In recent times, in the most elegant and refined cuisines there are dishes based on tuna bottarga .
It is, in fact, an ingredient delicious And refined , rich in beneficial properties for the body, thanks to the high content of proteins and of Omega 3 .
What is tuna bottarga
The tuna bottarga is nothing more than the bag containing it the eggs of tuna, salted, pressed and dried.
There are various types of bottarga, depending on the type of fish; the best known are that of yellowfin tuna And red tuna (Thunnus albacares / Thunnus thynnus) and that of Mullet (Mugil cephalus).
Bottarga has a flavour intense which recalls that of the sea, therefore it is loved by those who love fish cuisine.
This is a one of a kind, defined product Mediterranean caviar precisely because it is a small luxury to reserve for a dinner or a special event.
There are two main types of Bottarga:
- Tuna bottarga , its color often varies from light pink to brownish. It has a very intense flavor and a more compact consistency. Tuna bottarga is mainly produced in Sicily, Calabria and Sardinia. However, tuna bottarga has a category distinction between the two species used: yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) and bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus). The first is less valuable, inexpensive and consequently more widespread on the market, while the second is more valuable because it belongs to a species in danger of extinction, whose fishing in the Mediterranean is subject to severe regulation and is only permitted in certain periods of the year.
- Mullet bottarga it is the most valuable and has an amber-golden color. It has a strong and at the same time very delicate flavour. The consistency is compact and the color uniform. It is mainly produced in Sardinia, Campania and Tuscany.
How to eat bottarga
The best way to fully enjoy the flavor of bottarga is to cut it into thin slices or grate it.
Remember that bottarga is excellent to eat raw , at most, if it suits your palate more, you can heat it for a few moments in a pan.
Furthermore, bottarga is a dish that should be left behind natural , at most you can season it with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few drops of lemon, ingredients that will enhance the flavor without covering it!
As for the tuna bottarga offers you a double choice. The classic red tuna bottarga if you prefer a more intense flavor and aroma, available in different weights.
Or, if you prefer an even stronger flavour, with an aftertaste that makes itself felt, almost as if it were almond , then you can't help but try ours yellow fin tuna bottarga !
On the contrary, if your palate prefers more delicate flavours, with an intense scent of the sea, then we recommend you try our mullet roe .
Some ideas in the kitchen
As already mentioned, bottarga is very versatile, adapting to numerous dishes, from appetizers to main courses.
One of the best known and most appreciated dishes are the spaghetti with bottarga , a simple, quick preparation that will make your dinner truly a delicacy!
Likewise, if you want to make some delicious appetizers , you can season crostini with it grated tuna bottarga or that of mullet , to be completed, for example, with celery or other delicately flavored ingredients .
As for the storage of the two bottargas, thanks to their preparation method , are suitable for long-term conservation.
So, once used you can wrap it in transparent film (greasing it to taste with a little olive oil) and then in foil and place it in the fridge .