Can You Eat Frozen Ahi Tuna Raw?

Can you eat frozen ahi tuna raw?

In this brief article, we’ll explore the query “Can you eat frozen ahi tuna raw?” Also, we’ll explore how frozen ahi tuna can be eaten raw, what frozen ahi tuna is, what the nutritional content of ahi tuna is, and if frozen ahi tuna is healthy to eat raw.

Can you eat frozen ahi tuna raw?

Yes, frozen ahi tuna can be eaten raw. Freezing is carried out not only to preserve the fish but also to kill parasites such as tapeworms (flatworms) and nematodes (roundworms) that may be present in its flesh.

While tuna itself has a low risk of being infected with these parasites, it is commonly frozen to preserve it and maintain supplies during the offseason, which can also eliminate these parasites.

How can frozen ahi tuna be eaten raw?

To eat frozen ahi tuna, it must first be thawed out overnight in low-temperature refrigeration (5°C) and kept in its vacuum-sealed packaging up until the very moment it will be prepared with other ingredients.

As is the case with all frozen meats, thawing it out and opening the package before its use will only serve to allow bacteria and other microorganisms in the air to find their way to the meat’s surface and contaminate it.

Frozen ahi tuna can be eaten raw when it is labeled as sushi-grade or sashimi grade, and used accordingly as an ingredient in sushi, ceviche, poke bowls, and salads.

Alternatively, it can be seared, tartared, or even lightly grilled, and prepared per the many recipes readily available.

When frozen, ahi tuna procedure should follow the FDA guidelines to drastically reduce, if not fully eliminate, the risk of transmitting food-borne parasites.

What is frozen ahi tuna?

Frozen ahi tuna is yellow-finned or yellow-tailed tuna that has been conventionally frozen or even flash-frozen to preserve its taste and freshness, as well as eliminate any parasites that may be present in the meat. Its name comes from the Hawaiian word for yellow, ahi,

Ahi tuna itself, with its red meat, more pronounced flavor, and less dry meat, differs from albacore tuna (long tailed tuna) which has pale meat, and a milder flavor.

Ahi tuna meat is considered to be of a higher grade and allegedly has less mercury in its meat than other types. It is often used in grilling, and sushi, and is more readily found in gourmet recipes and restaurants, but can also be found canned in flakes, similar to albacore tuna.

What is the nutritional content of ahi tuna?

On average, 1 ounce of raw ahi tuna contains:

31 calories
6.6 grams of protein
0.3 grams of fat – of which 0.1 are polyunsaturated fat, 0.1 grams are saturated fat, and 12.8 milligrams of cholesterol.

The same portion will on average, contain:

4.5 milligrams of calcium
0.2 milligrams of iron
14.2 milligrams of magnesium
54.2 milligrams of phosphorus
125.9 milligrams of potassium
10.5 milligrams of sodium
0.2 milligrams of zinc

Along with trace amounts of vitamin A, vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, Choline, and vitamin E. Fish is a source of omega-3 polyunsaturated fats, which provide many health benefits.

Is frozen ahi tuna healthy to eat raw?

Whether or not eating raw ahi tuna is healthy, will depend on its source, the handling practices, who wishes to consume it, and how often.

In moderation, 85 to 140 grams may be consumed 2 to three times a week, to reduce the likelihood of heavy metal poisoning.

As is the case with most seafood products, ahi tuna may contain trace amounts of mercury and other heavy metals that bioaccumulate, which means that their concentration may increase in each tier of the food chain.

Heavy metals and other persistent organic pollutants in seafood may be detrimental if they accumulate inside of a person and cause poisoning, so moderate consumption of fish and other seafood is recommended.

Additionally, age groups and other at-risk groups, such as immunocompromised patients, pregnant women, young children, or senior adults should not consume raw meat at all, in the unlikely (but not impossible) event that the meat is contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms.

Also, when having a mind to eat raw ahi tuna, it should always be sourced from a certified supplier, or consumed in an A-certified restaurant, both of which follow FDA guidelines to guarantee seafood’s innocity.

Other FAQs about Tuna that you may be interested in.

Can you put unopened tuna in the fridge?

Is it bad to put canned tuna in the fridge?

Can tuna go bad in the fridge?

Can you freeze ahi tuna?

Conclusion

In this brief article, we’ve explored the query “Can you eat frozen ahi tuna raw?” Also, we’ve explored how frozen ahi tuna can be eaten raw, what frozen ahi tuna is, what the nutritional content of ahi tuna is, and if frozen ahi tuna is healthy to eat raw.