Yellowfin (Ahi) Tuna #1

Line caught, Hawaii

The winter doldrums make us yearn to escape to warm sun and beach-combing. We could not resist featuring ahi this week.

The "#1" indicates that THIS TUNA IS SUSHI-GRADE! Get out your bamboo mats and sharpen your knives. Ahi is a Hawaiian name meaning "fire." Its English name refers to its bright yellow dorsal fin, but it also has yellow side stripes. Its flesh is red and it is mild and meaty. Its higher fat content makes it more flavorful than albacore.

We relish ahi in poke, but it is also great lightly seared, sautéed, or grilled and served on a bed of lettuce, tomatoes, and avocados. Seafood Watch rates it a "Good Alternative." Higher mercury level. Kosher.