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Albacore fishermen and distributors from Washington to Southern California are preparing to meet increased domestic demand for troll-caught albacore ahead of the 2008 fishing season, according to Wayne Heikkila, director of the Western Fishboat Owners Association (WFOA), a non-profit representing about 400 albacore fishing vessels.
‘We are working with a number of seafood distributors to ensure the supply of this premium tuna meets demand this season,’ says Heikkila. The interest in local seafood comes as the WFOA rolls out a national branding campaign for ‘Wild Pacific Albacore’ targeting retailers, foodservice professionals and consumers. Food service professionals will find information and recipe ideas for Wild Pacific Albacore on a new Web site, Pacific Albacore, when it launches May 17, said Heikkila.
Currently, most Wild Pacific Albacore is sold to Europe and Japan, where it is coveted for its flavor and nutritional value. But more American chefs, including Stuart Brioza of San Francisco’s award-winning Rubicon restaurant, are sourcing locally-caught albacore.
‘It is a really lovely fish to work with; it’s got a mild flavor and great texture,’ says Brioza. ‘Where our seafood comes from and how it’s caught is a huge concern for us.’
High in Omega 3s, with a firm texture and a mild flavor, troll-caught Wild Pacific Albacore is ideal for grilling, broiling, smoking, barbecuing or as sushi. It is sold in loins and smaller medallions, as well as value-added products, including premium custom-canned.
A plentiful supply of the tuna means it sells for around $6 per pound for loins. By comparison, wild US salmon fillets wholesale for $13-15 per pound. ‘When you run a restaurant, rising food prices are always going to be a concern,’ says Brioza.
Already featured on sushi menus in cities such as Portland and Seattle, US caught albacore is finding its way to centre of the plate.
‘It is one of our most popular dishes,’ says Chef Chris Holen, owner of Baked Alaska, in Astoria, OR of his Thundermuck Albacore (pictured, photo courtesy of Donny Masterson).
About Wild Pacific Albacore
Wild Pacific Albacore is troll-caught in temperate waters off Washington, Oregon and California. This low-impact method – albacore are caught one at a time with small, barbless hooks – is endorsed by the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Albacore has the highest levels of Omega 3s of any tuna and is an excellent source of protein, vitamin A, vitamin B12, and niacin, and is very low in sodium.
Albacore is easy to prepare and ideal for grilling, broiling, smoking, barbecuing or as sushi.
About The Western Fishboat Owners Association (WFOA)
The WFOA is a non-profit association representing about 400 family-owned albacore fishing vessels and supporting coastal businesses. WFOA is involved in fisheries management issues at the state, federal, and international level. Chief among our concerns is maintaining a sustainable fishery for future generations. Members generally fish Northern Pacific waters and are based in California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Hawaii, New Zealand and British Columbia.
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