Canned tuna is a food product that is easy to store, convenient, and nutritious, making it a pantry staple all over the world. Albacore, bluefin, skipjack, and yellowfin tuna have high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids that are good for the heart, bones, and joints. These fishes are also a great source of protein. Here are the different varieties and flavors of tuna that showcase this fish’s versatility.

The Different Varieties of Canned Tuna

Tuna in Oil

• Fish is processed, sealed in tin cans, and subjected to heat which provides a sterile, airtight container that can last three to five years.
• Oil is added to form that vacuum needed to preserve the fish. It is usually seasoned with salt.
• Any edible oil can be used, such as corn, vegetable, or olive oil.

Tuna in Water

• Some use water or brine to preserve canned tuna.
• Brine is simply water that has been salted and seasoned, same as the liquid used to flavor and tenderize meats like chicken.
• Same as tuna in oil, brined tuna can be whole, chunk, or flakes.

Spicy Tuna

• As in any protein, a spicy version is always a popular alternative for those looking for a kick.
• Spicy canned tuna is boldly seasoned with spices such as red chili and black peppercorns, and sometimes accompanied by other dried herbs for added complexity.
• Capsaicin, the active ingredient that makes peppers spicy, is proven to relax blood vessels which in turn lowers blood pressure.

Flavored Tuna

• With its meaty texture, tuna is often used as a healthier alternative to beef and pork in the preparation of Filipino main dishes or ulam.
• Flavored canned tuna comes in saucy variants, such as afritada, caldereta, mechado, and adobo.
• Containing Omega-3 fatty acids is not the only advantage of canned tuna; it also has 55% less cholesterol than pork.

Corned Tuna

• It has all the benefits of tuna, but with the rich flavors of corned beef.
• Fans of this canned tuna eat it as they would their corned beef, either sandwiched in soft bread or with eggs and rice.
• This comes in classic or spicy flavors.

Tuna Paella

• To satisfy the demand for an easy and complete meal, canned tuna paella offers the fish mixed with rice and flavored with tomatoes, herbs, and spices.
• Tuna paella is ready to eat from the can; however, a quick reheat on the pan or in a microwave can only make it better.
• The Spanish dish paella is already so ingrained in Filipino food culture as one of our traditional celebration dishes, making this tuna paella a quick and easy comfort food.