Yellowtail Tuna
By: Barnaby Dorfman

About

Yellowtail, as it has generally come to be accepted now, refers to a type of hardy ocean fish in the jack family, or Carangidae. Jacks, including amberjack and pompano, can be strong-tasting, but yellowtail jack tends to be more delicate. In Japanese it's hamachi, a favorite of the sushi bar. Most hamachi or yellowtail is farm-raised in Japan and imported, usually frozen, in fillet form. The flesh is ivory, moist and sweet.

Information
Other names: Amberjack, Japanese Amberjack, Hamachi, Yellowtail
Translations: Dzeltenastu tunzivju, Geltonuodegė tunų, Galbenă tonul, Yellowtail cá ngừ, Yellowtail tuńczyka, Yellowtail tonijn, Yellowtail ट्यूना, Йеллоутейл тунца, Κίτρινη Τόνου, الأصفر سمك التونة, 참치 방어, Žlutoploutvá tuňáky, Kuning Tuna, 鰤金枪鱼, Sorell de la Tonyina, Rumenorepe tuna, Žltoplutvý tuniakov, Yellowtail Tonno, Yellowtail טונה, Yellowtail tonfisk, Иелловтаил Туњевина, ハマチマグロ, Thon jaune, Yellowtail Thunfisch, Gulhalet Tunfisk, Jurel del Atún, Йеллоутейл тунця, Yellowtail Tonnikala, Жълтоопашата риба тон


Physical Description
Although technically not a tuna, this is a common misconception, this fish has a very similar appearence to the common tuna. Unsurprisingly it does have a yellow tail. The texture is very similar to that of normal tuna.
Colors: light bluey grey with yellow fins and tail


Tasting Notes
Flavors: fairly sweet
Mouthfeel: Moist
Food complements: Wasabi sauce
Wine complements: Sake, Crisp white wines
Beverage complements: Sweet soft drinks
Substitutes: Normal tuna


Selecting and Buying
Seasonality: january, february, march, april, may, june, july, august, september, opctober, november, december
Peak: march, april, may
Choosing: Fish should have nno visible damage and should still have vibrant colouring. There are two grades. Sashimi grade and other.
Buying: Readily available in fish markets within the USA and Australia.
Procuring: Grows in the warm waters surrounding the USA and Australia.


Preparation and Use
Excellent either grilled or served raw
Cleaning: No special requirements, cleaned in typical fashion.


Social/Political
Currently a popular substitue for the less available blue-fin tuna.