Out & About Summer 2018

FOOD & DRINK - SIMON RHODES

Fine TUNA The health benefits of tuna are endless, from helping to prevent various diseases to relieving depression. SIMON RHODES and his family are huge fans

So what is it that makes tuna so popular? The health benefits of tuna fish include its ability to reduce cardiovascular disorders, stimulate growth and development, lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels and help in weight loss. Tuna also has the ability to boost the immune system, increase energy, aid in skin care, increase red blood cell count, and help to prevent cancer. It also protects against various kidney diseases, prevents age-related macular degeneration, reduces general inflammation and inhibits cell membrane damage. Tuna can also help relieve depression. Tuna is in worldwide demand especially skipjack tuna – a relatively smaller fish compared to other species of tuna and also a member of the mackerel family. There are plentiful large shoals around the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic oceans,

RECIPE - Tuna Niçoise The yellowfin is widely used for this French-inspired dish that is mouthwatering and so easy to prepare. 1 Boil some new potatoes until cooked and leave to rest. 2 Blanche some fine green beans or asparagus until just cooked or al dente and refresh in cold iced water. 3 Boil an egg, 8½ minutes for a runny yolk, longer if you wish the yolk to be more firm. 4 Assemble the salad using fresh various lettuce leaves, chopped tomato, fine sliced red onion and cucumber. Add some anchovy fillets (optional) to the salad and drizzle with a simple vinaigrette* 5 Using a very hot griddle pan, sear the tuna on both sides leaving it pink in the middle and then slice evenly. 6 Slice the potatoes and eggs in half and toss into the salad with the beans or asparagus. 7 Place the tuna on top and drizzle the vinaigrette over. Accompany with an ice cold chardonnay or if you are watching the rugby, a pint of Guinness... * Vinaigrette: blend together 2 garlic cloves minced, 1tsp Dijon mustard, 3tbsp red wine vinegar, 1/2 lemon, juiced, 2tbsp chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, 2tbsp minced fresh tarragon, sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

T his wonderful fish is almost daughters love it, so it can’t be that bad. Tuna is extremely versatile and robust in flavour – which can be delicate and light or big and punchy.

everyone’s favourite at this time of the year; even my two young

which is why Skipjack is also known as the “chicken of the seas”. Found mostly in tins either in brine or sunflower oil, tuna is a $5.5bn business, with processing and canning centres across the world, in places such as the Maldives and the Philippines. Tuna is the second most eaten

Tuna is extremely versatile and robust in flavour – which can be delicate and light or big and punchy

In fact, if tuna was a woman it could easily accompany you to a high- class restaurant and be the centre of attention or just as easily attend a rugby match

fish in the UK after salmon. Popular for sashimi, due to its meatiness and deep red colouring is the yellowfin tuna; it holds its own at the grill, restaurants or barbecues. It can be coated with sesame seeds, black peppercorns or chillies and tastes divine just seared, leaving it pink in the middle.

by your side holding a pint of Guinness and shouting jocular obscenities at the opposing supporters making everyone around her laugh. However tuna is not a woman – as my wife quickly pointed out – it is just a fish that comes in tins or as a large imported loin.

Simon Rhodes owns: The Lobster Pot Fishmongers. Cobbs Farmshop, Bath Road, Hungerford, Berkshire RG17 0SP Telephone: 01488 686770

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