albacore tuna
albacore: it’s the new ahi!
The albacore tuna, known also as longfin tuna, has a long and illustrious history as a key fishery in the United States canning industry. Today in Oregon, each fish is caught one at a time by hook and line, making it highly sustainable with virtually no by-catch.
This fish is an incredibly versatile ingredient packed with protein and omega-3s. And it’s not just available in cans. Thanks to modern processing techniques, including blast-freezing on vessels, as well as quick-freeze techniques for hand-loined fillets, customers and chefs can now find high quality, sushi-grade albacore more widely available in local markets.
when is albacore tuna in season?
The albacore tuna season depends on when the schools of fish arrive offshore of Oregon. The fish start migrating into our local waters around the end of June. Look for fresh albacore tuna to appear on menus and in fish markets mid July through October.
Albacore is also great frozen and is well preserved in cans, jars and foil packets, making accessing and enjoying this great Oregon-landed sustainable fish easy year-round! For locations to purchase ready-to-prepare albacore loins, tinned fish, or pouches for the pantry, visit our Buy Local page.
Try delicious and highly nutritious albacore as a substitute for ahi tuna, or in recipes such as crudo, poke, grilled fish tacos, fish-and-chips, pasta dishes, and more.
We’re All about oregon albacore!
The tuna caught off the Oregon coast are just starting their cross-Pacific journey and are three to five years old. Because of their young age, the fish have reduced mercury accumulation in their meat, compared to those caught in many other areas, while still offering a high quantity of omega-3 fatty acids. Visit the Oregon Albacore Commission (Oregon Department of Agriculture) to learn more.
Many Oregon restaurants are worthy of a visit to seek out Albacore. Try the South Beach Fish Market in Newport, The Bowpicker in Astoria, or Grizzly Tuna in Seaside for albacore and chips. Albacore dishes with creative flair can be found at Ecola Seafood Restaurant and Market in Cannon Beach, The Schooner in Netarts, Meridian Restaurant and Bar at the Headlands Coastal Lodge and Spa in Pacific City, Local Ocean in Newport, and Wild Grocery and Cafe in Manzanita.
