With the devastating closure of the 2008 salmon season, consumers looking for healthy, local seafood can turn to albacore tuna.
The Faces of California Fishing, an initiative to promote the real stories and people behind California’s fishing communities, urges consumers to support our fishing heritage and get quality fish by eating safe, fresh local seafood. But, with the 2008 closure of the West Coast salmon season, consumers don’t have as many options. One great option for seafood lovers looking for other varieties of local fish to serve their families is Pacific Albacore, the troll-caught tuna rated as a “Best Choice” by Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch. Pacific Albacore might just be a silver lining in the black cloud of our salmon closures. Wild Pacific Albacore is caught in temperate waters off Washington, Oregon and California from now until late October. This low-impact method – where small, barbless hooks are used to catch albacore one at a time – is healthy, local and sustainable.
Albacore is high in heart-healthy Omega 3s, with a firm texture and a mild flavor. The troll-caught wild Pacific Albacore is sold in loins (ranging from 8 – 32 oz) and smaller medallions, as well as premium custom-canned. A ready supply of wild Pacific Albacore sells for around $6 per pound for loins.
Albacore is easy to prepare and perfect for grilling, broiling, smoking, barbecuing or as sushi. It is an ideal fish for those who do not like the “fishy taste” of some fish, and children love it.
The flavor of a light teriyaki basted, grilled wild Pacific Albacore loin has made fish lovers out of the biggest skeptics at the Annual Morro Bay Harbor Festival for years.
Another great recipe featured on The Faces of California Fishing website is Medallions of Albacore Wrapped in Bacon.
Many American fishermen have started high end, top quality small canning operations for their Albacore. This is not the old tuna sandwich our moms put in our lunch boxes. To learn more and to purchase these premium products go to www.pacificalbacore.com.
To learn more about supporting California fishing communities and get seafood recipes, visit www.thefacesofcaliforniafishing.com.
