Albacore

Fish

Albacore

Albacore (Thunnus alalunga) is a temperate tuna with long pectoral fins and pale, mild flesh—the classic “white meat” canned tuna. Fresh and frozen loins are meaty, relatively low in strong tuna oiliness compared with bluefin, and suit grilling, searing, and high-quality cans in olive oil or brine. Texture is firm and steak-like when cooked just to medium. Choose sashimi-grade for rare searing; cook canned styles to flaking for salads and melts. Mercury guidance applies as with other large tuna—moderation matters for some consumers. Major fisheries span the Pacific and Atlantic; troll-caught and pole-and-line fish are often preferred for quality and bycatch profile.

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Cuts & parts

Breeds & varieties

A sample of named types with their own origin and culinary profiles.

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Characteristics

Preparations

BlanchedChilledCuredDicedDriedFermentedFreshFrozenGrilledHalvedMincedPickledRoastedSaltedSlicedSmokedSteamedWhole

Provenance

ASC CertifiedDay BoatFree SwumHand FilletedHook and LineLine-CaughtMSC CertifiedOrganicPole-CaughtResponsibly SourcedSeasonalSustainable

Sources

AquacultureIndoor FarmedOutdoor FarmedWild

Traits

FirmLeanMeatyMildMoistPale

Nutrition and pairings

Nutrition

Typical values per 100 g edible portion. Nutrient names open the reference page.

Nutrition Facts

Per 100 g edible portion

Calories 120

Amount per 100 g

  • Total Fat 5.35 g
  • Saturated Fat 0.99 g
  • Trans Fat 0 g
  • Monounsaturated Fat 2.06 g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat 2.16 g
  • Cholesterol 51.2 mg
  • Sodium 84.3 mg
  • Salt 0.21 g
  • Total Carbohydrate 0 g
  • Dietary Fibre 0 g
  • Total Sugars 0 g
  • Complex / starch 0 g
  • Protein 19.9 g
  • Water 69.7 g
Detailed nutrients

Fish flesh is lean to oily depending on species; marine omega-3s rise in fatty fish.

In the kitchen

Culinary partners and combinations that usually underperform with Albacore.

Pairs well with

Classic and complementary matches

Usually avoid with

Often clash in flavour or tradition

History

Pacific and Atlantic coastal peoples fished albacore among other tunas for fresh and preserved food.

US

California canneries popularised albacore as premium white canned tuna.

Global tuna canning made albacore a pantry staple far inland.

Fresh albacore loins entered restaurant grill menus alongside canned classics.

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