Bluefin Tuna

Few ingredients command the respect and reverence of bluefin tuna. Prized for its rich marbling, deep red colour and melt-in-the-mouth texture, this is the ultimate sashimi-grade fish, the pinnacle of premium seafood. At Fine Food Specialist, we are proud to offer Japan-grade bluefin tuna, carefully sourced and prepared for the most discerning home chefs, sushi lovers and gourmet enthusiasts across the UK. From buttery otoro to lean, flavourful akami, our bluefin tuna range is available in saku blocks, sashimi platters and individual cuts, delivered next day and frozen at -60°C to preserve peak quality.

What Makes Bluefin Tuna So Special?

The bluefin tuna fish is unlike any other. Migrating from the cold Atlantic into the Mediterranean each spring, this large species develops a complex fat profile, deep umami flavour and muscular richness ideal for sashimi. In Japan, it's considered the gold standard of raw tuna, particularly the otoro and akami cuts. Our products are all Japan-grade, meaning they meet the highest criteria for colour, marbling, freshness and food safety. Try our customer favourites, including:

• Bluefin Tuna Otoro Sashimi Japan Grade Saku Block
• Bluefin Tuna Akami Sashimi Japan Grade Saku Block
• Bluefin Tuna & Sea Bass Sashimi Platter

Sustainable Sourcing & Harvesting Methods

Our Atlantic bluefin tuna is caught during its spring migration into the Mediterranean, using two sustainable techniques: the purse-seine method and the ancient almadraba technique, a traditional netting system that avoids bycatch and minimises stress to the fish.

Once captured, the tuna are transferred to offshore marine pens, where they're monitored and fed a natural diet of oily fish including sardines, mackerel and anchovies. This diet enhances fat content and texture, closely mimicking wild conditions.

At peak condition, the fish are harvested using the ike jime method, a humane Japanese technique that instantly paralyses the fish, preserving flavour, preventing rigour mortis and reducing lactic acid. The tuna is then frozen onboard at -70°C and stored at -60°C, making them ideal for raw consumption.

What is Japan-Grade Sashimi Tuna?

Japan-grade sashimi refers to tuna that meets the strict freshness and quality standards expected in Japan, the world’s sashimi capital. These tunas are super-frozen immediately after harvest to maintain the fish’s integrity, texture and safety.

This freezing process prevents cellular degradation and eliminates parasites, allowing you to safely enjoy sashimi-style cuts months or even years later, with no compromise in taste or texture.

When thawed correctly, Japan-grade tuna regains its deep colour and signature muscle tension, known as the chijimi effect, which replicates the sensation of freshly caught tuna.

Know Your Cuts: Akami, Toro & Otoro

The bluefin tuna yields multiple cuts, each with distinct flavour and fat profiles:

• Akami - The darkest, leanest part of the loin. It’s bold in flavour, with a firm yet tender bite. Perfect for sashimi and nigiri.
• Toro - The belly section, with moderate fat marbling. Richer than akami, but still balanced, ideal for sushi lovers looking for depth and silkiness.
• Otoro - The most luxurious cut, taken from the fattiest part of the belly. Otoro is intensely marbled, delicate, and buttery, best enjoyed raw and thinly sliced.

These cuts are available individually or in curated platters like our akami and sea bass sashimi selection, ideal for entertaining or gifting.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is Bluefin Tuna So Expensive?

Bluefin tuna commands a high price due to its limited supply, labour-intensive harvesting, and unparalleled quality. Its meat is graded by marbling and colour, and only a select few meet the strict sashimi-grade classification. Controlled quotas and sustainable practices further limit availability, driving demand globally.

2. How Much is a Whole Bluefin Tuna?

A whole bluefin tuna fish can weigh up to 500kg, with top specimens fetching tens of thousands of pounds at auction. At Fine Food Specialist, we offer expertly portioned cuts, like saku blocks and fillets, delivering accessibility without compromising on quality.

3. Where Can I Buy Bluefin Tuna in the UK?

You can buy premium bluefin tuna online at Fine Food Specialist. We offer a range of sashimi-grade options with next-day UK delivery, packed and frozen to maintain absolute freshness.

4. What Does Bluefin Tuna Taste Like?

Expect a rich, savoury flavour with buttery undertones. Akami delivers clean, umami notes; toro is tender and juicy; otoro melts on the tongue. The texture is soft yet structured, ideal for raw preparations.

5. How Should I Cook Bluefin Tuna?

While best enjoyed raw as sashimi, bluefin tuna can also be lightly seared. Try our seared tuna sashimi recipe for a modern twist. Due to its richness, keep preparation simple, think soy sauce, wasabi, or citrus dressings.

Buy Sashimi-Grade Bluefin Tuna Online – UK Delivery

Fine Food Specialist offers sashimi-grade bluefin tuna with provenance, quality and care at the core. Every cut is carefully selected, sustainably sourced and expertly frozen to preserve its culinary potential. We deliver nationwide across the UK, ensuring each order arrives in perfect condition for raw consumption, sushi creation, or elegant entertaining.

Explore related collections:

• Seafood
• Tuna
• Yellowfin Tuna
• Delivery FAQs

Indulge in the world's finest bluefin tuna, delivered directly to your table.