Deep in the vast ocean, tuna, a unique fish species, has attracted significant attention due to its outstanding value in gastronomy, nutrition, and product development.

Tuna, scientifically known as Thunnus, is also called tunny. Its body is torpedo-shaped, resembling a torpedo, with a crescent-shaped caudal fin. It possesses exceptional swimming capabilities, reaching a maximum speed of 20 meters per second. To sustain its life, tuna must constantly swim rapidly and inhabit deep ocean waters for extended periods. This results in tender and delicious flesh that is virtually unpolluted, making it a high-quality ingredient. Tuna is a pelagic migratory fish with an extremely wide range, often migrating across vast stretches of ocean. Therefore, it is figuratively called a "fish without borders".

In the culinary world, tuna is beloved for its tender texture and rich flavor, giving rise to a variety of cooking methods. When it comes to tuna, sashimi is the most well-known way to eat it, with its attractive color and delicious taste. However, other parts of the tuna are equally flavorful. Tuna heads have often been overlooked; in fact, the tender meat attached to the bones is a rare delicacy. When braising tuna heads, the meat near the gills is particularly tender, and the rich broth is wonderful over rice. Due to frequent movement, tuna necks are tender and elastic, with evenly distributed fat, making grilling the most suitable cooking method. After marinating and grilling, the texture is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. A little lemon juice adds a refreshing acidity that balances the richness of the grilling. Tuna eyes are also favored by many seasoned diners, with their rich and uniquely delicious flavor. Stewed tuna eyes are rich in collagen, with a delicate texture and a rich ocean flavor that spreads in the mouth. The tail, due to high activity, has firm and elastic meat, making it perfect for a dry-pot tuna tail dish, a very appetizing meal.

From a nutritional standpoint, tuna is rich in high-quality protein, containing various essential amino acids that closely match human needs, making them easily absorbed and utilized by the body. This is important for maintaining muscle growth, repairing damaged tissues, and boosting immunity. Tuna also contains abundant unsaturated fatty acids, such as Omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids can lower blood cholesterol levels, effectively reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. They also have a positive impact on brain and eye development, helping to improve memory and vision. In addition, tuna contains various vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin D, vitamin B6, folic acid, calcium, phosphorus, and iron. These nutrients play an indispensable role in maintaining normal human metabolism, nervous system function, and heart health.

The value of tuna extends beyond its culinary uses to the field of value-added products. Taking Shandong Lanrun Group as an example, this group has mature technology in food processing. In the production workshop, ultra-low temperature tuna processing produces various flavors of canned tuna, convenient for storage and consumption, making it a convenient food choice for many families and office workers. In addition, tuna is used to make various leisure foods, such as tuna flakes and fish balls, to satisfy the taste preferences of different consumers. In the health product field, tuna collagen peptide is attracting attention. It is a health product made from tuna, extracting small molecule peptides, providing a convenient way to supplement nutrition for health-conscious people.

With its diverse cooking methods, rich nutritional value, and extensive value-added product development, tuna has become a "treasure" species among marine life. Whether it's food lovers seeking unique taste experiences or health-conscious individuals focusing on nutritional intake, tuna has a charm worth exploring. Give it a try and experience this gift from the deep sea. (Sun Yan)