If you are watching your diet and you are craving for some seafood, then tuna is it. It's not that I am saying that other fishes and seafood do not have healthy benefits like tuna. But the advantage of tuna among other seafood is that it is much tastier compared to other fishes. Another advantage is that you can have the option of buying it in can, so it is easy to prepare. If you are opting for fresh tuna meat, here are some tuna storage tips.
When selecting a tuna in the market, always opt for the ones that have ocean-fresh smell. Shy away from those that have brown spots or those that are already dry. Also avoid getting the ones with rainbow sheen on the fish.
If you are going to buy a tuna fillet, get the frozen ones instead of those that are already thawed. When you are going to buy those that are thawed, chances are it wont have a longer shelf life in your refrigerator. So get the frozen ones instead so that you will still have it fresh when it is time for you to thaw it. Just make sure that you are going to put it in the coldest part of the fridge.
When you are going to buy raw tuna, keep it in the fridge as soon as you get home and thaw it only when it is time to use it. In storing your tuna, pat it dry, then use a foil or plastic wrap and place it in the coldest part of your fridge. If your refrigerator is not that cold, however, place the fish wrapped in foil or plastic and place it in a bucket or plastic bag filled with ice but remember to use it within 24 hours. Better yet, buy tuna and use it on the same day to still have its freshness.
Freezing tuna can last up to three months inside the freezer. So to maximize the time, apply a solution of 1 tbsp of ascorbic acid crystals to 1 quart of water. Dip fish into the solution, wrap it up with a plastic or foil and then seal it in a zip-top bag. When you are going to thaw it, place it in the fridge. It is not recommended to thaw your tuna using a microwave oven. You can get some great recipe ideas from these recipe books.
These are just some of the tuna storage tips. Tuna is a very healthy option but it also needs to be stored properly to optimize its shelf life.
