When I think about local wild tuna, I imagine far-away, get-aways like Hawaii or Japan. But without traveling, where would we go to find it? Well, pack your bags lightly my friend, your food staycation starts right here.  Did you know, that troll caught albacore tuna is one of the most abundant Pacific Northwest seafood catches? It’s our hidden gem, and right now, it’s in season. This high-speed torpedo fish travels off our shores at speeds up to 50 miles per hour. With its mouth always wide open it is constantly feeding on sardines and anchovies. These tuna range from 10-30 pounds in size, and travel in huge schools that can be up to 20 miles wide. They follow the pacific coastline and arrive here from fall through winter.
Albacore tuna is a delectable fish. Chef Jeremy McLachlan has great ideas and opinions. “Wild caught Albacore tuna, has more flavor than bright red Ahi from Hawaii”.
Tuna is also very healthy for you. It is high in lean protein, low in sodium and has the highest omega three fatty acid content of all tuna species. Consumption of omega three has been linked to a healthy decrease in the inflammatory conditions of, coronary disease, arthritis and dementia.
Very importantly, “Troll caught Albacore, off the Northern Oregon and Southern Washington coasts, is one of the most sustainable fisheries in the world. It is considered a “Best Choice” by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch. I hope everyone is as excited as I am to open our guests’ eyes to this underappreciated local delicacy,” says Saltys’ Executive Chef Paolo Di Gregorio. And he is featuring it right now in a wonderful offering of local albacore tuna in a ponzu marinade, with avocado wasabi coulis, pork belly fried rice, and aromatics.
Vacation food!

We are sending out a big thank you to the Monterey Bay Aquarium “Seafood Watch”. Its research is helping guide chef’s and families everywhere. Because “The seafood choices we make as individuals have a direct impact on ocean health. Seafood Watch® is a program of the Monterey Bay Aquarium that empowers consumers and businesses to make choices for healthy oceans, helping support diverse marine ecosystems for the future. Albacore caught by U.S. fleets in the North Pacific with hand-operated pole-and-lines is a “Best Choice.” The population is healthy, and bycatch and habitat impacts are minimal.”

So, shorten up your fall travel plans, get your R and R at Salty’s, and enjoy some delicious sustainable Northwest Albacore.