Why You Should Try Home Canned Tuna: A Game Changer in Your Pantry

Discover the Joy of Home Canned Tuna

Have you ever experienced the delight of home-canned tuna? If not, buckle up because this culinary adventure will change how you view tuna forever! When you can your own tuna at home, you’re not just in control of the ingredients; you’re also experiencing a taste that is often far superior to what you find in the store-bought cans. Once you taste it, you might find it hard to go back!

The Benefits of Home Canning

Now, you may be wondering why someone would choose to go through the process of home canning tuna when the supermarket shelves are brimming with ready-made options. First off, home-canned tuna allows you to choose the quality of fish. We're blessed to live about an hour away from an area with prime Albacore tuna. We sourced ours from a local fishing company called Chelsea Rose Seafood out of Newport, Oregon. Per the Oregon Albacore Commission, the juvenile Pacific Albacore caught off the Coast of Oregon are typically 10-30 pounds and have not had time to accumulate significant quantities of mercury like the tuna used in brand-name commercially canned tuna, meaning our home canned tuna is not just free of the additives, but also less mercury, for a double win!

Another benefit is that you can experiment with flavors. By itself (our favorite version), or adding herbs and spices, to creating your own unique brine, the customization possibilities are endless. Not to mention, home canned tuna tends to be lower in sodium, allowing you to cater to your dietary preferences and health needs, without sacrificing flavor. Plus, it gives you the unparalleled satisfaction of creating something from scratch!

A Simple Recipe to Get Started

Getting started with home canned tuna is simpler than you might think! Here's a straightforward recipe to kick off your journey:

Ingredients:

• Fresh tuna fillets (about 4 pounds)

• Salt (preferably kosher or sea salt)

• Optional: olive oil, lemon, or spices to taste

Instructions:

1. Start by preparing your jars. Make sure they are clean and sterilized. We prefer half pints for tuna.

2. Cut the tuna into small chunks, packing them tightly into the jars.

3. Add 1 teaspoon of salt per pint jar (optional). You can also add olive oil if you like a richer flavor!

4. Wipe the rims and seal the jars with canning lids. Process them in a pressure canner for 100 minutes.

5. Once done, let them cool, and store them in a safe place.

And voila! You’ve taken your first step into the world of home-canned tuna!

Next time you’re at the grocery store, just remember: home canned tuna isn’t just a meal! It’s an experience! Give it a try, and you’ll understand what all the fuss is about.

Happy canning!!!