If you’ve seen tuna steak on the menu or fresh tuna sushi and sashimi, then you already know that it tends to come with a high price tag. Sometimes we must stop and wonder why? In this edition of Luxurious Food we will be diving deep into what makes Bluefin Tuna expensive and why it is considered a luxury.
What is Bluefin Tuna and what differentiates it from other kinds of tuna?
Bluefin as the name suggests is the identifier of this species of tuna. It also happens to be the largest kind of tuna. Its tail fin is dark blue and the sides and belly are usually white or silvery with uneven lines present. Another identifier for this fish when comparing it to another famous tuna, the Yellowfin is that the Bluefin’s dorsal fin is not as elongated as the Yellowfin.
When it comes to shape, this fish is described as having the shape of a torpedo. So much so, that if you take a cross-section of this fish, you’ll see that the shape is very circular. These fish can live for about 26 years, however the average lifespan is around 15 years. They are also known to reach up to 10 feet in length and around 900 pounds in weight.
The Bluefin is known for its meat being a rich red color. It’s the meatiest kind of tuna and has a soft texture that melts in your mouth. In terms of taste, it's very much full of flavor due to it being more fatty than other kinds of tuna which is why it is well sought after in fine dining restaurants.
Where can you find and fish for Bluefin Tuna?
There are many places around the world where you can try and catch this special fish. From some areas of the California coast, to the Gulf of Mexico, Nova Scotia in Canada, and of course the waters between the Japan Sea and Philippine Sea. These kinds of fish are migratory which means they travel long distances from one place to another. Some journeys of migration can last up to almost 2 months when moving from the west to the east of the Pacific Ocean.
Why is it expensive?
The price per pound of Bluefin Tuna can go from hundreds of dollars to thousands of dollars depending on the area and of course the quality. However, it’s important to remember that one factor that greatly contributes to the high price of the Bluefin Tuna is that the population is decreasing due to overfishing. Demand is high and supply is low, which drives the prices up. Fishermen have also caught on that they can make a lot of money from catching these fish and so they have new techniques and skills to make the fishing process more efficient. More efficient, means more fish to catch and sell, which also means that the supply dwindles even more.
Sustainability
Governments and research groups around the world have worked together to try and stop tuna from becoming extinct. Although not all species of tuna are endangered, it’s still important to keep an eye on those that are at a critical level. Tuna is considered as one of the predators in the ocean which means that they play a key role in the ocean environment. There are laws and regulations in place for fishermen in order to target this endangerment issue. However, illegal tuna fishing still happens in some parts as the laws are not always enforced.
The way that tuna is being caught has also sparked a debate. Using hooks and nets to catch tuna also affects other fish and marine wildlife such as turtles. Common techniques that fishermen use to catch tuna is by using longlines, gillnets, and purse seine. Other marine mammals sometimes also get caught and suffer in these nets and hooks.
In terms of consumerism, Japan is the largest consumer of Bluefin Tuna. This is no surprise since sushi and sashimi is made with many different types of fish, tuna being one of the most prized and common choices for chefs as well as customers. However, in the fight to keep the tuna population alive, the Japanese government did amend some of their fishing laws to help protect the species. For example, they have enforced quotas on each fishing vessel, as well as raised the penalties.
How to cook and eat Bluefin Tuna?
One of the most famous ways to eat Bluefin Tuna is sashimi style, which consists of raw fish or seafood sliced into bite size pieces and is accompanied by wasabi paste and soy sauce. Not all fish in seafood is sashimi grade or safe for raw consumption so be careful and double check if you are trying to prepare it yourself at home. When it comes to Bluefin Tuna, you have to look at the color. This will help you determine the freshness and how safe it is to eat. Fresh raw tuna should be slightly shiny and pinkish or reddish in color. If the tuna looks more brown than pink and smells fishy, it may indicate that the fish has spoiled or is not fresh at all.
Another way to eat tuna is to have it cut into steaks. The portions should be at least an inch thick or a little more depending on what you like. You can then grill it or use a cast iron skillet to sear the sides. All you need is a little salt and pepper to season the steaks so you don’t take away from the taste. It’s important that you don’t overcook the tuna. You want it to still be quite pink and raw in the middle so you can appreciate the melt in your mouth texture and fresh flavor.
