Beyond Sandwich Material

Eating tuna sashimi fresh from Tsukiji fish market in a Japanese restaurant is a world away from a tuna mayonnaise sandwich eaten for lunch in the US. But these differences are not necessarily a bad thing, as despite its consistent global popularity, the way tuna is consumed around the world varies hugely between countries. Searching out some new products to try, in this issue Atuna focused on the Spanish market.

Easily the top tuna consuming nation in Europe, the fish is seen as a traditional staple in Spain’s Mediterranean diet, with average consumption across its population of more than 46 million coming to around 2.3 kg per person annually (typically US consumers eat just 1kg each per year). Compared to the majority of markets around the world which favor skipjack, Bonito Del Norte (Atlantic albacore) in olive oil is Spain’s conventional favorite. But what other products can be found on this gigantic tuna market which are not common in other parts of the world?

Conservas de Cambados – Bluefin Tuna in Olive Oil

Rarely found on sale outside Asia, and even more rarely seen in a can, Spain is one of the only countries in the world which still catches Atlantic bluefin tuna. The traditional Almadraba method is still used in the south of the country, as it has been for nearly 3000 years, catching the fish during spring and summer as they migrate to the Mediterranean Sea.

This large 266g can is clearly marketed as a premium product, and once opened it was clear to see why. The meat was chunky, moist and high quality, surrounded by top quality olive oil, and retailing for just over EUR 11.00 (USD 12.63) a can. Although Spanish consumers are well known for eating good quality tuna generally, this product had such a high quality feel to it that it’s more likely to be eaten as part of a dinner on a special occasion, than just a usual lunchtime salad.

Calvo – Tuna Ready Meal with Vegetables

Hot ready meals made with chicken, beef, pork and various kinds of white fish are common across virtually all global markets, but underlining Spain’s love of tuna, the country’s leading brand Calvo, also has a range of tuna-based ready meals. Served hot with vegetables and potatoes, this option is a quick dinner choice which differs completely from the cold ready made tuna salads or pastas on offer in most countries.

Retailing at just EUR 2.70 (USD 3.10), the cheap price is likely to attract the budget conscious, such as students or the elderly, who are looking for a hot, nutritious meal. According to the packaging, the product is 14 percent tuna meat, although it does not specify which species in particular. For the price paid there are two substantial chunks of tuna present, with lots of sauce and vegetables. At Atuna, it was the first time any of the team had tasted a heated tuna ready meal, and we found the taste and texture pleasant, with a savoury salty tang, but the appearance in need of some improvement.

Hijos de Carlos Albo – Bonito Del Norte in Water

Compared to tuna cans in other countries, the iconic packaging of Albo canned tuna stands out on the shelf, and is distinctly different to standard cans seen across most of the world. The regal gold and red colors suggest a premium quality typical to tuna sold in Spain, and the fish inside was found to be solidly packed in the can with big chunks and an overall mild flavor. Bonito Del Norte has a firm bite to it with a meaty texture, and in Spain is typically eaten as part of a green salad.

Compared to the typical blue and green cans seen in other countries, which can often feature cartoon characters and bright lettering, this Albo can gives tuna a more traditional feel, helping to cement Bonito Del Norte’s place as a high quality staple in the Spanish Mediterranean diet.

In the next issue of ATUNA Magazine look out for more new products, where we will focus on a another tuna-consuming country and investigate any unusual tuna references found there. Have some ideas for innovative products we can test and share around the world? Get in contact at editorial@atuna.com!