Updated at: 11-10-2023 - By: petstutorial

Tuna is a popular fish that is consumed all over the world. While most people are familiar with canned tuna, there are several types of tuna that are regularly used for consumption. Each type of tuna has a different taste, color, and texture, which makes them suitable for different dishes.

In this article, we will discuss the most important types of tuna to know, along with their location, taste, and cost. We will also provide information on the benefits of eating tuna and how to cook it.

6 Types Of Tuna To Know Location Taste And Cost Of Each

Skipjack Tuna

Skipjack tuna is the most commonly found in canned tuna and accounts for over 70% of the United States canned tuna market. It is small in size and has dark meat, which is tender and allows for small chunks.

The taste of Skipjack tuna is strong and often described as “fishy.” When a can of tuna has “Chunk Light” on the label, there’s a good chance it’s Skipjack tuna. On average, Skipjack tuna costs around $23 per pound, but prices vary depending on location and several other factors.

Albacore Tuna

Albacore tuna is a popular choice for canned tuna and is the second most canned variety of tuna in the United States, accounting for around 20% of the market. Albacore tuna has light-colored meat and a mild flavor, which is why it is often called “white tuna.” It comes in larger chunks compared to Skipjack tuna and tends to be more expensive.

Albacore tuna is delicious when grilled, and the meat holds together well. However, their mercury levels are three times higher than Skipjacks, which is concerning.

For this reason, the Environmental Defense Fund advises limited consumption of Albacore tuna. On average, Albacore tuna costs around $25 per pound, but prices vary depending on location and several other factors.

Yellowfin Tuna

Yellowfin tuna has a mild, sweet, and meaty flavor and is pale pink in color. It is versatile and can be found in cans, as well as in the form of steak and sushi.

Yellowfin tuna is a popular sushi option in the United States and is less expensive than Bluefin tuna. Its meat is leaner and milder tasting than Bluefin and Bigeye tuna, whose fat content contributes to a much more pronounced taste.

On average, Yellowfin tuna costs around $35 per pound, but prices vary depending on location and several other factors. Yellowfin tuna is mainly used as steak in the USA, and you can often find them in restaurants for a fair price. Furthermore, many supermarkets and seafood stores stock them, so they are readily available if you have a craving.

Bigeye Tuna

Bigeye tuna is a large and stout tuna that has bright, firm meat with loads of flavor. It is a great option for people who prefer fatty and flavorful fish but don’t want to spend a lot of money.

Bigeye tuna is often used for sushi and sashimi and is less fishy than Skipjack tuna but not as mild as Albacore tuna. It is a good choice if you are looking for a lot of flavor.

Bigeye tuna is often sold as a portion of sashimi in sushi restaurants, and the cost can be over $20. However, it is more affordable than other types of premium tuna, such as Bluefin tuna. On average, Bigeye tuna costs around $42 per pound, but prices vary depending on location and several other factors.

Bluefin Tuna

Bluefin tuna is one of the most expensive fish in the world, and for good reason. The taste, texture, and nutritional value of Bluefin tuna make it a prized fish that is worth the high price tag.

Bluefin tuna has a mild, buttery taste and a rich, fatty texture that melts in your mouth. The flavor of Bluefin tuna is often described as meaty and savory, with a subtle sweetness. The taste and texture of Bluefin tuna make it perfect for sushi and sashimi.

The price of Bluefin tuna can vary depending on the quality and location, but it can range from several hundred to tens of thousands of dollars per pound. The high cost of Bluefin tuna is due to several factors, including its scarcity, size, and longevity.

Overfishing and excessive demand have depleted Bluefin tuna populations, particularly the Atlantic and Pacific Bluefin varieties, which has led to strict regulations and quotas, limiting the quantity that can be caught legally. Bluefin tuna can grow to immense sizes, with some individuals weighing over a thousand pounds.

The larger the fish, the more expensive it becomes, not only due to its sheer size but also because older tuna tend to have better flavor and texture. Bluefin tuna can live for up to 40 years, which means they have ample time to develop the sought-after marbling in their flesh.

Tongol Tuna

Tongol tuna is a type of tuna that is often used for canned tuna. It is a delicate, mild tuna that is less fishy than Skipjack tuna and tends to contain lower mercury levels than Albacore tuna.

Tongol tuna is much more affordable than other types of tuna, making it a great option for those on a budget. The taste of Tongol tuna is mild, and it has a light pink color.

It is often sold in cans, and the price can vary depending on the location and the brand. On average, Tongol tuna costs around $22 for a pack of 12 5-ounce cans, which is less than $6 per can.

Tongol tuna is also available in larger cans, which can be more cost-effective. Overall, Tongol tuna is a great option for those who want a mild-tasting tuna that is affordable and healthy.

FAQS

1. What are the most important types of tuna to know?

The most important types of tuna to know are Skipjack, Albacore, Yellowfin, Bigeye, and Bluefin tuna.

2. What is the taste of Skipjack tuna?

Skipjack tuna has a strong flavor and is often described as “fishy.”

3. How much does Skipjack tuna cost?

On average, Skipjack tuna costs around $23 per pound, but prices vary depending on location and several other factors.

4. What is the taste of Albacore tuna?

Albacore tuna has a mild flavor and light-colored meat, which is why it is often called “white tuna.”

5. How much does Albacore tuna cost?

On average, Albacore tuna costs around $25 per pound, but prices vary depending on location and several other factors.

6. What is the taste of Yellowfin tuna?

Yellowfin tuna has a mild, sweet, and meaty flavor.

7. How much does Yellowfin tuna cost?

On average, Yellowfin tuna costs around $35 per pound, but prices vary depending on location and several other factors.

8. What is the taste of Bigeye tuna?

Bigeye tuna has a firm texture and a rich, sweet flavor.

9. How much does Bigeye tuna cost?

On average, Bigeye tuna costs around $42 per pound, but prices vary depending on location and several other factors.

10. What is the taste of Bluefin tuna?

Bluefin tuna has a mild, buttery taste and a rich, fatty texture that melts in your mouth.

11. How much does Bluefin tuna cost?

The price of Bluefin tuna can vary depending on the quality and location, but it can range from several hundred to tens of thousands of dollars per pound.

12. What is Tongol tuna?

Tongol tuna is a delicate, mild tuna that is less fishy than Skipjack tuna and tends to contain lower mercury levels than Albacore tuna.

13. How much does Tongol tuna cost?

On average, Tongol tuna costs around $22 for a pack of 12 5-ounce cans, which is less than $6 per can.

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