and temperate waters around the world and is wild caught.
The American Albacore Fishing Association Pacific Albacore Tuna – north, the American Albacore Fishing Association Pacific albacore tuna - south and the American Western Fish Boat Owners Association (WFOA) North Pacific Albacore Tuna are certified sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). The "Net Benefits" of MSC certified Albacore Tuna are many.
Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood WATCH® considers troll and pole-and-line caught Albacore from the U.S. Pacific, Canadian Pacific and South Pacific to be a "Best Choice" as "there is little or no bycatch" and longline caught Albacore from Hawai'i to be a "Good Alternative" due to "strict bycatch regulations and healthy populations." Troll and pole-and-line caught Albacore Tuna from the South Atlantic, North Pacific and Indian Ocean are rated "Good Alternative." However, Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood WATCH® ranks longline caught Albacore from anywhere besides Hawai'i as "Avoid" due to "large quantities of bycatch, including threatened or endangered species such as sea turtles, sharks and seabirds” and Albacore from the North Atlantic and Mediterranean are also ranked “Avoid” due to concerns about the decline of populations in this area.
| Sources | |
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Species NameThunnus alalunga |
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SourceAlbacore Tuna is found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world, including the Caribbean, Mediterranean Sea and around Hawai’i. Some of the best Albacore Tuna carried by Seattle Fish Company of New Mexico comes from the North Pacific fishery. This fish has a very high fat content which averages over 20% and carries the Marine Stewardship Council “MSC” ecolabel. |
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SeasonalityFrozen, smoked and canned albacore is available year round, with the peak season occurring from July through October. |
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Fishing MethodAlbacore is wild captured most often by troll although some fisheries use longlines. There is no Albacore aquaculture. |
| Features | |
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FlavorAlbacore has a mild, rich taste that some compare to chicken. It has a firm texture with a large, moist flake. |
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Dietary InformationAlbacore is an excellent source of protein, low in sodium, and contains the highest concentrations of heart-healthy Omega-3 fatty acids in the tuna family. Serving size 3.5 oz. (100 g.) portion: Source: NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service FishWatch |
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AppearanceThe body of the Albacore is blue and silver with a streamlined “torpedo” shape. It can grow to 5 feet and almost 90 pounds. Commercially, Albacore average 20 pounds. When raw, the meat ranges from tan to light pink. The meat is less dense than the Yellow Fin and Blue Fin. |
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FormFresh Albacore Tuna is available Headed and Gutted, loined and portion controlled. |
| Uses | |
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PreparationGrilling, poaching, searing and broiling work well with Albacore. It can be served raw and is finding its way on to sushi bars around the world. Overcooking it will cause it to loose flavor and dry out. Like other tuna, cooked rare to medium rare will delight most any diner. |
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SubstitutionSubstitutes for Albacore include other Tuna, Yellow Fin, Big Eye and Blue Fin, although Halibut, Marlin, Shark, Swordfish and Sturgeon work well using similar recipes. |
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HandlingFresh Albacore Tuna should be refrigerated at 30-34 degrees F. Whole fish should be surrounded with fresh ice in a perforated pan which allows any water to drain away from the product for maximum shelf life. Never directly ice an Albacore Tuna loin, steak or portion. Filleted or loined product should be stored in a sealed plastic container and surrounded with ice. |
| Market | |
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Sizes and CutsAlthough Albacore can grow to nearly 90 pounds, most commercially landed fish range in size from 10-30 pounds. Fresh Albacore is sold Headed and Gutted Fish and graded 10-40 pounds and 40-60 pounds. Frozen Albacore is most typically sold as skin-on boneless loins and portion controlled skinless and boneless steaks. |
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Pricing ScaleAlthough the demand for canned Tuna in the U.S. has dropped significantly, the price has remained steady as markets for high quality Albacore are developed for fresh and frozen product in retail and white tablecloth restaurants. Due to market and currency fluctuations, please contact your Seattle Fish Company of New Mexico associate for up-to-date market and current pricing information. |
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Shelf LifeFresh whole Albacore Tuna which has been handled and stored properly should retain optimum quality for 5-7 days. Once filleted or portioned product should be used in 3-4 days. Frozen Albacore Tuna can be commercially stored for up to one year. |