Skipjack Tuna

Photo: flickr user T o n y

About

Skipjack tuna is a commercial and game fish common in tropical waters around the world. It grows up to 1 meter in length and can weigh from 16 to 30 pounds.

The flesh from the Skipjack tuna is deep red in color. Larger fish have higher fat content and cook quickly.

Information

Other names: Striped Tuna, Aku

Translations: Svītrainās tunzivis, Dryžuotųjų tunų, Tonul dungat, Skorojević tune, Cá ngừ cá Ngừ vằn, Bonito, Gestreepte tonijn, उछाल ट्यूना, Gaiado Atum, Полосатый тунец, Παλαμίδα, التونة الوثابة, 방아 벌레 참치, Tuňáka pruhovaného, Tuna gulyasan Tuna, 鲣鱼, Tonyina barrilet, Črtastega tuna, Skipjack, Tonnetto, Skipjack טונה, Bonit, Скоројевић Туњевина, カツオ, Listao, Echten Bonito, Bugstribet bonit, Atún barrilete, Смугастий тунець, Boniitin, Ивичест тунец

Physical Description

Skipjack is an important commercial fish. Skipjack tuna is a medium-sized fish but can grow to be very large, but are usually sold at a weight of 5-8 pounds. Skipjack tuna is sold fresh, canned, frozen, or dried and is typically used for many Asian dishes.

Colors: Meat is deep red in color

Tasting Notes

Flavors: Prominent, fishy flavor

Mouthfeel: Juicy, Fishy, Tender

Food complements: Wasabi, Cucumber, Ginger

Wine complements: Sauvignon blanc

Beverage complements: Ginger ale

Substitutes: Other varieties of tuna

Selecting and Buying

Seasonality: january, february, march, april, may, june, july, august, september, opctober, november, december

Choosing: Fresh skipjack tuna will have the most prominent flavor, and is the most difficult to choose. Fresh and frozen skipjack tuna should have deep-red colored meat, and there should be no visible holes or discoloration.

Buying: Skipjack tuna is widely available, especially near the pacific ocean. The freshest tuna will be found near the sea.

Procuring: Skipjack tuna is generally fished in the pacific ocean using fishing nets. It is fished year round.

Preparation and Use

Skipjack tuna can be used for a variety of dishes, including Asian soups, sushi, or simple dishes such as grilled tuna filets. The prominent taste of skipjack tuna is often preferred by those living near the pacific ocean, and can be used for nearly any dish.

Cleaning: Skipjack tuna is easy to clean. Fish do not carry as many food-borne illnesses as other meat products. The fish should be fine to cook straight from its packaging.

Conserving and Storing

Skipjack tuna can be kept fresh in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, or can be frozen up to 6 months. Canned and dried tuna typically lasts much longer.

Social/Political

The fishing of many types of tuna has been criticized by animal activists due to the use of large nets to capture the fish. The nets tend to do a lot of environmental damage, as they trap dolphins under the water and suffocate them, as well as tearing plant and animal life away from the ocean floor.

History: Skipjack tuna has been used for centuries as part of Asian cooking.