Bluefin Tuna Price: Why the Cost Is Worth It?
These would probably be at the top of our list if we had to name some high-end culinary items. We recognize that they are costly, but we also recognize that they are worthwhile.
What about bluefin tuna, though? Is it worth the extra money? It's more expensive than other fish, but is it worth it? Oh, indeed, and we'll show you why.
Continue reading to learn why the bluefin tuna price, while hefty, is well worth it.
What is the price of bluefin tuna?
You may have heard about the skyrocketing price of bluefin tuna in the news.
True, a 612-pound bluefin tuna sold for an unbelievable $3 million at Tokyo's famous Tsukiji fish market in 2019. While this is not a normal price, it demonstrates how highly bluefin tuna is regarded as the greatest tuna seafood available.
The price of bluefin tuna paid by restaurants and customers is determined by a number of factors. These factors include the origin of the fish, the company from which you purchased it, and its sustainability.
Because of these considerations, determining an accurate average price for bluefin tuna is challenging. Not all bluefin are created equal.
There have been massive efforts to improve the sustainability of bluefin tuna during the last 20 years. Overfishing had devastated populations in the past. Now, because to these conservation measures, it has recovered to levels not seen in over 50 years!
What Causes Bluefin Tuna to Be So Expensive?
Bluefin tuna is pricey for a variety of reasons.
First and foremost, it's nothing like the canned tuna you might find in the shop. Albacore tuna is the name for this variety of tuna. An mature albacore can weigh up to 80 pounds.
In comparison, in 2019, a record-breaking bluefin tuna was sold at the Tokyo fish market. That colossal specimen weighed in at 612 pounds!
Clearly, they are two separate species, and their maturation times are vastly different. In reality, they grow at a snail's pace. In addition, bluefin tuna cannot be bred in captivity.
The majority of institutions capture and grow juvenile wild fish in pens. It takes years for them to reach the point when they are ready to be harvested. There are also rigorous limitations on the number of producers who can harvest each year.
It's critical to purchase bluefin tuna from a trusted source. Each fish will be labeled with a barcode that will allow you to track it back to the farm where it was raised.
Another factor contributing to its high price is that it is a highly sought-after item. It has various characteristics that make eating it a pleasurable experience. It was first popular in Japan and has since become a global emblem of luxury.
Why Is Bluefin Tuna So Expensive?
While we use the word delectable to describe a wide range of foods, there are a handful for which we have specific terms.
Bluefin tuna has been described as excellent, balanced, delicious, soft, flavorful, and buttery sweet. It's appreciated for sashimi and sushi, but it can also be prepared in various ways.
Quality of Bluefin Tuna
Bluefin tuna of the best quality is frequently transported to Japan. This is owing to the strong demand for high-quality sushi and sashimi fish. The toro slices of this fatty fish are particularly praised.
The belly is the fattest section of the cut, thus these cuts are from there. There are several cuts of bluefin, just as there are various sorts of steaks with varying prices. Another aspect that influences the price of bluefin tuna is its size.
The fatty cuts are particularly well-known for their flavor. It has a deep crimson color and a delicious flavor. Sashimi is an excellent way to enjoy these fatty fish pieces.
They simply dissolve into a pleasant symphony of umami and sweetness in the mouth. This is where you'll understand why purists claim that nothing compares to the flavor and texture of bluefin tuna.
Choosing the Best Bluefin Tuna Cuts
The toro or belly section of bluefin is the most desired and pricey cut.
The finest cut of this expensive tuna fish is the otoro. It's a little belly that's sliced closer to the fish's head. With a fat content of roughly 30-40%, it is known as the fattiest section of the fish.
The scarcity of the cut, like fillet mignon in beef, means it commands the greatest premium.
The chutoro is the second most expensive cut. It is of higher quality than akami, with a higher fat content and a sensitive texture.
It's a well-balanced cut known for mixing sweetness and umami flavors. The savory umami bass notes come from the rich meat, while the sweet top notes come from the meltingly sweet fat.
The tuna has more akami, which might come from the back or the belly. The back akami is reported to be softer than the belly akami. It has a higher mineral content than otoro cuts, giving it a deeper, meatier flavor.
Why Is It Well Worth It?
Tasting is believing, like it is with other high-end dishes.
Words can only do so much to convey how magnificent bluefin tuna truly is. It's not just about flavor; mouthfeel and texture are important as well.
When you eat bluefin tuna as sushi or seared, you're transported to another world.
It's a tantalizing blend of sweet and savory flavors that will leave you wanting more.
The Bottom Line: Why Is Bluefin Tuna So Expensive?
Now that we've learned more about it, it's evident why bluefin tuna is more expensive than other fish. Raising this unique creature is a labor of love, but it will all be worthwhile in the end.
Everyone should taste bluefin tuna since it is a luxurious experience. You can enjoy it with confidence if you buy it from a sustainable company that adheres to the highest welfare standards.
Bluefin is synonymous with excellence, delectability, and sustainability. It's simply a cut above the rest, and sushi chefs all over the world choose it as their bluefin source.
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